5 Tips for Preparing Your Home for a New Puppy

Getting a new puppy is a thrilling and happy time, but they’ll require plenty of care and affection when adjusting to their new home. Before the puppy comes home, there are preparations and choices to consider. Once you’ve chosen your puppy and are counting down to the arrival, you must puppy-proof your home, gather necessary supplies, set house rules, plan introductions, and schedule vet appointments.

Get Your Family Ready for the New Puppy

Before searching for “bernedoodle puppies for sale near me” or whichever breed you want. Preparing your family for a new puppy involves getting both the family members and the house ready. Keep your veterinarian’s contact number and 24-hour emergency vet service info with other emergency contacts. Discuss with each family member the actions to take if the puppy faces a medical emergency in your absence.

Emphasizing the establishment of play rules with the new puppy is crucial. Ensure that young kids understand that rough play is unsuitable for a new puppy. Educate them about the puppy’s specific requirements and care needs. Address ways to avoid dog bites. Communicate the unacceptable behaviors. Given that a puppy is a living being with its own needs and behaviors, it’s challenging to anticipate its actions consistently. Educate your children on showing empathy towards the dog. 

Ensure a Supply of Quality Pet Food

Select nutritious pet food designed for puppies’ dietary requirements. Consult your vet to determine the ideal food for your new puppy. You can discover the best option through trial and error. Ensure your puppy receives high-quality food meeting all their nutritional needs.

Introduce your puppy to various flavors and stick to their favorite one to avoid stomach issues. Consistent switching of foods can upset your puppy’s belly. Stock up on dog food for weeks to avoid last-minute shopping. Consider purchasing special treats for your puppy too.

Set Up a Dedicated Space for Your Puppy

Avoid rushing introductions between your bernedoodle puppies and existing pets. Prioritize the puppy’s vaccination, flea treatment, and deworming before introducing them. Taking it slow can improve long-term pet relationships.

Instead of immediate introductions, set up a separate room exclusively for the puppy. Ensure the room is equipped with cozy bedding and toys. Since the puppy is adapting to a new environment, familiarize them with your home and yourself before introducing them to other animals.

Design Your Training Plan

Before welcoming your new puppy into your home, set up “house rules” and decide on your puppy’s training plan. Since they are unaware of right and wrong, clarify your house rules to help them adapt smoothly.

Gather your family to review the house rules and consistently uphold them. Emphasize the importance of staying consistent. Otherwise, your new puppy may become confused about boundaries. Consider creating a daily routine, determining their allowed areas in the house, assigning responsibilities to family members, and establishing responses to begging for food or jumping on others.

Pet-Proof Your Home

Before bringing a pet into your home, ensure it is safe. This includes being cautious with hazardous decorations during the holidays and securely sealing your trash cans. Keep plants that aren’t pet-friendly, toxic foods, and harmful household items out of reach. Ensure the following are inaccessible to your pet:

• Lawn care tools and products
• Cleaning agents
• Toys with small parts that could be ingested
• Medications
• Sugar-free gum
• Electrical cords

Endnote

Visit a veterinarian for a health check within a week of bringing your pet home. This ensures all vaccinations are current. The adoption process is a significant change for you and your new pet. Addressing these basics will help your pet feel comfortable in its new surroundings and facilitate bonding.