It’s exciting to bring home a new puppy, but it’s a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Puppies are a big responsibility, a lifetime commitment. Before bringing home a new puppy, it’s important to make sure everyone in the family understands the commitment you are about to take on. Everyone should be included in this decision, and if just one person is hesitant, you might want to wait until everyone in the family is ready. It wouldn’t be fair to bring an animal into a home where it might not be wanted or accepted.
Talk to your family first and if everyone is in agreement consider the following:
You’ll need to decide as a family what breed of dog you wish to adopt. If you want to adopt a purebred dog, you might want to consider adopting from a reputable breeder. You may also check with your local animal shelter or rescue group as purebred dogs are surrendered on a regular basis. If it’s a mutt you might be searching for, check with your humane society or rescue group. Your new best friend might be waiting for you right around the corner.
Once you’ve determined what type of dog you’re bringing home, you’ll need to prepare your family, and your home. Family members need to be aware of their responsibilities when it comes to caring for a new puppy. Someone will need to show your puppy when and where to use the bathroom. They will need to show him immediately when you bring him home. It’s best to start him on a new routine right away; you’ll have plenty of time for snuggles and playtime once he settles in.
Once he does settle in, he’ll need a corner of the room to call his own. You can do this by setting up a gate or by using a playpen-like setting. Put down plenty of clean blankets or bedding, and make sure he has plenty of toys to play with. This will be his home for the first few months so it’s important he has everything he needs to feel safe and warm in his new home.
Your puppy will also need food and water, and dishes to eat and drink from. He’ll need a collar, a leash and identification tags. Don’t forget about his crate, his toys and his treats. It’s a lot to take in and you don’t want to forget anything.
After he’s been home for a few days, someone will need to take him to the veterinarian for an exam as well as for his puppy shots. He’ll need to be neutered, or if he happens to be a she, she’ll need to be spayed. Puppies honestly do better when we have them spayed or neutered. Not only does it reduce the pet population but in many cases, it prevents cancer.
Now that you have done all of the above, you may decide you want to train your dog. Puppies aren’t born with manners, so it’s up to us to teach them right from wrong. If you don’t already have a trainer in mind, it’s easy to find one online by searching for dog trainers. Many trainers take puppies as young as six to eight weeks, but some wait a little bit longer.
If you haven’t done it yet, you may still need to “puppy proof” your home by securing electrical cords in cardboard tubes or plastic. This will prevent your puppy from making your cords into chew toys.
Keep all plants away from curious paws because many are toxic. The same applies to household cleaners. Make sure all chemicals are stored behind a locked cabinet and out of reach.
It’s both exciting and overwhelming to bring a new puppy into your home. It’s best to plan and make sure everything is in order before the big day. This ensures that your new puppy will have the best start possible in his or her new home.
Today we would like to thank http://www.pets.webmd.com for their help with this post. See their website for more tips on keeping your dog or cat happy and healthy for life.
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