If you're considering adding a puppy to your family, congratulations! Owning a puppy is a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it's important to be prepared for the responsibilities that come with it. So in this post, we will tell you what you should know and do when you get a new puppy home.
All you need to know before getting a new puppy
1. Take your puppy to the vet
The first visit should occur within the first few days of bringing your puppy home, and is typically called a "wellness check."
Your puppy will receive vaccinations to protect against common diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, and rabies.
The vet will also perform a physical examination to check for any potential health issues and may also discuss important topics such as spaying or neutering, diet, preventative care, and more.
2. Puppy-proofing your house
When you get a new puppy, it's crucial to ensure your home is safe and welcoming for your furry friend.
One key aspect of this is puppy-proofing your space, this involves securing any toxic household items and hiding cords and cables that your puppy may try to chew on.
3. Create a designated space for your puppy.
This can be a crate, a small room, or a gated-off area of a room. This will give your puppy a safe and comfortable space to rest and sleep.
By setting up a designated area for your puppy, you can help them feel more at home and give them a safe and comfortable place to rest and sleep.
This can be especially helpful during the nighttime and when you are away from home, as it will give your puppy a sense of security and help prevent them from getting into mischief.
4. Essential supplies
Gathering the necessary supplies before bringing your new puppy home can help make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
Like a set of food and water dishes that are easy for your puppy to access, a collar and leash which is a necessary identification tool for your puppy, and a leash for walks and training.
They need a bed of the right size for your puppy to place in their designated area, also training pads can be used to help your puppy learn where it is acceptable to go potty.
And toys! Puppies are curious and energetic, so it's important to provide them with plenty of toys to play with.
5. Feed your puppy the right food
Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, they need a diet that is high in protein, fat, and other essential nutrients to support their rapid growth and development.
Choose a food that is made with high-quality protein sources, such as meat, poultry, or fish, as the main ingredient. It is also important to select a food that is formulated for your puppy's size and age, as smaller puppies have different nutritional needs than larger breeds.
Feed your dog the right amount of food. Follow the feeding guidelines on the food label and adjust the amount as needed based on your puppy's size, age, and activity level.
6. Puppy socialization
It is essential to socialize and train the puppy to become a polite and confident adult dog.
Puppy socialization is particularly important during the first three months of your puppy's life, as this is the critical socialization period when your puppy is most receptive to new experiences.
During this time, it is important to expose your puppy to a variety of people, places, and experiences in a positive and controlled manner.
7. Puppy training
Training is also important for helping your puppy learn appropriate behaviors and manners.
Start training your new puppy as soon as you bring them home by using positive reinforcement techniques, like giving them treats and praising their good behavior.
Also, teaching your puppy basic obedience commands, such as "sit," "stay," “here” and "come," can help them learn to follow directions and improve their overall behavior.
Here is the basic guidelines you need to know to get a puppy!
Bringing a new puppy into your home is a big commitment, but the rewards of having a furry friend are well worth it.
By following these steps, and taking the time to properly prepare and care for your new puppy, you can ensure that you and your furry friend have a happy and healthy relationship for years to come.
