With the holidays right around the corner, a popular gift might be on your list, a new puppy. While getting a new family member for Christmas is exciting, it takes a lot of time and responsibility to care and maintain a new dog. Prior to your furry friend coming home, you will need to prepare your home for your new bundle of joy. Here is how to prepare for bringing home a new puppy.
If you’re not sure where to start, we have some helpful tips on how to get your new life started with your new pup. Read on to learn more.
Just like you baby-proof your house, you want to do the same for puppies. Make sure all cords are put away, and any small objects can out of reach. When puppies are teething, they will get their mouth on anything, and this can include bottle caps or iPhone cords. Make your house a lot safer by storing these things away.
1. Prepare Your House
You’ll also want to check your backyard. Make sure the fence is appropriately secure, and there are no holes for your little pup to wiggle through. If plants are in danger of being eaten, store them somewhere else until your pup is old enough to listen to commands.
2. Gather Supplies
Your new puppy will need a few things when they first come home. Invest in a collar and leash, food and water bowl, food, and some toys. You’ll want to make sure to get your puppy microchipped and get an ID tag right away just in case they slip through the door.
3. Grab a Crate – How To Prepare for Bringing Home A New Puppy
Crate training can be rough and time-consuming, but in the long run, it will be worth it. Dogs like have a safe and secure place to sleep and once they get over that initial fear of being in a new home, they will begin to associate the crate with sleeping time and relaxing, making your nightly routines a lot easier.
4. Prepare to be Home A Lot
When you first bring a furry friend home, you need to plan on being home for a few days at least. This initial time when your dog is first getting to know you is crucial in solidifying your bond. Use this time to spend quality time with your new pup and get to know each other.
5. Learn How to House Train
There are numerous different ways to housetrain or potty train your dog. Find whatever option works best for you and start your training immediately. Be open for change too, your dog might not be able to ring a bell to indicate they need to go out, and you need to learn to adapt and figure out a new method that would work for the both of you.
Housetraining can take a lot of patience time, and research, so make sure you have treats handle and give them a lot of praise even if it is for the smallest wins.
6. Establish A Schedule – How To Prepare for Bringing Home A New Puppy
Your dog is going to need playtime and activities just like you. After their full vaccinated, set a routine for walks, doggie dates, and other fun activities your dog might like to do with you. Doing the same routine with your dog will only strengthen your bond, and honestly, nothing is better than a good walk with your four-legged pal.
7. Invest in Training
Training is essential for any dog. It gives them a set of rules and guidelines they need to follow and not only are they getting trained, so are you. Invest in a dog training if you can or do your research online and teach them at home. You don’t need to have an award-winning trained dog, but a dog that knows how to sit, leave it, and walk nicely on a leash will make your life a lot easier.
8. Make the Commitment – How To Prepare for Bringing Home A New Puppy
If you’re thinking of adding a puppy to the family, remember this can be a long-term commitment. Most dogs can live for at least ten years or more, and they are your responsibility. Owning a dog takes a lot of time, patience, and money.
This all might sound intimidating but owning a dog can be one of the best experiences of your life. Have fun when getting a new dog and prepare for the fun journey ahead.
This article originally appeared on Wizefind.com.
