Welcoming a new puppy in your home can change your life forever! These adorably cute four-footed beings bring so much joy, energy, and love into your world that you will find yourself getting overwhelmed by it. However, be warned, this new addition to your family will be anything but a walk in the park!
From selecting the right breed for your lifestyle to driving him home, and making the puppy feel comfortable, you need to make conscious decisions at every step. Fret not! As long as you are willing to put in the effort, you can easily make the adjustment.
If this is your first time adopting a puppy, here are a few tips that will help you get your puppy on the right track to adulthood!
1) Make Your Home Puppy-Friendly
Before you bring your pup into your home, make sure that you have completed all the necessary preparations. You need to make the place as safe as possible for your puppy. Remove all the loose cords, potential toxins, and breakable items from the direct line of sight of the puppy. Place whatever you can high up or inside a closed cabinet.
2) Choose The Right Pet Food
What you feed your puppy today determines how healthy they grow up to be in the future. That’s why, before buying food for your puppy, do the research properly. Read books on the breed and what kind of foods suit them the best. Talk to your vet or fellow dog owners too. They will educate you on the subject and help you pick the right pup food. If you don’t get your desired results, switch to another diet later.
3) Buy New Puppy Supplies
With your puppy’s arrival comes a long shopping list. After all, you need to pamper your pet and make him comfortable. Start with dog beds. It is advisable to get two at a time so that one can fill in for the other when it needs a wash. Buy bowls (preferably steel) for food and water. Don’t forget to buy toys and treats as they are a vital part of their training. Also purchase cleaning supplies such as disinfectant, disposable paper, and gloves. Remember the other things your puppy may need, including collar, leash, brush, comb, and crate.
4) Get Your Puppy Comfortable
Remember, your pup has not been around people before. This sudden separation from his mother may cause him some form of anxiety, and hence, you need to do everything to make him comfortable. Introduce your pup to the other members of the family one by one. Be with your puppy for at least 3-4 days and help him get accustomed to your house. Play with him and pamper him with treats. You don’t have to do much; dogs are intelligent beings and will soon become a part of your family!
5) Train Your Puppy Regularly
Your pup won’t naturally know how to behave. That is something you have to teach him, and that process can be quite time-consuming. That’s why it is better to start as early as possible. You can use reward-based training methods to teach your dog. This includes treating him with a dog biscuit every time he behaves well. Make sure to give extra time to crate training.
6) Find A Good Veterinary Doctor
Once you have brought your puppy home, take him to the vet within a few days. Help your pup get acquainted with the doctor by taking him to the clinic regularly. You may need to visit the doctor a lot during the first six months for the general examinations and vaccinations. Your vet will help you identify potential health problems early on and will advise you on the right measures for them.
Need expert guidance for your new pup? Our team at Dog Day Afternoon will help you. Get in touch today!
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