The first few days after bringing a new pup home is exciting and terrifying at the same time. The adjustments you have to make are new and often difficult. But, making your new doggie feel at home is worth the effort.
There are many things you need to do immediately after you get a new dog. You might have to make some crucial changes to your house, but that’s not all. You may have to reschedule your daily schedule and even your lifestyle, if necessary.
Remember that no matter how hard it is for you, it is even more difficult for the puppy. Now that you are responsible for a furry friend, you have to provide your friend with a loving and welcoming home. Here are the first few steps you must take after bringing your new dog home.
Get Your Pup Registered
Just as humans have birth certificates, passports, and other identifications, dogs also have unique identifiers. When you bring a dog home, they need to get registered.
Dog tag registration is sometimes a requirement but often an essential tool for dog safety. Some people even get microchip implants on their pups to ensure they are found if lost or stolen.
Buy All the Necessities
Puppies are like babies. They are high maintenance and require a lot of items. It is better to get these items before you bring the dog home.
You need a comprehensive new dog shopping list, to ensure that you are not missing out on these important items. Here are the 20 items you will need to take care of your puppy:
- Dog collar.
- Puppy potty pads.
- Leash.
- Harness.
- Food bowl plus dispenser.
- Water bowl.
- Dog poop bag and holder.
- Poop scooper.
- Dog crate.
- Dog bed.
- Puppy Blanket.
- Chew toys.
- Other pup toys.
- Dog toiletries and accessories including shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, dog brush, towels, grooming wipes, etc.
- Carpet cleaner.
- Paper towels.
- Puppy food.
- Stain remover.
- Oder remover.
- Anti-chew spray.
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Puppy Proof Your House
When a baby learns to crawl and walk, you have to baby-proof your house. Similarly, when you bring a puppy home, you must puppy-proof your house.
Puppies are a lot of fun. They are curious, playful, and active. If they see any loose wire, they will play with it. If they smell something interesting, they will try to taste it.
And, will chew at pretty much anything. So, puppy-proofing is a crucial step every new dog owner must take.
Make sure you unplug machines, cover up any loose wire, remove any multiplug outlet extension, and dangerous outlets. Electric wires should also not be reachable by them as they will chew or pull the wire, like tug-of-war.
Keep every cleaning supply, toxic substances, chemicals, etc. out of their reach. There are many horrifying stories of puppies eating moisturizers that resulted in lots of vomiting and an emergency visit to the vet.
Also, if there are any structural issues, where the puppy can get hurt or stuck, ensure that those have been covered up. Also, keep the toilet seat closed if you want to prevent them from taking a dip in the toilet water.
Get the Right Food
There is a huge difference between adopting a puppy and adopting an adult dog. For starters, puppies need a lot more nutrition than adult dogs as they are growing, and their growth requirements must be supplemented.
Try to feed them high-quality kibble. Find out where the main source of meat is coming from, and read the label very carefully. Pumpkin is great for dog health, and it is often recommended to add pumpkin to their diet. Pumpkin is tasty and can preserve their digestive health.
Do not feed puppies from the table, as much as those puppy eyes make you feel guilty. The habit of eating human food can be quite harmful, so, it is better to avoid it.
Build and Maintain a Routine
Create a healthy routine for your dog. Dogs will naturally follow your routine, so if you are living an unhealthy lifestyle, your puppy will too. Make a routine with scheduled walks and feedings. Turn puppy care into a ritual and get your family involved as well.
Building and maintaining a routine will ensure that your puppy is growing up healthy. Disciplining your dog will be much easier if you follow a structured lifestyle. Get them used to cleaning sessions and give them plenty of love and care.
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Make A Puppy Space
Puppies need to have their little den. If you buy a puppy crate, make sure to keep it in a place where they can have their own little space. You can keep their plushies, chew toys, etc. in that space to make them feel comfortable and at home.
During the first three months, keep the puppy bed in your bedroom and close to your bed. It is recommended that you get your puppy toy scented with the puppy’s litter siblings. This will ensure that your dog feels comforted by the smell, and does not feel alone.
Start the Training
Start with obedience training as early as possible. Puppies are smart and will learn far quicker than any adult dog. By starting the training early, your puppy will learn what it is about and will follow orders well.
This is crucial as housebreaking your pup. Obedience training can help you ensure that your puppy listens to you while you are giving them training. If you start training as soon as you bring the dog home, it will get used to the pattern and will handle future training well.
Final Thoughts
Bringing your pup home for the first time is a magical experience. Learn and grow with your dog and get used to one another. Help your puppy adapt and learn that it has a warm and loving home. If you make sure your puppy is loved and taken care of, they will return that love twofold.
