There’s no question, it's exciting to adopt a new puppy. You’ve picked out a name, maybe you’ve visited a shelter once or twice or you’re anxiously waiting to bring home your new family member from a breeder. As exciting as it is, preparation is the key to giving your new bundle of joy a smooth transition into his or her new home.
What does my new puppy need?
Here are some of the items you’ll probably need right away:
A Leash and collar or harness
You’ll likely have to replace a collar or harness over time as your pup grows but these things are essential to keeping your pup safe, especially outside of the home.A Food and Water Bowl
There are many kinds of bowls that each have their own advantages and drawbacks. Choose ones that fit the size of your dog and that have a non-slip bottom. You can also place them on a non-slip mat.Puppy Food!
Ask your vet for a recommendation on the best type of food for your puppy. If you’re switching your pup’s food, make sure you do it gradually by mixing in the old food with the new food and then gradually decreasing the amount of old food and increasing the new food over a few days of feedings. This will help your pup avoid any tummy troubles.
Somewhere Safe To Sleep
A bed gives your new pup a comfortable place to curl up and relax. You can also train them to go to their bed when you’re eating or when you want them to calm down.A Crate
A crate is meant to mimic a den, a natural place where dogs instinctually relax. Your pup should be able to comfortably turn and lie down inside their crate. But, it shouldn’t be too big, otherwise you risk them having an accident inside it. Some crates have dividers so you can gradually increase its size as your puppy grows.Lots of Toys
It’s probably a good idea to start with just a few toys that vary in shape and texture until you know what kind of toy your puppy prefers. A good hard rubber chew toy is a good place to start.Treats
Treats can be small, or easily broken into smaller pieces as you’ll probably be going through a lot as you begin training.
Grooming Supplies
The type of fur your dog has will dictate what type of brush or comb you might need. Typically someone who works at a pet supply store can make a recommendation.
Preparing your home for a new puppy
- Keep the floor clean and free of any hazardous items. Puppies will chew anything and everything. Clean the floor, elevate and secure electrical cords, and put away children’s toys in bins with lids or somewhere out of reach. Once you’ve cleaned up, lie down on the floor and take a look at the puppy’s eye level to see if there’s anything you missed.
- Use baby gates to block off off-limits areas. It’s important to keep your new puppy near you and not to let him or her explore the house unaccompanied until he’s house-trained. Letting the puppy out of your sight while inside your home is a recipe for accidents.
- Change your behaviour. Don’t put bags of groceries, purses or other things on the floor that could be harmful to your puppy or that you’d like to keep from getting wrecked. Until your puppy’s trained, keep these things out of reach.
- Stock up on cleaning products. Accidents happen. You may want to add a pet-specific cleaner to your cleaning cabinet so you’re prepared for clean-ups. Remember to keep all household cleaners in a safe and secure place, where your new puppy won’t reach them.
Protecting your puppy with Petsecure can help you avoid unexpected costs
Let’s face it, even with the best care and a loving home, puppies can still have accidents or get sick. Petsecure can help with the cost of unexpected vet bills. Learn what’s covered by Petsecure and get a free quote today.