Getting ready for your new furry friend: A Guide to Welcoming a New Dog into Your Home

Welcome to the beginning of an exciting journey filled with wagging tails, unconditional love, and endless cuddles! 

As you eagerly await the arrival of your new canine companion, it's essential to lay down the groundwork to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your four-legged friend. From setting up a cozy sanctuary to stocking up on essentials, every action you take in preparation will lead to an enjoyable relationship between you and your new dog.

Carry on reading for some helpful tips and tricks.

What to do before they come home:

For a puppy or dog coming to a new home might be scary so preparations are key to making them feel comfortable as soon as possible.

• Register with a vet practice

Registering with a vet before you get your new puppy is important as it ensures that you have a trusted healthcare provider to turn to in case of emergencies. Vets can provide valuable guidance on nutrition, behaviour, training, and more. Allowing you to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your dog from the outset. Registering with a vet allows you to access this expertise and receive personalised recommendations for your dog's specific needs.

• Check your dog is chipped

Legally, all canines older than eight weeks must undergo microchipping. If you're purchasing from a breeder, it's their responsibility to microchip the puppy and provide you with the pertinent database contact information

• Get pet insurance

Pet insurance provides financial security and peace of mind, allowing you to provide the best possible care for your furry companion throughout their life by helping you to cover the cost of unexpected veterinary expenses, which can be significant.

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• Create a Safe Space: Designate a specific area in your home where your puppy can retreat to rest and feel secure. This can be a crate or a cozy bed in a quiet corner.

• Puppy-Proof Your Home: Remove any hazardous items or potential choking hazards from your puppy's reach. This includes electrical cords, toxic plants, small objects, and household chemicals.

• Stock Up on Supplies: Purchase essential puppy supplies such as food and water bowls, a collar and leash, a crate, bedding, puppy food, toys, grooming supplies, and puppy training pads if you plan to use them.

• Be Patient and Loving: Bringing a new puppy into your home is a big adjustment for both you and your furry friend. Be patient, understanding, and shower them with love and affection as they settle into their new surroundings.

By following these steps and providing a loving and supportive environment, you'll be well-prepared to welcome your new puppy into your home and set them up for a happy and healthy life.

Training:

Training a new puppy requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Here are some tips to help you effectively train your new furry friend:

1. Start Early: Begin training as soon as you bring your puppy home. Early training helps establish good habits and prevents undesirable behaviours from forming.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your puppy with treats, praise, and affection when they exhibit desired behaviours. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce good behaviour and strengthens the bond between you and your puppy.

3. Be Consistent: Consistency is key to successful training. Use the same commands and cues consistently and follow a regular training schedule. This helps your puppy understand what is expected of them.

4. Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun: Puppies have short attention spans, so keep training sessions brief (about 5-10 minutes) and make them enjoyable. Use plenty of praise and treats to keep your puppy engaged and motivated.

5. Focus on Basic Commands: Start with basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. These commands form the foundation for more advanced training later on.

6. Be Patient: Remember that puppies are still learning and may not get everything right away. Be patient and avoid getting frustrated if your puppy doesn't respond immediately. Stay calm and positive during training sessions.

7. Socialise Your Puppy: Expose your puppy to different people, animals, environments, and experiences to help them become well-adjusted adults. Proper socialization is crucial for preventing fearfulness and aggression.

8. Use Crate Training: Crate training can be a valuable tool for housebreaking and providing your puppy with a safe and comfortable space. Make sure the crate is appropriately sized and always associate it with positive experiences.

9. Prevent Unwanted Behaviours: Instead of punishing your puppy for unwanted behaviours, focus on redirecting their attention to more appropriate activities. For example, if your puppy starts chewing on furniture, give them a chew toy instead.

10. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you're struggling with training or your puppy is displaying behaviour problems, don't hesitate to seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can provide personalized guidance and support to address specific issues.

By following these tips and being patient and consistent, you can effectively train your new puppy and build a strong and lasting bond with them.

Editorial Disclaimer: This article was updated 18.03.2024

Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and not those of any other company. This article has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any organisation.