Adopting a puppy is a great moment in anyone’s life! However, there is a lot to think about before you adopt a puppy or bring one home. Here at We Buy Any House, we have compiled our top tips on how to bring your puppy home.
Create a Checklist
The easiest way to keep on top of everything is to create a long checklist so that you can sort out all of the things you need in preparation for your puppy to arrive. By having a physical list to refer to (whether you choose to do that on your phone or via a handwritten note), it will make it easier for you to track what has been completed and what needs to be done. You could also use your checklist to add in information that you may need, such as websites that you could work with or apps that you may need.
Have a Family Meeting
It’s important to have a family meeting before your puppy comes home. This way, everyone can be on the same page as to what is going to happen when their puppy comes home, and upon the idea that you establish rules so that everyone is on the same page before the puppy comes home.
Follow the 3-3-3 Rule of Adopting a Dog
When bringing home a new puppy, it is important to give them time to adjust and settle into their new environment. One popular method to help your puppy adapt is to follow the 3-3-3 rule of adopting a dog.
The first “3” stands for three days to decompress. During this time, it is recommended to give your puppy space and time to adjust to the new environment. It can be tempting to shower them with attention, but it is important to allow them to feel comfortable and safe on their own terms. It is also recommended to limit visitors during this time to reduce stress for the puppy.
The second “3” stands for three weeks to be comfortable in the house. During this time, your puppy will become more familiar with the house, the people in it, and their daily routine. It is important to establish a consistent routine during this time to help your puppy feel more secure and reduce stress. This can include a schedule for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and sleeping.
The third “3” stands for three months to adjust to the house routine. During this time, your puppy should have a good understanding of their daily routine and feel comfortable in their new home. It is important to continue reinforcing good habits and providing plenty of socialization opportunities for your puppy during this time.
Following the 3-3-3 rule can help your puppy adjust to their new home and become a happy and well-adjusted member of your family. Remember to be patient, consistent, and always keep your puppy’s well-being in mind.
Get A Puppy Crate/Pen
Perhaps the most important item that you need in your home will be a puppy crate or pen. If you are looking to create a safe area for your dog which will ensure that they don’t escape and get lost, or cause havoc in your home. Puppy pens are a great way for you to keep hold of your puppy, while also allowing you to play with them in a safe manner and bond.
Check Also: Home Automation: Its Meaning Has Changed Over The Years
Let the Puppy Learn Your Scent
When bringing home a new puppy, it’s important to help them get familiar with their new family members. One way to do this is to let the puppy learn your scent.
Dogs have a strong sense of smell and use it to recognize people and other animals. By allowing your puppy to smell you, you are helping them become familiar with your scent and feel more comfortable around you. This can also help ease separation anxiety when you leave the house, as your scent can provide a sense of security and comfort to your puppy.
To help your puppy learn your scent, you can try the following:
- Hold your hand out for your puppy to smell when you first meet them.
- Spend time with your puppy by sitting close to them or petting them, so they can smell you more easily.
- Wear an item of clothing, such as a T-shirt or hoodie, for a few hours and then give it to your puppy to smell.
- Use your scent to mark your puppy’s toys or bedding to help them feel more secure.
It’s important to note that while it’s good for your puppy to become familiar with your scent, you should also allow them to explore and smell their new environment. This can help them feel more comfortable in their new home and reduce stress.
By letting your puppy learn your scent, you can help build a strong bond with them and make them feel more at ease in their new home.
Have the Right Food
When you pick up your pup, they will already be eating a specific brand of food which they would have had from the shelter or breeder. It’s important that you make sure you have the same food in your home for when your puppy arrives home, as this way they won’t become ill or intolerant to the new food you are giving them. Additionally, food is a great way to help your pup settle into your home, as you can guide them with food and treats.
Familiarize Your Puppy With Bathing Early
Bathing your puppy is an important part of their grooming routine and helps keep them clean and healthy. However, some puppies may find bathing stressful or frightening, especially if they have not been exposed to it before. To avoid this, it is important to familiarize your puppy with bathing early on.
Introducing your puppy to bathing early can help make it a positive and stress-free experience. Here are some tips to help you familiarize your puppy with bathing:
- Start slowly: Start by getting your puppy used to the bathroom and the bathing area. Allow them to explore the bathroom and sniff around. Once they are comfortable, start introducing them to the bathtub or sink where you will be bathing them.
- Use treats and positive reinforcement: Give your puppy treats and praise them when they enter the bathroom and approach the bathing area. This can help them associate the area with positive experiences.
- Start with a dry run: Before introducing water, place your puppy in the empty bathtub or sink and give them treats and praise. This can help them get used to the space and build a positive association with it.
- Use warm water: When you are ready to start bathing your puppy, use warm water and be gentle. Avoid getting water in their ears or eyes, and use a mild shampoo specifically designed for puppies.
- Be patient and calm: Puppies can sense when their owners are anxious or stressed, which can make them feel more nervous. Stay calm and patient, and use a gentle and reassuring tone to help your puppy feel more at ease.
By familiarizing your puppy with bathing early on, you can help make it a positive and stress-free experience for them. This can help keep them clean and healthy, and also strengthen your bond with your puppy.
Also Read: How To Start Real Estate Business In India From Scratch?
Make Sure You Have the Right Hygiene Products
Just as you would make sure that your child or family has a hygienic environment to live in, it’s important that your puppy has all the right hygiene equipment. Puppies are prone to accidents in the infant stage of their life, so it’s important that you prepare your home for this. Invest in puppy-pee pads, which help your puppy if they have an accident in the house. In addition to this, you will need to invest in puppy spray, which will minimize the smell of any accidents or lingering odors .
Make Sure You Have a Routine That Your Puppy Can Get Used To
Puppies thrive on routine and structure. Establishing a daily routine for your puppy can help them feel more secure and comfortable in their new home. It can also help with potty training, reducing anxiety, and improving behavior. Here are some tips to help you establish a routine for your puppy:
- Set a regular feeding schedule: Puppies need to eat several times a day, so set a feeding schedule and stick to it. This can also help with potty training by establishing regular bathroom breaks.
- Establish a sleep schedule: Puppies need a lot of sleep, so create a designated sleeping area for your puppy and establish a consistent sleep schedule.
- Set regular play and exercise times: Puppies have a lot of energy, so it’s important to set aside time each day for play and exercise. This can also help with training and behavior by providing an outlet for their energy.
- Consistent training sessions: Puppies are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training. Establish regular training sessions to teach your puppy basic commands, such as sit, stay, and come.
- Create a consistent environment: Puppies thrive on consistency, so try to create a consistent environment by setting rules and boundaries for your puppy, using the same tone of voice and body language, and keeping their living space organized.
By establishing a routine for your puppy, you can help them feel more secure and comfortable in their new home. This can also help with training and behavior, as well as improve the bond between you and your puppy.
Dog-Proof Your Home
Before bringing your new puppy home, it’s important to dog-proof your home to ensure their safety and prevent any potential accidents or injuries. Puppies are curious and love to explore, which means they can get into things they shouldn’t. Here are some tips to help you dog-proof your home:
- Remove any hazardous items: Identify any items in your home that could be harmful to your puppy, such as cleaning products, medicines, electrical cords, and small objects that can be easily swallowed. Store these items in a secure location or remove them from your home altogether.
- Secure trash cans: Puppies love to rummage through trash cans, which can be dangerous if they eat something they shouldn’t. Keep all trash cans securely closed and out of reach of your puppy.
- Block off unsafe areas: Identify any areas in your home that could be unsafe for your puppy, such as stairs or rooms with fragile items. Use baby gates or other barriers to block off these areas and keep your puppy safe.
- Hide wires and cables: Puppies love to chew on wires and cables, which can be dangerous and also damage your electronics. Hide any wires and cables or use cord covers to keep them out of reach.
- Cover or secure open spaces: If you have open spaces in your home, such as balconies or windows, make sure they are securely covered or blocked off to prevent your puppy from falling or escaping.
By dog-proofing your home, you can help ensure your puppy’s safety and prevent any potential accidents or injuries. This can also help you feel more at ease and allow your puppy to explore their new home safely.
Get the Right Toys for Your Puppy
Toys are essential for puppies, as they provide stimulation, exercise, and entertainment. They also help puppies learn and develop important skills, such as chewing, playing, and problem-solving. When choosing toys for your puppy, it’s important to consider their age, size, and personality. Here are some tips to help you choose the right toys for your puppy:
- Consider your puppy’s age: Puppies go through different developmental stages, which require different types of toys. For example, young puppies need soft toys that are easy to chew and cuddle, while older puppies need more durable toys that can withstand their stronger jaws.
- Consider your puppy’s size: Make sure to choose toys that are appropriate for your puppy’s size. Large toys can be overwhelming for small puppies, while small toys can be a choking hazard for larger puppies.
- Consider your puppy’s personality: Just like people, puppies have different personalities and preferences. Some puppies enjoy interactive toys, such as puzzle toys or fetch toys, while others prefer solo play with chew toys or squeaky toys.
- Choose safe toys: Make sure to choose toys that are safe for your puppy. Avoid toys with small parts or loose strings that can be easily swallowed, as well as toys with toxic materials or sharp edges.
- Rotate toys regularly: Puppies can get bored with the same toys, so make sure to rotate your puppy’s toys regularly to keep them interested and engaged.
By choosing the right toys for your puppy, you can help them develop important skills and provide them with the exercise and entertainment they need. This can also help prevent destructive behavior and keep your puppy happy and healthy.
Teach Your Puppy Good Habits Early On
Puppies are like sponges, and they can learn new behaviors and habits quickly. It’s important to teach your puppy good habits early on, as this can prevent bad habits from forming later. Here are some tips to help you teach your puppy good habits:
- Establish a routine: Puppies thrive on routine, so establish a consistent daily routine for your puppy that includes feeding, exercise, playtime, and rest.
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward your puppy with treats and praise for good behavior, such as going potty outside or chewing on their toys instead of your shoes. This positive reinforcement will help your puppy learn and repeat good habits.
- Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to training your puppy. Make sure to use the same commands and rewards every time, and avoid confusing your puppy with mixed signals.
- Start with basic commands: Teach your puppy basic commands, such as sit, stay, and come, to help them learn good behavior and build a strong foundation for more advanced training.
By teaching your puppy good habits early on, you can help prevent bad habits from forming and establish a strong bond with your puppy based on trust and positive reinforcement.
Also Check: Top 3 Reasons To Hire A Professional Roofer
Socialize Your Puppy
Socialization is an important part of puppy training, as it helps your puppy develop important social skills and learn how to interact with people and other animals. Here are some tips to help you socialize your puppy:
- Start early: Begin socializing your puppy as early as possible, ideally before they are 14 weeks old, when they are still open to new experiences and less likely to be fearful.
- Introduce your puppy to new experiences: Expose your puppy to a variety of new experiences, such as different people, animals, environments, sounds, and smells. This will help your puppy become more confident and well-adjusted.
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward your puppy with treats and praise for good behavior during socialization, such as meeting new people or animals calmly and without aggression.
- Be patient: Socialization takes time and patience, so don’t rush your puppy or force them into situations they are uncomfortable with. Respect your puppy’s boundaries and provide them with a safe and comfortable environment.
By socializing your puppy, you can help them develop important social skills and become a well-adjusted and confident adult dog.
Find the Appropriate Food for Your Puppy
Finding the appropriate food for your puppy is essential for their health and growth. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and it’s important to choose a high-quality puppy food that provides the right balance of protein, fat, and nutrients. Here are some tips to help you find the appropriate food for your puppy:
- Consult with your vet: Your vet can provide guidance on the best type of food for your puppy based on their breed, age, and health needs.
- Choose a high-quality puppy food: Look for puppy food that contains high-quality protein, such as chicken, turkey, or fish, as well as essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins.
- Avoid fillers and by-products: Avoid puppy food that contains fillers, such as corn or wheat, as well as by-products or artificial preservatives.
- Consider wet or dry food: Choose between wet or dry puppy food based on your puppy’s preferences and nutritional needs.
By finding the appropriate food for your puppy, you can help them maintain good health and grow into a strong and healthy adult dog.
Conclusion
Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it’s important to prepare yourself and your home for the new addition to ensure a smooth transition. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can help ensure a happy and healthy start to your new furry friend’s life with you.
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the journey! Raising a puppy can be challenging at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. With patience, love, and the right tools and knowledge, you can build a strong bond with your new furry family member that will last a lifetime.
This article was written by a quick house sale company We Buy Any House. If you’re wondering “how can I sell my house quickly?”, head to the We Buy Any House website for more information relating to all property related enquiries.
