Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and life-changing event but also a huge responsibility, especially when the puppy is just 2-4 months old. It’s going to require careful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry companion. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your new puppy:
Create a safe and comfortable environment
Designate a specific area in your home where your puppy can sleep, eat, play, and go potty. Make sure the area is safe, secure and has everything you new puppy might need, such as a comfortable bed, toys, water and food bowls, and a puppy-proofed play area.
Get all the necessary supplies
Puppies need a lot of gear, so make sure you have everything you need before your pup arrives. You will need a collar and leash, food, grooming supplies, a crate, food & water dishes, and training tools such as treats and toys. Start with the basics and add supplies to you arsenal as needed. For example, if you find you new furry friend eats too fast, consider getting a slow feeder.
A play pen is also a great tool to have, giving your new puppy too much free reign too soon can lead to unwanted behavior. For grooming tools, I recommend having a metal comb, slicker brush, and nail trimmers. Before trimming nails, make sure and educate yourself on the proper technique. A dog’s nails are very sensitive and it is very easy to trim too much and cause them unnecessary pain. If you aren’t confident enough, leave it to a groomer. I’m sure most any groomer would be happy to show you the proper technique so you can maintain them yourself if you so choose.
Puppy-proof your home
Remove anything that might be hazardous to your puppy, such as toxic plants, sharp objects, and loose wires. Make sure all cabinets and doors are secure, and move anything breakable out of reach.
Your puppy will likely be teething for several months. Make sure your puppy has plenty of things and toys that are okay for them to chew on, rather than your furniture, shoes, rugs, etc…
Plan for Potty Training
Potty training can be a long process when starting out with a young puppy, so it’s important to be patient and consistent. According to an AKC article, puppies don’t develop bladder control until they are 4 months old and a good rule of thumb is to assume your puppy can hold it for 1 hour per months old e.g. 4 months/4 hours, 5 months/ 5 hours.
Creating a schedule and taking your pup outside, to the same spot regularly can help speed up the process. Be prepared for accidents. Puppies will have accidents, so be prepared with plenty of cleaning supplies and be patient as they learn. Accidents should be cleaned up immediately to prevent lingering odors that could encourage your pup to revisit the spot. Punishing a puppy for having an accident is NOT appropriate for potty training a puppy, young puppies have 3 seconds to correlate behaviors and actions. If you catch your puppy in the act, just take them to their regular spot, let them finish, and give the praise for going in the right spot.
Also, another great tip is to be very careful with carpets, rugs and other soft surfaces. Carpets will stimulate a puppies potty instincts the same way grass, snow and gravel will.
Puppy training
Before your puppy arrives, familiarize yourself with positive reinforcement training techniques and start researching different training methods. You’ll want to start training your pup right away so they can learn the rules and routines of your household.
Zak George is a professional trainer and gives free tutorials on almost every aspect of dog training on his Youtube channel.
Consider Training Classes
Basic manners are so important for a new puppy and establishing a baseline early on is going to be crucial for you puppy’s well being in the long term. Whether you go with our training program, prefer a local trainer or if you have the time and abilities to train them yourself. Training your new puppy yourself can be one of the best bonding experiences. Although a mix of group classes is still an excellent opportunity to socialize your puppy with other dogs in a safe and controlled environment. Just be sure that the class has high standards and require proof a rabies vaccination.
Socialize your puppy
Socialization is critical for a well-adjusted and confident puppy. Once your puppy if fully vaccinated, start exposing your pup to new environments, people, and other animals. Take your pup for walks, invite friends over, and enroll in puppy classes. Some stores like home depot allow pet inside and it is an excellent way to desensitize. Just remember to take it at a pace that your puppy can handle, overstimulation can cause your new companion to regress socially.
Make a schedule
Puppies thrive on routine, so establish a schedule for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and sleep. Stick to the schedule as much as possible, and be patient and consistent.
Health check
Make an appointment with a veterinarian for a health check-up. Your vet will give your pup a thorough examination and discuss any vaccines or preventive care that may be necessary. Your new pup will need to see a veterinarian for regular check-ups and vaccinations, so it’s important to establish a healthy relationship with, but more importantly, find the right vet for you. Sometimes you and your vet might not click or feel like you are on the same page, just like a personal doctor for you, It’s okay to try a few different vets to make sure you find the right one.
Plan For Being Away
A lot of us aren’t able to take our beloved pets with us when we travel or in case of emergencies. It’s a good idea to have a plan in place for how or who will watch after your Whoodle while you are unable to.
A few ideas are, hire a pet sitter, take your pup to a daycare, or make arrangements with friends or family members. If you opt for a boarding or daycare option, make sure and do your research. A reputable daycare options should have high standards including vaccination records for all dogs boarding, insuring everyone is healthy and up to date, as well as a full schedule, including meals, exercise/play time, nap time and potty breaks.
Plan for Exercise
Puppies have a lot of energy, so it’s important to plan for daily exercise and playtime. Walks, runs, and trips to the park can be great ways to burn off energy and bond with your pup.
Stock Up on Food
Dog Food Advisor is my go to resource when selecting a new food. They are unaffiliated with brands and give an unbiased review of nearly all foods and brands based on ingredients and nutritional breakdowns. They give give a 1-5 star rating, I recommend a 4 star minimum.
Set Boundaries
Clearly establish what is and isn’t acceptable behavior for your new pup, and consistently reinforce these boundaries through positive reinforcement training.
Plan for Alone Time and Potential Separation Anxiety
Your pup will need time alone, so make sure you have a comfortable and safe space for them to rest, such as a crate or playpen. Gradually increase the amount of time your pup spends alone to help them get used to it. Create a safe space, make sure your pup has a designated space where they can retreat to when they need a break from the excitement of their new home. This could be a crate, bed, or a quiet corner.
In conclusion
Bringing a new puppy into your home can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. However, it can also be challenging and requires preparation and planning. With these tips, you can ensure that you are ready to welcome your new furry friend into your home and provide them with the care and attention they need to thrive.
Remember that each puppy is unique, and you may need to make adjustments to your approach based on your pup’s specific needs and personality. The most important thing is to provide a safe and loving environment for your new pup, and to be patient and understanding as they adjust to their new home.
With time, patience, and plenty of love, you and your new pup will create a bond that will last a lifetime. Enjoy the journey, and have fun watching your new furry friend grow and thrive!
