Before getting a puppy, there are several things you should do to prepare yourself and your home for a new fuzzy friend. Before you bring it home, there are many decisions to make and factors to consider—who will care for it, where should the puppy sleep on its first night, and do you have all the supplies?
Consider These Before Bringing a New Puppy Home
Before getting a new pet, it is critical to research pet care fundamentals thoroughly. And you must seriously consider whether you are prepared. Do not give in to impulse and bring a puppy home at the wrong time. Do your homework first. Find out if you are ready for a puppy and how to get one responsibly. Learn more about how to prepare for your new puppy properly and how to raise that puppy.
Are you ready for a puppy?
Puppies are irresistible, but they are also time-consuming. If you have never had a puppy, you may be unaware of what you are about to embark on. It is one thing to be prepared to get a puppy, particularly an adult dog. Raising a puppy necessitates an even greater level of dedication.
Puppies require three to four feedings per day. You must take them outside immediately after eating or drinking for them to eliminate properly and become house-trained. While they are being house-trained, puppies will have accidents in the house. This can result in a significant amount of cleanup. A puppy may wake you up several times throughout the night. It could be that the puppy needs to go outside or that the puppy is bored.
And, if something happens, you should always have an emergency vet in Tracy, CA, with contact information ready at all times.
Which puppy breed is right for you?
So you have weighed the pros and cons of puppy ownership and determined that it’s time to bring your new puppy home. It is time to find your new little companion. But where do you start? First and foremost, decide what type of puppy is best for you. Make a list of the characteristics or features you prefer and those you do not want.
- What size do you want your dog to be? Small dogs often thrive in cramped quarters. Large and giant dogs require more food, supplies, and medications.
- Do you want a dog that will be very active as an adult or one that should settle down within a year or two? How much physical activity can you provide?
- Consider the type of hair coat as well. Are you prepared to deal with shedding? Do you prefer a dog that sheds very little? Low-shedding dogs frequently require grooming visits. Can you afford it?
After you have done your research and decided on a suitable pet, there are a few things you should think about before bringing your puppy home:
Living and Sleeping Quarters.
Create a safe space for your puppy to stay while they adapt and get used to its new surroundings. Check the area for anything dangerous that your puppy might get into by accident. Make a cozy sleeping area in the living room for your puppy to sleep and rest. Provide safe puppy toys for them to play with in their living space.
Look for potential hazards at puppy eye level:
- Hide all electrical cords as much as possible.
- Lock cabinets containing food or medications, toxic chemicals, or other potentially hazardous household items.
- Keep houseplants at a height where your dog cannot chew on the leaves.
- Purchase a trash can with a locking lid or store the bin behind closed doors.
- Laundry, shoes, and other small items should be out of reach. Puppies will occasionally chew on and swallow these.
Toilet Training
Toilet training requires patience and time. Use reward-based positive reinforcement training to make toilet training as successful and efficient as possible. The first step is to provide plenty of opportunities for your dog to relieve himself. The second step is to reward your puppy every time (or as often as possible) they toilet where you want them to.
And ensure that your puppy is spayed and neutered. If not, you should contact a vet surgeon to schedule an appointment.
Conclusion
Buying a pet should never be done on the spur of the moment. Every year, RSPCA shelters receive thousands of unwanted and abandoned animals, many of which result from a hasty decision. Before you become a pet owner, make sure you are fully committed to the responsibilities of pet ownership and conduct the necessary research to ensure that your new puppy is well cared for when it arrives at your home.
