What Every New Dog Parent Should Know Before Bringing Home A Pup
Preparation and patience are necessary for all pet parents, especially when bringing home a new pup. Here’s how to make the transition a seamless one.
Photo by Graham Holtshausen on Unsplash
Key takeaways:
Just like humans, moving is stressful for dogs.
Making the necessary preparations before arrival makes the process easier for you both.
It takes more than a few days for your pup to feel at home, so expect accidents and mistakes as you get to know each other.
Start training the first day to establish the firm routine dogs require to thrive.
Bringing a new fur family member into your home is a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of work. Just like baby proofing for a newborn, there are several things new dog parents need to be prepared for.
Some rescue dogs have lived in many shelters or on the street and suffered abuse, starvation, or illness before they find a loving family. It can take days, weeks, or even months for them to learn to trust if they’ve never known kindness. Adopted dogs may have had an easier life, but moving to a new home and all it entails can be a scary situation for them.
Whether it’s a rescue or adoption, the first few days in a new home are critical to making your new dog feel comfortable. Read on to see what you need to prepare your home for a new pup and how to make the process easier for you both.
Preparing your home for a new pup
Taking the time to plan for your family’s newest member gives you a head start on a happy home. Doing this in advance means you avoid wasting time gathering supplies or making last-minute decisions and can spend the first few days spending time and bonding with your new pup. Take a look at these tips to help you prepare to bring home your new dog.
Decide where your new pup will spend most of their time.
Many new dog parents make the kitchen the first room their dog comes to know, and that’s because of its hard surfaces. The stress of moving from a shelter or foster home can temporarily erase everything pups know about potty rules, and the kitchen can be easier to clean up.
Safety check the area where your new pup will be staying.
Look for loose electrical cords, household chemicals, houseplants, rugs, and breakables. Duct tape loose cords to the baseboards and remove anything a nervous puppy might like to chew.
Training starts on the first day.
Prepare a list of commands that everyone in the home will use to train your pup. Making sure everyone is using the same words prevents confusion and helps your dog learn faster.
Be prepared with an ID tag before you bring your dog home.
More importantly, make sure it has your contact information on it. Anything can happen on the ride home, especially if the dog is skittish. If they have a microchip, ensure the company has all the correct data to get your pup back to you.
Gather your supplies well ahead of time.
If you plan to crate train, you’ll need time to research the type and size you’ll need. You’ll also want a flat-buckle or martingale collar, a harness, a six-foot leash, food and water dishes, a dog bed, and plenty of toys. You may need a playpen or baby gate to keep your new pup safe during active hours. Gather everything you need before arrival to make the process easier.
Things get hectic fast when a new pet joins the family. Preparing ahead of time goes a long way in making the first few days more manageable and enjoyable for all.
First days with your new pup
One of the most important things to remember before your new pup arrives is that the first few days can be frustrating. They will need some time to acclimate to their new environment and get to know their new family. Consider these tips for the first few days of life with your new dog:
Ask when and what your dog was last fed.
Keeping their diet consistent will help avoid gastric distress while they get used to their new home. Start by adding one part new food to three parts old food and gradually change the mixture. Switch food brands slowly over a week or two.
Begin house training immediately.
Start by taking your dog to their potty spot and spending time there until they relieve themselves. Praise them well but expect accidents. Even the most well-trained dogs can have accidents with new sights, sounds, and smells in a new home.
Get to know your new pup.
Pay special attention to their actions and reactions. Objects such as sticks, rolled newspapers, and leashes might have been used to punish them in their previous life and could cause adverse behavior now. Your dog may also react differently than you expect to your chosen training words depending on their experiences. You might have to put in some work to reverse any previously learned behavior.
Schedule a routine care visit.
Every pup needs routine care and basic hygiene on a regular basis. Schedule time for your new dog to have a bath, teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and nail clip during their first few weeks at home.
Making your new family member feel at home as quickly as possible is the goal. Knowing how to prepare and what to expect is an excellent start to a lifetime of love and companionship.
The first few days are some of the most challenging for new dog parents, but careful planning and patience can ease a lot of the frustration and let the joy shine through. You’ll soon be well on your way to a happy, healthy life, and the awkward beginning phase will be a distant memory.
Get routine care and basic grooming
Scenthound is here to help make sure your new pup stays happy and healthy. We are the first wellness-focused, membership-based dog care company, and we’re proud to be disrupting an outdated industry. Our services are centered around the routine care all dogs need on a regular basis, including bath, ear cleaning, nail clip, and teeth brushing.
Contact your local Scenthound team for help giving your dog the best life possible.