5 steps to get ready for a puppy
The day when you will get your puppy is getting closer and the excitement grows. BUT bringing a new puppy home also comes with a lot of responsibilities.
Proper preparation and a good mindset ensures a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy.
We have written down 5 easy steps and added some useful product links (aff), so you can be ready for a new furry family member.
Puppy-proof your home
When it comes to puppies, then think of them like the most curious little characters. To make sure your puppy won’t have a chance to get into trouble or getting hurt, identify potential hazards.
Hide or put away things like:
sharp objects;
electrical cords (these cord hiders are basically seamless)
toxic plants;
and why not even placing your shoes somewhere higher from the floor.
Creating a puppy safe environment prevents accidents, helps to set boundaries, but also makes the first few days and weeks less stressful.
2. Stocking up on supplies
Even before your puppy gets to it’s new home, gather essential items, that will help you get through first days or even weeks.
Short puppy essentials list:
a spacious crate or cozy dog bed (helps to set boundaries, but is also a cozy place for resting);
bowls for food and water (we personally have a separate bowl for food, but for water the best choice has been a water dispenser, like this);
right size collar, leash, ID tag (here we have compared 3 different dog ID tags) or a GPS tracker (we have used Tractive for years now, and we’re still loving it. This link will give -30%) for safe walks;
A few toys for some playtime, BUT puppies will have itchy teeth and gums, so chewing toys are crucial (our best pick throughout the years has been the Kong ones - sturdy and you can fill it up with something yummy).
Grooming and health tools like puppy shampoo, toothbrush and flavoured toothpaste are a must.
3. Create a potty training schedule
I believe we can say that one of the biggest first challenges for new puppy owners, is potty training.
It would be great if you could stay home at least first few days with your puppy. That way you can start creating a potty training schedule - puppies thrive on consistency.
Start by taking your puppy out at least 4 times a day - in the morning, lunch time, after work and playtime. The first days and weeks are most important to show when and where your puppy can pee and poo.
Some owners start relying on pee pads, but we would recommend not really using them.
At the end of the day it doesn’t matter if your puppy pees on a pee pad or on the floor - it’s still in the house and not outside.
4. Schedule a vet appointment
Depending on the vaccination agreements with the dog breeder or a shelter, it’s important to schedule a vet visit within the first few days of bringing your puppy home.
During the appointment your vet will check your puppy’s overall health, start necessary vaccinations and sets a schedule for the next ones.
This is also the perfect time to talk about your concerns or questions you might have about your puppy. The vet can give you advice or recommend other professionals you can talk to - a dog trainer, other clinics etc.
5. Get to know your puppy for future training
Last but not least - really get to know your puppy.
Read about your dog’s breed, specific health problems or hereditary diseases, energy levels and any breed specific details that will help you understand HOW to train your puppy correctly.
Especially in the beginning stick to short, yet frequent and consistent training sessions to keep your puppy engaged.
Try to understand what your dog likes and try to bond with your dog.
To make this whole process easier, we have made a perfect at home dog training app - Pocket Puppy School. Every lesson and topic from start to end is free.
We highly recommend trying it out if you want bite size, step by step training guide for your puppy.
Haven’t heard about Pocket Puppy School before?
Pocket Puppy School is a completely free dog training app. Our mission is to make information about raising dogs accessible to everyone in the world.
But in addition to our app, we have a blog (that you are currently reading 🤓) where we talk all things about dogs.
We post some informational and fun content to our Instagram page and believe it or not, we even have a merch store. 🥹 In the store you can get a t-shirt or a hoodie with your own dog picture that we will make into an awesome design.
Feel free to check out all of our channels, and if you have any questions, leave a comment down below.
Thank you!
