Here's How To Prepare For Your Puppy's First Week At Home!

Bringing home a new dog is exciting but nerve-wracking. What do you need to do? How can you make it work? Here’s what to do when you’re bringing a new dog home.

Before

• Get Dog Things. Make sure toys, food, blankets, bowls, and more are all ready for the new dog’s arrival.
• Make Sure It’s Quiet. Don’t bring a dog home during special celebrations or occasions. Keep it low-key.
• Free Up Your Time. You’ll want to be able to spend time with the dog in their new environment, coaching them and providing support and bonding.
• Name Them. If you like, have a name ready by the time they get home!

Settling In

• Feed The Usual Food. Feed the dog the same food that they ate before coming here. This gives them something familiar and that they like. Make a switch to new food slowly in the coming weeks.
• Don’t Be Mean. Don’t punish, scold, or hit your new dog. Dogs do not respond well to negative reinforcement, and this will only make them scared of you and their new home.
• Get A Vet. Make sure you have a vet in mind to help get your dog preventative care.

Keep It Going

• Train Them. Start training your dog to obey commands. This establishes you as the pack leader of the home.
• Get A Vet Check. Your dog should receive a standard check-up from a vet.
• Socialize. Slowly and carefully introduce your dog to other people and animals, with their safety in mind. This will help build their confidence.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay