6 Things to Do Before You Bring the New Puppy Home

You made the decision to get a puppy. You know the breed that you want and you already know where you will get the dog. You know the obvious things you will need, bowls and some toys. Having just gone through this very recently, I can tell you from experience that whatever you do to prepare your home, it won't be enough!

Let me give you a list of things to do before you bring the new puppy home and it should make the transition a little easier. Do as much as you can to make sure the puppy's surroundings are safe, then go back and take another look!

Tip #1 - Bowls

Buy a water bowl and a food bowl. Make sure to buy puppy-size bowls. Although my puppy will be a medium size dog when she grows up, for the time being she is using puppy-size bowls. As she grows, so will the size bowls.

Tip #2 - Food

During your discussions with the breeder, or whoever is currently responsible for the care of the puppy, as what type of puppy food is being used. It is very important that you stick with the same brand of food, if not the puppy could get diarrhea. If you want to switch brands at some point, do a half and half mixture of the two brands. Our breeder provided us with a bag of the same food that she had been using. Since the puppy seems to like it, we will stick with that brand which is Purina Pro Plan, Large Breed Formula for puppies that will weigh over 50 pounds when full grown.

Tip #3 - Move Things

Puppy-proof your home so it will be ready for the little one. You know that a puppy will chew on anything it can find, so move things up and out of reach. Puppy-proofing your home includes buying things such as baby gates so that you can keep the puppy contained and safe. Be sure to get an appropriate baby gate. I purchased a short gate and it was only a few days before she figured out how to climb over the gate. The best baby gates to buy are the metal ones with vertical bars. A puppy cannot climb over it. With the new baby gate, puppy is safe!

Tip #4 - Toys

Buy a few age appropriate toys. Make sure you get some that are soft and comforting, and some that can stand the wear and tear of puppy teeth. Don't go overboard buying toys, as too many options will only confuse the dog. I purchased a small tennis ball and several other toys and she does play with all of them. Be sure to supervise the puppy at all times, as sharp puppy teeth can rip apart a toy very fast.

Tip #5 Decide on Training

It is very important that you and your immediately family all understand the training methods that you will use. It has to be an all for one deal. If different family members react differently to situations, the puppy will become confused. If you decided that the puppy cannot play in the living room, and then be sure that everyone sticks to that. If you have to, make a chart with the do's and don'ts and post it in a convenient location. Consistence in training is crucial.

Tip #6 -Miscellaneous

Determine where the puppy will sleep. Determine where the food and water bowls will be placed. Determine what door you will use to take the puppy outside. It is important to be consistent in all areas to make training easier on the puppy and easier on you.

As always, if you have questions ask your veterinarian. Always try to be a responsible pet owner. A puppy will depend on you for everything. It is a lot of responsibility, it requires a lot of time and there is the financial aspect. Once you are sure you want that responsibility, get that adorable little puppy and give it the best life you can!

Source:

Personal Experience

Breeder's Experience

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