How to Welcome a New Puppy in Your Home
National Puppy Day is on March 23, even though we believe every day should be puppy day! These are some of the best ways to assist a new puppy in settling in if you’re preparing to welcome them home soon.
#1: Get ready for the arrival of your new dog in advance – You don’t want to scurry around collecting food, a leash, or a kennel on the first day you bring your new puppy home. Make a list of the necessities for a puppy instead, and prepare ahead of time. Add the following things to the list:
- Pet food
- Treats
- Long-lasting chews
- Bowls
- Toys
- Bed
- Collar
- Leash
- ID tags
- Crate
- Waste bags
- Pet-safe cleaning supplies
- Grooming tools
#2: Establish a schedule for your new puppy – Remaining consistent with your new puppy will help them settle in quickly because they will know what to expect. Keep mealtimes, walk times, and bedtime close to the same schedule each day. The same is true for bathroom breaks. Typically, a puppy will need to go outside when they first wake up, when they get bored with playing, and about half an hour after eating. House-training will go more smoothly if you remain consistent with a bathroom routine. Say the same phrase, go out the same door, and head to the same spot in the yard to help your puppy learn where to go.
#3: Avoid overwhelming your new puppy – Although you’ll want to show off your new puppy, avoid overwhelming them with a houseful of family and friends. Let them meet one or two new people at a time, and allow them to make the first move.
#4: Enroll your new puppy in a socialization class – Proper socialization is essential for raising a confident, friendly puppy. Enroll your puppy in a socialization class to give them the perfect environment for learning how to interact with other puppies, people, and situations.
Congratulations on your new furry bundle of joy! We can’t wait to meet your new puppy and start building a foundation for a lifetime of health and happiness. Contact our team to schedule your pup’s first vet visit.