Bringing home a puppy is an exciting adventure. You can’t wait to welcome your new, furry family member into your home. You can’t wait to train them, go on walks, give them all the love, and welcome them as the perfect fit to complete your family. However, being a dog owner is a big responsibility and there will definitely be a transition period as you welcome a new dog into your home.
Your home is a haven for you and your family, but it’s time to make it a safe and comfortable environment for a puppy, rescue, or new dog as well. Whether you’re bringing home a small dog or a large dog, there will be some adjustments to make to your environment. First, you need to be sure you have the best tools and toys for your new pooch. You also need to prepare your family and your space for how to interact with a dog. Remember, they are adjusting as well and may feel anxious at first. Do what you can to make them feel comfortable, safe, and loved while also making sure your house doesn’t get ruined. With help from Kip Doggy Day Care Adelaide we’ve compiled a few tips for how you should prepare your home for a new dog of any breed.
Get the best tools and toys.
If you’re a new dog owner, you probably need to purchase the supplies you’ll need. Things like a crate, harness, leash, dog food and water bowls, toys, and dog beds will all help your puppy feel at home. Walking your dog is a huge aspect of getting them their daily exercise. The best dog harness will help you as a first-time dog-walker. A dog harness with a durable strap, leash, and buckle will help you lead your pup no matter how big or small they are. It’s good for a new puppy to wear a vest and get used to a dog harness so they are always staying safe and stylish.
Beyond the practical tools you’ll need to invest in, it’s good to get some toys and comfort items as well. Get durable bones for your dog’s teeth or a nice pad or dog bed for them to relax on. This can help them with socializing and getting their energy levels out as well. Check out a product guide for new dog owners to see what items will be the perfect fit for your new dog.
Prepare your family for the adjustment.
A new puppy joining your home is exciting, but your family needs to be prepared for the adjustment. Encourage patience and remind them that the pup is learning about their new environment. Also, remind your family of what commands the trainer recommends. If you’re all giving your pooch a different command to do the same thing, they can easily get confused. Avoid this obstacle by deciding what commands you’ll give. “Down” instead of “off” or “get down” will be clear and concise and help the puppy learn.
Make your areas dog-proof.
One key thing to do before welcoming your dog home is to puppy-proof your home. Eliminate obstacles that could harm your dog. Cover up loose wires, block off areas of the house you don’t want them going, remove breakable items, and keep chemicals out of reach. This will help, especially with an active dog who may be curious to get into things and ruin your prized possessions.
Expect potty-training accidents.
For pups or young dogs, potty-training can be a difficult venture. Immediately when you bring them home, show them to the backyard or where they will typically be relieving themselves. Stay alert for the first couple weeks of when they may get excited and need to go out. Also, be prepared with pee-pee pads that can help clean up any messes.
Leave a Reply