Introducing a new dog to your home is an exciting time. Unveiling the puppy to your children and spouse will often result in excited emotions, happy smiles and maybe even a few glad tears. A puppy might give you a serious feeling of cuteness for a time, but it’s important that you know how to take care of it before you feel this. After all, the old saying is ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas.’
Our guide should help you do this:
Buy The Right Equipment
You should purchase a select amount of products for your journey from the breeder and for when you bring them home. A nice and sizeable dog carrier, a blanket and food and water should be in your inventory already. Make sure your puppy has a nice bed to sleep in. Right now it’s unlikely you need a doggy cage, but you can buy one now if you deem necessary. Just be sure to find a size suitable for your animal. Purchasing a correctly fitting adjustable lead, as well as any medication your breeder or vet recommends.
Microchipping
In some countries such as the United Kingdom, it is now a legal must to microchip your dog. This allows for your dog to be registered. This can be used to identify your animal if it’s lost, and to register continual veterinary medical help it’s received. Your breeder will most likely have done this, but be sure to enquire just in case.
Homeproof
It’s important to set up your home in a suitable manner. Your little puppy will likely try and explore as much as possible, meaning that you need to gate access to certain rooms. Be sure to close the door to rooms you aren’t prepared for them to visit and potentially urinate in (it sometimes happens!) If you want to gate access to your staircase, consider purchasing small gates which prevent access.
Of course, if they’re too small to climb the stairs, this might not be a problem for now. Make sure there aren’t any sharp or blunt objects they could injure themselves on, and always figure out what the little puppy could climb on. They are energetic, and they will try to crawl over every square inch of space they can. Prepare for this.
Introduce Your Home
Visiting a new home is a big deal for a puppy. It’s important to show them the space at a gentle pace, as it will take them some time to adjust. Show them the sights, sounds and smells of each room, and make sure they are being carried or accompanied in a supportive manner. They will likely desire to sniff everything they can put their nose to, and it’s important you give them this time. If you have loud sounds such as a flight path overhead, it’s important you introduce this sound in the right way, so they can get used to it.
Introduce your home the best way you can, and the animal is sure to appreciate it. If things upset them for now, help them back to a room they are more comfortable with, and introduce them slowly. Little things can set them off that pose no danger, and it’s important to help them realize this. A computer in your office making whirring sounds, a coffee machine or a door closing might make a puppy seem worried and in need of shelter, but some things they must adapt to. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to make sure they’re okay.
Diet
Pooches will require different food depending on the breed, size and overall growth rate. Your breeder will likely recommend the best food possible, but if not then Google online depending on breed. You might be a complete vegan, but that doesn’t mean your dog won’t need some form of meat to enjoy their full nutritional advantages.
Also, be sure to research dog dietary supplements. This could be from high fibre foods for new puppies with bathroom issues, to full glucosamine for senior dogs. As they grow it’s important to chart the entire path of their nutritional need, so you can prepare and budget for it well in advance.
Introduction To The Gang
You might possess other pets. It’s important they are able to be introduced to the animal immediately. Carefully observe just in case the pets aren’t immediately friendly with one another. A small argument can lead to something bigger, so pull them away before this can develop. They might just have gotten off on the wrong foot for a silly reason hard to judge. Mostly though, your animals will get on fine, specifically if they see the family is accepting and loving them. Be sure to show your love to both animals in front of each other, as it shows they are now part of the unit.
Allow them both their own spaces initially. They will develop in connection. Ideally allow them to eat together, as this forms a sense of bonding and regularity in their schedule. We’re sure they’ll be friends in no time. You might also need to complete some form of socialized experience. Training a very young puppy often requires you introduce them to plenty of life experiences within and without your home.
It’s important they see stranger dogs and animals, as this prepares them for the world. A sheltered animal finds it difficult to leave the confines of your home, so be sure to take them on regular walks, any maybe even to a local trainer. This way they’ll meet all assortment of dogs in a controlled and looked after environment. This way they will understand the need to share space, perfect for becoming part of the family unit.
With these tips, you should have no trouble with your new puppy entering the household. Just make sure you treat it well. Most people consider their pets more as family members, and for good reason. We wish you the best of luck for your pets.
