Bringing your puppy home is a very exciting experience. Naturally there’s a lot of joy and anticipation surrounding the big event. To prepare, you’ve probably bought supplies, food, and much more to make your home ready and cozy for your new puppy.
Once your little one is home, you’ll probably be busy tending to his or her needs. Those first few nights can be extra tough, as your fur baby gets used to their new surroundings. And then there’s potty training and puppy proofing. That’s why preparing ahead of time can help make the transition easier.
In this blog post, we’ll explore several tips to prepare you for bringing your puppy home. Keep reading to learn them all!
Prepare For Potty Training
Potty training is one of the most difficult tasks that new puppy owners face. To prepare, be ready to take your pupper to a specific place as soon as they get home. After a car ride, your puppy will likely need to potty. Determine a long-term place in your yard as their “potty place”. By starting right away when bringing your puppy home, your puppy will more quickly learn the ropes.
Also, be prepared for how frequently your puppy will need to go out. Puppies have small bladders, which means they have to potty quite often. Rewarding your puppy during potty training can help with positive reinforcement. Reward your puppy with lots of playtime or some natural treats to say “good job!”
Puppy Proofing
Puppies are notorious for ruining favorite items and furniture. To help limit damage, dog-proofing your home in advance can help. This includes securing any strings, ribbons, bands, or anything loose that could be of interest to your new puppy. If there are items with high value, be sure to keep them out of reach from your puppy.
When puppy proofing, it’s important to give your puppy “safe” toys that they can go to. This will help prevent your puppy from chewing on things they shouldn’t. Your vet should be able to assist in selecting the best type of toys for your puppy. Certain toys may be off limits until your pup gets a bit older.
It’s also important to look around your home for safety hazards. Getting on the floor can help you spot things from your puppy’s level. There may be various things throughout your home that are dangerous to a puppy. Think about cords, electrical outlets, and other potential hazards to prepare for bringing your puppy home.
Treats & Training
To prepare for bringing your puppy home, remember to stock up on puppy-safe treats. The best types of treats for puppies are those that can be broken into smaller pieces. Of course, it’s always best to talk to your vet about your puppy’s specific dietary needs. You’ll also want to ask them at what age it’s safe to give your puppy dog treats. Once you’re given the clear, these Cheeze & Sweet Potato Tiny Bites may be the perfect fit. They’re made with quality ingredients, are small in size, and make excellent training treats!
As part of your puppy’s training, they’ll be introduced to new family members. Aim to introduce the puppy to one person at a time to give your puppy a chance to learn. For positive reinforcement or to teach new skills and tricks, you may find our Salmon Topper-Trainer Treats extra helpful.
Crates
If you’re going to use a crate, be sure to use it right away after bringing your puppy home.
Prepare in advance by setting it up and making it extra comfortable.
Many dogs see their crate as their safe place or “home base” within the home. Your puppy will begin to learn that this is their designated spot. It may take them a while to get used to it, but more often than not they’ll see it as a cozy spot they enjoy spending time in.
Preparing For Puppy With Food
Puppies can become possessive of their food. To prepare, you may want to begin hand feeding your puppy at each meal. This will help them learn to share the space around their food. While it may be easy to want to overfeed your puppy, keep to the appropriate amount of food per serving. Think about the best feeding schedule in advance of bringing your puppy home.
New puppy owners sometimes benefit from incorporating training into feeding times. When your puppy is hungry it may be a great time to teach them new skills. Before bringing your new puppy home, consider ways you can combine feeding and training!
Enjoy Your Little Pal!
With these helpful tips in mind, you’re already on your way to becoming an excellent puppy owner. From potty training to puppy-safe treats, there’s a lot to consider when preparing for bringing your puppy home. But you’re well on your way to figuring it out.
Start your dog’s diet off right by choosing responsibly sourced dog treats that are made in the USA. Carolina Prime Pet treats are made FOR dogs BY dog lovers. We aim to provide exactly what dogs need and want. Once your puppy is old enough, be sure to check out our entire line.
As always, we wish you the best journey as you navigate the ins and outs of puppyhood!
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