Questions To Ask Yourself Before Bringing Home A Puppy
I remember the day I brought home Button my first adorable little canine companion. Making my way up the steps to our home, cradling that bundle of furry cuteness in my arms, I suddenly became aware of the immense responsibility that came with bringing home a puppy! Had I thought of everything I needed to? Would I be able to teach and care for that amazing little creature, so that it would grow up to be a happy and healthy member of our household?
Marvelously, the answer was yes! Today, that little pup in my arms has long transformed into a thriving and loving dog who is a central character within our daily lives. Aligning with just how much we love animal company, we're actually about to get a new puppy once again—and that got me thinking back to those initial feelings of uncertainty. This time, I have a bounty of experience to draw upon, but I could still use a puppy checklist to jog my memory! So, why don't we draw the important questions and must- haves together into one place? Read on to discover my top tips on how to prepare for a puppy!
Knowing How to Prepare for a Puppy
There's a lot to think about when getting everything ready ahead of bringing home a puppy. You might be pondering over a comfy bed and teaching your furry friend to sit, but have you thought about house training—and the inevitable accidents that will precede it? You might have found the right food for your new family member, but have you got your head around puppy-proofing? There are some things you will need to buy before arrival day rolls around, but there are other things that you will need to do or check. Let's start with what to ask yourself so that you can be confident that everything will go smoothly!
Six Things to Ask Yourself Before the Big Day Arrives
Is your puppy old enough to come home with you?
Experts recommend that puppies stay with their mom until at least eight weeks of age. This is not only so that they can keep drinking mom's milk in order to be strong and healthy—although that is very important too. It's also because, during those first two months spent with mom and siblings, your puppy will learn the essential social skills that will serve it well for life.Where is your puppy going to sleep?
It's a great idea to have a puppy pen prepared. Arriving in a totally new place with new faces can be overwhelming for a pup, and being able to hang out in a small and cozy environment can help them feel more secure. It's also important to remember that your puppy wont be ready to master toilet training until 12-16 weeks of age. So, in the beginning, an enclosed space with a clean and comfy sleeping area on one side and a potty area with some absorbent puppy pads on the other will certainly save your carpets from strife!Have you puppy-proofed your home?
Speaking of furnishings, just as regular parents have to child-proof their homes, dog-parents need to think about puppy proofing too! At around the time you bring your little doglet home—or maybe a short while after—they will begin to lose their baby teeth, and their adult teeth will start to grow through. Teething puppies will want to chew a lot, and that means that you need to think about your home being chew safe, as well as toilet safe! It's best to keep chewable items, from cables to shoes, well out of reach. Keep an eye on things like table legs too, and wrap them if necessary!What are you going to feed your puppy?
Puppies have pretty different dietary requirements from their older canine cousins. This makes it vital to buy food that has been created to meet their needs as they grow and mature. You can combine nutritious and balanced puppy food with puppy chews—great for those teething troubles—as well as chewable toys for between mealtimes. Be sure to grab some robust chew-proof bowls for food and water. Keep in mind that your puppy's digestive system is only just developing, so wait a while before letting him or her gnaw on a bone or eat anything that isn't designed for young developing doggies.What is your dog walking schedule going to look like?
Younger dogs need plenty of exercise. It helps them burn off all that extra youthful energy, and helps them grow up fit and well. Of course, when your puppy is very small, it won't be able to go too far, but it will certainly appreciate a reliable daily routine. You can consider whether a collar or harness would be best suited to your four-pawed pet. If you're unsure, your trusted veterinarian will be happy to advise. Don't forget, going for walks can only begin after vaccinations have taken effect!When are you going to get your puppy's paperwork in order?
There are certain must-dos that you have to tackle when bringing home a puppy. Your new family member will need to be chipped, registered, and vaccinated. When it's a little older, you might also decide to get him or her sterilized. One of your first ports of call after welcoming a cuddleable canine into your life should be making an appointment at the vets—so you can make some introductions, and ensure that all the “i”s are dotted, and the “t”s are crossed!
Your What-to-Get Puppy Checklist:
So the countdown has started, and you need to do some serious puppy-centric shopping. What are you going to need to pick up? You can use this handy puppy checklist as a go-to guide!
Comfy puppy bed
Washable puppy bedding
A puppy pen or large crate
Puppy pads or equivalent
Plenty of puppy food
Chew-proof and sturdy food and water bowls
Chew toys and treats for teething
A collar or harness—front-clip harnesses are great for lead training!
A lead
A pet seatbelt for car rides
The right dog brush for your puppy's coat
Puppy nail clippers
Age and weight appropriate parasite preventatives—you can ask your vet!
Dog shampoo for puppies that like to get mucky
So there you have it—hopefully, a clear sense of how to prepare for a puppy. When you are wonderfully organized, you will be able to focus far more freely on enjoying bonding with your new little buddy, gently starting their training, and raising them for the years of companionship ahead. Remember, your veterinarian is a great ally, and you can keep your eyes peeled here for more tips on how to raise a puppy right!
