There are many things to consider when adopting a puppy – from the breed of dog you want, to where you will find your new furry friend. But before you even begin looking at puppies, there are some important things you need to do in preparation for your new arrival.
Here are some of the important steps to take before bringing home your new puppy.
Table of Contents
Puppy-proofing your home
Your puppy will need a safe place to call their own, so take some time to puppy-proof your home. Block off any areas that you don’t want your puppy to have access to, and make sure all of your cleaning products are out of reach. Also, be sure to remove any small objects that your puppy could choke on.
Additionally, you’ll need to make some changes to your home to keep your puppy safe and comfortable. If you have a fireplace, you’ll need to get a screen to prevent your puppy from getting too close to the flames. You should also get rid of any poisonous plants, and make sure all electrical cords are out of reach.
Creating a designated potty area
One of the most important things you need to do before bringing home your new puppy is to create a designated potty area. Choose an area in your yard that you want your puppy to use as their bathroom, and mark it off with some type of boundary (a fence, a row of stones, etc.). Then, you’ll need to train your puppy to use this area by taking them to it frequently and rewarding them when they go potty.
On the other hand, if you live in an apartment and want to avoid leaky surprises, make sure to also make a designated potty area. In the words of the pros behind Dog Gear Wise, to choose the best indoor potty for your puppy, look at the things like drainage, durability, and cleanliness (or washability). There are many different types of indoor potty options available, so do your research to find the one that will work best for you and your puppy.
Picking the right food
For the right food for your future companion, you should consult a veterinarian. They will know what is best for your dog based on their age, weight, and breed.
When you go to pick up food for your new furry friend, make sure that you get a type of food designed to support a puppy’s rapid growth and development. It needs to be higher in calories and contain more protein than adult dog food. Puppy food also generally has smaller kibble sizes, since puppies have small mouths and teeth.
Additionally, you should get food that is specifically tailored for your puppy’s breed. For example, large-breed puppies need a different type of food than small-breed puppies, since they have different nutritional needs. Or, if your puppy is going to be a working dog, you’ll want to get food that is designed for dogs with high energy levels.
Creating a schedule
One of the most important things you can do for your new puppy is to create a schedule and stick to it. Dogs thrive on routine, so having a set schedule for meal times, potty breaks, and walks will help your puppy feel comfortable and secure in their new home. It’s also important to crate train your puppy, as this will give them a safe space to retreat to when they need a break from all the excitement.
On the other hand, you should also make sure to leave plenty of time for play and cuddles. Puppies need a lot of attention and socialization, so be prepared to spend several hours each day playing with and training your new furry friend.
Getting the right supplies
Before bringing your puppy home, you’ll need to stock up on all the essential supplies. This includes food and water bowls, a collar and leash, toys, a crate, and puppy food. You’ll also need to get some potty training supplies, like pee pads or an indoor potty.
Additionally, you’ll need to get some basic grooming supplies, like a brush, shampoo, and nail clippers. And don’t forget the all-important treats! Puppies need a lot of positive reinforcement when learning new things, so make sure you have plenty of treats on hand to reward your pup for good behavior.
On the other hand, there are some things you should avoid getting for your new puppy, like getting your puppy toys that are small enough to fit in their mouth, as they could choke on them. Also, avoid buying your puppy a bed until they’re fully potty-trained, as they’re likely to have accidents on it.
You need to prepare both your home and yourself before adopting a puppy. By taking the time to do things like create a schedule, pick the right food, and get the right supplies, you’ll set yourself and your new furry friend up for success.
Make sure to also spend plenty of time playing with and training your puppy, as they need a lot of attention and socialization.
