Introducing a new dog or puppy into your home is one of the most uplifting, memorable and exciting moments your family will ever experience. Before you bring your new pup into home, it is important to consider the many ways in which you can settle them in and provide the best possible care. Getting caught up in the thrill of having a new furry companion can overtake some of the practicalities you have to cover before they enter their new home with you. Therefore, it is important to do your research and pull together as many preparations as you can during the lead up to the big day. Owning a dog can bring so many benefits to you and your family, but before the fun can begin, you may want to take note of the following 7 Smart Ways to Settle a New Pup!
7 Smart Ways to Settle a New Pup
- Create Space in Your Home
Dedicating plenty of space to your new puppy at home is incredibly important. No matter how tiny your dog is, they will need room to settle into their new environment. Invest in a comfortable dog bed and toddler gates for specific rooms around your home. Puppies can be incredibly cheeky, which means they’ll make their mark on your belongings. Keep your valuables (and sofa!) safe by guarding the entrance to those rooms until your puppy is trained well enough to understand where they can and cannot go around the home.
- Register Them With a Local Veterinarian
The health of your dog should be your number one priority, so make sure you register them with a local veterinarian as soon as possible. You may also want to take out pet insurance to avoid any hefty medical bills along the way. As you know, pets are like a member of the family so if they become ill you will want to give them the best support you can. You may also want to try WiggleLess for pain and anxiety relief for your dog; seek advice from your vet and explore the best treatment for them. Once your dog is registered with a medical professional this will put your mind at ease, as your pup will be well-protected both now and in the future.
- Train Them Gently
Training your puppy is one of those dreaded ideas that can cross many pet-owners minds, but it doesn’t need to be all doom and gloom. As soon as you know when the pup is coming home to you, make sure you set a plan in place for training them. This will make your life so much easier as the weeks and months go by. You may want to sign them up for a puppy school or hire a local trainer to come and work with you if you’re brand new to this game. Most importantly, you should approach the process with a gentle and positive frame of mind. Training a dog can be time-consuming and frustrating, but they will soon understand the cues you’re sending them and it will be worth all of the hard work in the end. Start the process off slowly; gradually introduce new signals and commands as you go so they don’t get too overwhelmed from the outset. There are plenty of books and videos online that will help to guide you through the process of training your new dog.
- Enjoy Exercise Together
One of the main benefits of having a dog in the family is the idea of exercising altogether. Most pet owners are more physically fit because their dog encourages them to get out of the house and move their bodies. There are a number of different activities you can enjoy with your dog; walks in the park, hikes, obstacle courses and games of fetch are just a few of the physical games you can play together. Find a local, dog-friendly park and allow your furry friend to get accustomed to their surroundings. It can be overwhelming to introduce them to other dogs so ensure this process is carried out slowly and safely so they feel at ease.
- Monitor Their Nutrition
Feeding your dog the right foods will ultimately give them the best possible start in life. Although it can be tempting to provide them with endless treats when they’re training, make sure you consult an expert before you fill up the treat cupboards. Avoid giving your new dog too much “human” food, as this can be dangerous for their health too. Stick to well balanced meals and food that is specifically created with your dog’s breed in mind. Avoiding nutrition problems sooner in life makes the entire process much easier and will help your young pup to thrive in their earlier years.
- Introduce Them to The Family
When it comes to introducing a new pup to your family, it is very important to seek advice from professionals depending on the breed. Having young children or babies might make you feel slightly on edge when it comes to introducing a new dog to the family. Rest assured that most dogs are calm in temperament as long as they are well-trained and looked after carefully. As soon as you have discovered the perfect way to introduce your dog into your family make sure you capture the moment with plenty of pictures. You’re going to want to treasure those memories forever, and enjoy the process of welcoming your new dog into the family.
- Stick to a Schedule
When you introduce a new puppy into your home, it is much like welcoming a baby. You will be completely dedicated to them from the moment they enter your lives; there may even be a few sleepless nights along the way too! For your own sanity and your dog’s wellbeing, you need to stick to a schedule that is going to work long-term for you and your family. Get as much support as possible and try to explore all of the options before you decide on the best plan. You may want to approach their sleeping schedule first and foremost, as this will make the rest of your routine much easier to settle into. Once they have been vaccinated, you will also be able to get into a good habit of going for walks and enjoying exercise. Scheduling can be one of the trickiest areas to adjust to when you get a new dog, but once you have found your rhythm it will all be worth it in the end.
Hopefully, these ideas will provide you with some inspiration when it comes to settling in your new dog. Whether you’re adopting a rescue animal or buying from a reputable breeder, there will always be advice and guidance to follow from the experts. Keep this in mind as you begin to get your final preparations underway. Don’t forget to enjoy the process of welcoming your new pup into your home; it’s a once in a lifetime moment that you and your family will want to cherish for the years to come. If you’re getting a puppy, remember those tricky weeks will soon pass and you’ll be able to enjoy the company of a fully trained furry friend for life!
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