Have you got a new furry friend joining the family soon? If yes, there's no doubt you're beaming with excitement. You have so many years of companionship and love coming your way, but some preparations need to be made first. Picking up your new pup and bringing them home without doing anything first is a recipe for disaster and may make it more difficult for your dog to adjust and feel at home. No matter what breed you're giving a new home to, there are a few things you need to consider before adoption day.
If you're lost and unsure of what you need to do before bringing your new family member home, you don't have to worry. Every new owner has gone through this, and we're here to help you discover what to do (and not do) to get your house as ready as it can be. So have a read of our do's and don'ts, and you'll feel more prepared than ever before.
Do
Get your puppy a comfortable space to sleep
You may have decided you want your new puppy to sleep on your bed so you can be as close as possible, but many owners decide against this too. Either way, even if you do want them to sleep with you at night, you're still going to want to get a safe space for them to escape to when they're feeling overwhelmed and where they can be comfortable. So find a safe area in your home to place the bed or crate if that's what you want. We recommend the Buddy Bed by Toby and Ace, which is orthopedically padded and lowers any anxiety your pup will be feeling when they first come home.
Puppy proof your home
It's no myth that puppies like to chew, bite, and destroy most things in sight. The good news is they are easily trained out of doing this, but for the first few weeks, you're going to want to put some preventative measures in place. For example, consider moving or covering valuable furniture that they might get into and get rid of exposed electrical wires, toxic cleaning products, and small objects that could be swallowed.
Gather all essentials
Alongside a bed, your puppy is going to need a few other objects ready for them when they come home. Consider getting hold of some food and water bowls, treats, toys, and walking equipment, so it's all on hand when they need it. The more you have prepared and ready for when your new furry friend comes home, the more comfortable they're going to be. Then, the adjustment period will be smooth sailing, and your bond can grow straight away.
Set clear rules beforehand
Knowing what your puppy can and can't do in the household will make training a whole lot easier. If you don't know what they are allowed to do before you let them in the house, it can come across as inconsistent and confuse the dog. Consider where you want your dog to go to the toilet, whether that is in the garden, on the balcony, or strictly out on walks. You also want to determine if they'll be allowed on furniture and whether they'll be allowed to eat off your plate. Consistency is critical, so ensure you stick to the rules you put in place from the beginning.
Don't
Punish your puppy
You may have heard many different forms of advice from dog owners on how to train your puppy. For example, some may have advised you to shout at them or rub their noses in any urine or feces made in the house. These are definitely the wrong ways to go and will only lead to your puppy becoming scared of you and doing the naughty action when you aren't looking at them. Accidents are bound to happen, so praise them and give them a treat when they do the right thing instead of punishment.
Overwhelm your puppy
It's an exciting time getting a new furry friend in the home, and we're sure you want to show them off to all your friends and family members. However, you want to ensure that they're settled in the house and familiar with you before you do this. Overstimulating your dog can be a bit much when they have just moved in, so maybe give it a week or so before you start having visitors over.
Leave your puppy alone for too long
When your puppy is adjusting, you don't want to go to work for long hours at a time and leave them home all by themselves. This will cut into bonding time and could also lead to boredom and destruction. You need to build up leaving your new furry friend at home for too long, so if you can't be there, ensure someone else is. Their confidence will increase, and soon, you can extend the time they are alone.
By having all these tips in your mind and putting them in place, it's time to let your excitement flow. Bringing a new puppy into the house is one of the best feelings in the world, and there's no doubt you'll have a new best friend. Just ensure you have all preparations in place, and everything will flow smoothly.