Congrats! You’re Getting a New Puppy!
The anticipation of bringing home a puppy is one of the most exciting feelings ever! One of the greatest things you can do for your new puppy is being prepared for his or her arrival. While it may seem as simple as buying a collar, a bed, and a cute little toy, there’s more to it that some people might overlook. We have compiled this list of 5 things you should have before bringing home your furry friend!
#1. Be Sure to Have a Crate
Crates are useful in so many ways! Not only are they the most effective way to potty train your new puppy, they also serve as a “safe space” for when you aren’t home to supervise. If introduced to the crate with positive reinforcement, most dogs actually enjoy being in their crate with a favorite toy and blanket.
#2. Baby Gates to Puppy Proof the Stairs
Stairs can be a safety hazard for puppies that haven’t learned how to use them yet. Consider blocking them off with baby gates until you are confident your puppy won’t have an accidental fall.
#3. Chew Toys are a MUST
Puppies love to chew! Especially in the early days, it’s important to provide chew toys that are safe for your dog, as a way to ensure they don’t start chewing on your shoes or furniture to satisfy this urge. Try selecting a few toys that have a variety of textures so they don’t get bored. Mental stimulation is equally important as physical stimulation.
#4. Training Treats!
It’s important to have treats that are designated for training! Since training a new puppy is extremely repetitive, the treats should be small and low calorie. This will reduce the risk of excessive weight gain above a healthy amount. The fewer ingredients, the better!
#5. A Doggy Ramp to Reduce the Risk of Back Problems
Something that a lot of dog owners aren’t aware of is the risk of back problems in a lot of breeds. There’s a long list of smaller breeds prone to IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) that require extra care and caution to avoid worsening the pre-existing condition. Using a Dog Ramp to help your puppy safely get on and off furniture can reduce the risk of back problems developing over time. It also eliminates the risk of your puppy accidentally falling and injuring themself after a bad jump off the couch or bed.
We hope you found these 5 steps useful and your puppy’s transition to their new home is fun, safe, and full of love! Do you have any tips for puppy parents of your own? Let us know in the comments below!
