Making the decision to bring home a puppy can be both exciting and challenging. It is best to research your breed of choice or general dog care before bringing home your new family member! When you bring home a puppy it is similar to bringing home a baby. Your schedule will revolve around them for the first few months. Be sure to have essential supplies ready, and a training plan in place, since training is also very important for your puppy’s wellbeing. Most importantly, before bringing a puppy in to your home, ensure that you have the right environment and schedule to do so!
Research The Breed
Different dog breeds have different needs and therefore are better fit for homes that can best provide them with the exercise, training, and healthcare for that specific breed. It is still important to research how to care for a dog when deciding to get a mixed breed puppy. Doing your research on the breed of your choice, or your best guess of what the puppy’s breed might be, will help you establish the most effective routine and training regimen.
Adjust Your Schedule
Just like a human baby, a puppy takes a lot of time and attention. Your puppy will need to go out frequently during the day for potty breaks and it is important for them to have a designated area that they go to each time to relieve themselves. For young puppies, especially smaller breeds, be prepared to wake up at least once a night until they are around 4 months old! Check out the “Potty training” blog for instructions on potty training! Puppies also need time to get out and play. Young puppies do not need more than 20mins of exercise at a time, otherwise they can become overtired and grouchy! Don’t forget to make time for training daily. For those with a busy schedule, a minimum of 10 minutes total a day is acceptable. Puppies thrive on consistency, so if you can set up a routine with your schedule, then you will have a much easier time raising your family member!
Prepare Essential Supplies
What are essential puppy supplies? When I bring a puppy in to my home, whether it is a foster puppy or my own, I always make sure I have these few things. Bowls, chew toys, kennel, leash, thin blanket, collar, exercise pen, clicker, high value treats, food. It is a smart idea to have tools like a kennel and exercise pen set up, so that when the puppy is put away, they should not be able to get in to trouble or hurt themselves. The kennel will also help speed up the potty training for most puppies. The clicker will be useful for training sessions and it is smart to research how to use one. Studies have shown that clicker training can help your pup learn 30% faster!
*It is advised that collars be removed while puppies are in their Kennels*
Develop a Training Plan
Know the tools you will you use with your puppy and have them ready. With puppies that I work with, I utilize a Martingale collar, leash, treats, and a clicker. Consider if you want to take advantage of in person puppy classes, or prefer online courses. Think about how you will go about properly socializing your young puppy, because you do not want to miss such a crucial time period to be proactive about socialization. Look at your routine and see where you can incorporate training during daily activities. Planning your training strategies and regimen ahead of time will set you and your puppy up for success.
Create a Puppy-Friendly Environment
Ensure that your home environment is safe and welcoming for your new puppy. Puppy-proof your space by removing any potential hazards, such as small objects that could be swallowed or electrical cords that might be chewed on. Also avoid having large unstable furniture or objects that may fall and injure your puppy. Make sure to closely supervise your puppy when they are not in their exercise pen or kennel. Double check your yard for any holes or broken panels in the fencing. Avoid leaving your puppy outside unattended, they can ingest something they shouldn’t, or wander off.
Confirm Your Readiness
Before bringing your puppy home, take a final check to ensure you have the right environment, finances, and schedule to support your new pet. Assess your ability to meet their overall needs. A successful puppy integration requires commitment, and preparation; so, it’s important to be fully ready for the responsibility.
Conclusion
With thoughtful preparation and a proactive approach, you can set the stage for a happy and healthy life with your new puppy. By researching your breed, adjusting your schedule, preparing essential supplies, and creating a safe environment, you’re setting up both yourself and your puppy for success. Enjoy the rewarding journey of pet ownership and cherish the moments of joy and companionship that a new puppy brings into your life.