People are typically overcome with excitement when bringing home a new puppy. For most, it is as exciting as bringing home a baby. But, in all that excitement, many fail to prepare themselves. Which makes their decision to bring home a new puppy a bad one.
A puppy is a huge responsibility. You need to make sure you have the right toys, food, and environment for it to enjoy and grow. We have tips on how to prepare yourself to make the transition for you and your new pup an easy one.
The Things You Need When Bringing Home A New Puppy
Before you go to pick up the pup, you need some essential puppy supplies in your home. These items will help the pup adjust from the moment you bring them home.
Food
Food is the first thing to consider when bringing home a new puppy. Dogs can be picky eaters. Check with the breeder or shelter, you are getting the pup from, to see what they’ve been feeding it. Buy it to feed the pup at home. Eating the same food will help it adjust quicker. Also, changing the food may result in digestive issues.
When buying food for puppies make sure it includes probiotics and meat-based proteins. These provide the nutrients it needs for growth.
Bed Or Crate
Puppies need their own space to relax. A bed or crate where your puppy can relax and sleep is important. It’s like having their room in your home.
You want a bed or crate that is tailored to your pup’s size. Something too big or small would make the pup uncomfortable. Make sure it is well-cushioned and comfortable. The material should be strong enough that it doesn’t tear and is waterproof. Overall, look for something cozy because it will be the pup’s go-to place to relax.
Toys
Puppies are very playful. Rather than having it constantly run around your home, you can buy toys that stimulate and entertain its playfulness.
There are different types of toys on the market, we recommend you get a few of the following before bringing home a new puppy:
- Something interactive, there are plenty of toys that interact with the pup. Make sure to buy a few.
- Chewy, plush toys are always a favorite of puppies.
- Balls, you can teach your dog fetch from an early age.
- String toys, puppies love to chase toys on strings as much as cats.
Training Your New Puppy
When bringing home a new puppy, you will need to dedicate time to train it. Otherwise, it will leave your home in a mess. The training process includes:
- Introducing it to its bed or crate and putting it there to sleep every night. After the first few days, the pup will go to space on its own.
- Food training, dogs may get possessive of their food. So much so, that they wouldn’t want anyone around it. Train your dog by handing it food, to begin with, and then placing it in its bowl.
- Potty training is probably the most difficult habit. But, with time and consistency, your pup will learn. Take it out for a walk every morning, when it leaves its bed or crate, and the night before bedtime. In the beginning, there may be accidents in between the time you take it out, but that is normal.
- Socialize your puppy, take it for walks and to the park often. This way they come in contact with other people and dogs. Make sure they are on a leash, so you can ensure they don’t run off or get too jumpy with strangers.
Final Thoughts
We all want the experience of bringing home a new puppy to be a joyous one. You can achieve that by preparing yourself and home for the new addition. Your home should be a space where they get the love and care they need to learn and grow.
So, our tips and list of things should help you prepare yourself and your home. Make sure you purchase the items we’ve mentioned before you bring your puppy home. It will make their transition from the shelter or existing home smooth. The pup will settle in your home in no time as long as it receives the love and care it needs.