Home Sweet Home – Preparing for your New Puppy

12/01/09

Now that the ever important decision has been made (you have chosen a puppy to share the next 10-15 years of your life with!) it is imperative that you prepare for your puppy’s homecoming before he or she arrives. First impressions really do count, so you must do all that you can to ensure your puppy’s transition into your home is as smooth as possible. Preparing for your puppy includes purchasing the essentials such as food bowls and a comfy bed, but the preparation also involves sitting your household down and having a discussion of how you can work together to provide a calm, consistent and supportive new environment for your soon to arrive family member.

Shopping for initial supplies can be great fun, but try not to go overboard! You will need to begin with two bowls, (one for food, one for water) stainless steel can be a good option as it’s more difficult to knock over, and impossible for puppy teeth to chew up. Bedding is the next step, but before you go out and buy anything too pricey, keep in mind your puppy will not be toilet trained, and will most likely chew and chew and chew and chew! Instead you can start with either a more modest purchase, or simply an old blanket folded up either on the floor or in an open basket. Once your puppy is toilet trained and has outgrown his chewing phase, feel free to buy as beautiful and comfortable a bed as you wish!

Toys, bones and treats are next on your shopping list. As difficult as it might seem, you must restrain yourself from buying every toy in the store. If your puppy is overloaded with toys, it will be difficult for them to differentiate between what is theirs, and what is yours - eg. your shoes! As for bones, let the store know that you are looking for something suitable for a puppy, and they will advise you of your options – something in rawhide should do nicely. The treats are a very important purchase, but make sure your puppy likes them before you dash out and buy it in bulk! Don’t forget it’s not the size of the treat but your enthusiasm when sharing that’s the most effective training!

Other items of vital importance are a puppy collar and lead. The staff at your local store will be able to help you with sizes once you know the breed you have chosen. It’s also an excellent idea to have an ID tag with your phone number attached to the collar. Your puppy might not be leaving your house for a few weeks yet, but it’s best to get into good habits.

Puppy proofing your home is the next step in preparation. You must ensure that there are no loose electrical cords dangling in a tempting manner, and make sure there is nothing on the floor small enough to be swallowed and harm your puppy. You might also consider gates for blocking off certain rooms in your house, or even a play pen which will keep your puppy in the area that you specify. Playpens can be used both indoors and out.

Once you are satisfied that your home is ready for your new family member, sit back and count the sleeps till their arrival! Keep in mind that there is plenty more work to come, but the reward is most certainly worth it. Who could say no to unconditional love?

« More articles