Before your new puppy arrives, you need to do everything you can to make sure that they are going to be both comfortable and happy. If you don’t then you may end up making the transition more stressful and this is the last thing that you want. If you want to find out more then simply take a look below.

Food and Water Bowls

It’s vitally important that you choose stainless steel or bowls which have a heavy bottom. Ceramic is ideal here. The main reason for this is because plastic bowls will often end up being chew toys and the teeth marks can then become a haven for bacteria. A heavy bowl will also be much harder for your dog to knock over as well.

ID Tag

By law, your dog has to wear an ID tag on their collar. This should show the owner’s name and their address. You can order a tag over the internet or you can even go to your local pet shop if you want. Collars can easily slip off and break though, so it’s always a good idea for you to get your dog microchipped if you can. It’s very quick and painless, not to mention that it is also very effective. Ask your vet to insert the chip and when you do, you can then increase the chances of being reunited with your dog if they happen to go missing. A lot of breeders will microchip their dog already so the only thing you need to do is ask them how to change it over to your name.

Something to Chew

Dogs love to chew, and if you have a teething puppy then they will try and chew everything that they are able to get their teeth around. If you want to protect your socks, shoes and more, then you need to buy them a huge range of chew toys so that they can relieve some of the pressure in their jaw. Never leave your dog alone to play with anything that could potentially splinter in their mouth, or that could electrocute them. Take into account the type of dog you have too. If you have a black lab for example then they will need bigger chew toys than a pug.

Toys

There really is a huge selection of dog toys out there. Take a look at your local pet shop or even try and go online. There you will find balls, tugs and even frisbees. They are all designed to try and make your training sessions way more fun, for both you and your dog. If you want to get the best result out of your training session, then try and invest in toys which you will find fun as well. When you do, you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to have the best time.

Grooming Kit

It’s important to know that for your puppy, grooming isn’t just about trying to untangle their coat and making them look nice. It’s a bonding experience and it reminds them of being back with their mother. If you want to help your pet to have the best experience, then you need to give them grooming sessions every day. Different coats will require different brushes, so ask your pet shop or your dog’s breeder for advice where you can. Getting your dog’s nails clipped is also crucial so try and pick up some clippers and some dog shampoo. This will give your dog the best coat and it also keeps them feeling nice too.

Stair Gate

Balconies, ponds and ponds should be out of bounds for your puppy. A baby gate will do the job just fine when you are not around, and it can also help you to protect your furniture too. Gates will also stop your puppy from chewing everything that they shouldn’t so keep this in mind if you can.

Crate Training

You may be given a travelling crate to bring your puppy home and this is great. You do however need to make sure that the crate is big enough for your puppy to turn around in if you can. Dogs hate to go to the bathroom in their bed so a crate can be a very valuable aid in those first few weeks. It also gives your dog the chance to adjust to their new routine too. If you are crate training your puppy then try and make sure that you let the dog out at suitable intervals because if you don’t then you may end up putting them under a lot of stress.

Your Dog’s First Food

Bringing your dog home will be a big change for them. One of the best things that you can do is give them a bowl of food that they are already used to. When you do this, you can help them to feel much more welcome and secure. After this point, you can then decide what food you would like to give them. If you do make the decision to change your dog’s diet, then make sure that you do this over a period of time by mixing the old food in with the new. Making sure that the food contains the right ingredients is crucial if you want the best for your dog.

Collar and Lead

You won’t be able to take your new dog for a walk until they have had their jabs. You can spend the time that you have with them now, bonding and training them. If you can get them used to the outside world now, then that would also be beneficial. This could mean letting them out in the yard or even trying to get them used to their collar. Collars and leads are available in a huge range of materials. If you aren’t sure which material you should be going with then soft leather and nylon are both good options. Adjustable collars are also highly recommended as they will grow with your dog. Adjust the buckle if you can, to make sure that it fits properly. If you want to check then you can put a few fingers down the side of the collar to make sure that it is nice and snug. You’ll be amazed at how fast your dog will grow in the first few weeks so try and make sure that you carry on making the right adjustments.

Your Vet Visit

Ask any neighboring dog owners in the local area if they can recommend a vet.  As soon as your dog is used to your new home, you will want to take them for a visit to the vet. When you take the dog to the vet you will need to talk with them about vaccinations, microchipping and neutering as well. Take some treats with you to the vets and make a big fuss of them as well. The more you can make your dog’s experience fun and exciting, the more this will benefit you in the future as they won’t be scared of the car or the area in general.

Pet Insurance

You should always have a chat with your vet about any potential treatment or even about insurance. Think about the cover you need, compare the quotes you have and also chat with your insurance provider to see if they can work with you to try and give you a better deal. Little things like this can work in your favor so make a special effort to take things like this into account and always do your research as much as possible if you want to save the most money.

 

 

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