Bringing a new puppy into your home and into your family is an absolute joy. You get to watch as the puppy explores its new home and gets to know its new family. However, there is an adjustment period as your pup explores its new surroundings and finds its place in your home.
There are things you can do to prepare yourself, your family, and your home for your puppy’s transition into your world. Here are 5 things to keep in mind when bringing home a new pup:
Plan for the Puppy’s Arrival – There are things you will need to have ready for your puppy. If you know when your new puppy will be coming home, you can get these items in advance so you’re ready when the time comes.
- Good quality puppy food and treats
- Water and food bowls
- A leash and a collar
- A pet crate for safe transportation
- Chew toys to keep your shoes and other belongings safe from little teeth
- Toys to chase and play with
- Gates or barriers (like baby gates) to keep puppies away from stairwells and out of other rooms
- Puppy training pads and poop collection bags
- Grooming supplies like shampoo, brushes, and combs
- A soft, warm bed for your new puppy
Puppy-Proof Your Home – Move items that you don’t want your puppy getting into and consider taking valuable items out of common areas until the puppy has settled into its new home.
Prepare Your Family and Pets for the Introduction of the New Puppy – Teach children how to interact with the new puppy. Remind them to give the puppy space and time to adjust. Allow pets to meet on their own terms. Let them discover each other on their terms without any forced meetings or confrontations. Animals, just like humans, can get to know one another with time.
Set Aside Time for Your New Family Member – Your new puppy will likely be excited to get to know you and your home. As it gets more comfortable, share different areas of the house with your new pup and make time to play. This new experience for your pup may cause nervousness, so show your new puppy extra love and affection.
Some breeds will be easy-going and friendly to begin with like labradoodle puppies or sheepadoodle puppies, while others may need more patience and support to transition into your home. Learn more about puppy adoption at Texas Austrian Labradoodles.