There’s no better gift you can receive than a new family member. Puppies are adorable, can teach responsibility and are great companions. Yet, much like little children, dogs also need to be properly taken care of as they learn and adapt their habits from the very moment they walk into your home. With that in mind, here are a few tips on introducing a new puppy into your home.
Preparation
Make sure that you are prepared to welcome your new puppy into your home. First and foremost, you need a collar and a lead for the new fellow – and in the UK the Control of Dogs Order 1992 states that all dogs in a public place must have a name and address written or engraved onto a collar or tag. If you don’t teach your pup to wear a collar the first day, you could have a lot of trouble doing so later on. But that’s not all you’ll need. A dog bed, possibly a crate, as well as bowls and grooming materials are also a must. Having a few dog toys around is also helpful. Don’t forget to remove any hazardous items (wires, sharp objects) and to “dog-proof” your home!
The First Walk Around the House
The first thing you should do once you bring your new pup home let it sniff everything, but don’t let him/her chew things. Instead, when it inevitably starts chewing on random objects, tell it calmly to leave it and give it an appropriate toy – start as you mean to go on, those puppy teeth will grow! Having a clear sleeping and clear toilet area will help your new addition feel comfortable and fall into routine.
Avoid Having Visitors Over and Long Excursions
Your pup is probably stressed out as it is, avoiding having any guests over on its first day will give it a chance to settle and gain some confidence. Instead let it get to know his/her new family first – there are so many new sights and smells to take in. Of course, introducing your new puppy to strangers (human and furry) once the appropriate time comes is very important to having a friendly, sociable and well adjusted pooch. Longer excursions and walks are also out of the question for the first few days, little puppies get tired very quickly and spend most of their days sleeping and of course cannot go outside for walks until all the right vaccination courses have been given.
Be Observant
One of the most important things when bringing a pup to your home is letting it settle at its own pace. Be observant of its actions and reactions and don’t stress it out unnecessarily. Let it explore its new home calmly and learn of its surroundings. Tailster have thousands of carers across the UK available to help with all of your walking and puppy sitting needs! Already have a dog and getting a new one? Learn how to introduce a dog coming into your home with a host dog right here.
And if you need any help finding the perfect carer for your pet, make a request below. It’s free and it only takes 30 seconds – let’s see who we can find for you.