Reorganize your home
Puppy proofing the house is as important as childproofing it before welcoming an infant. Puppies are clueless and messy; they are also known for entertaining themselves by biting into whatever comes their way. Chewing and scratching things are some of the most common habits a puppy picks, especially in its initial months.
Puppies are also way too small to realise what is safe for them and what isn’t. Therefore, reorganizing your house becomes a primary task before getting a tiny new puppy home. The following is a new puppy checklist with suggestions that can help you reorganize as per your new pet’s needs:
- Round edges: Make sure all furniture and corners have rounded edges instead of pointed ones. This will save your new puppy from unintentionally hurting itself.
- Add barricades/fences: Install fences around staircases and places that your pup should stay away from.
- Move house plants: If you have indoor plants, shift them to another location away from the puppy’s reach or position them above ground level to ensure that your puppy doesn’t chew on it. Certain indoor plants can be toxic for a pup.
- Spray anti-chew spray: Make use of the anti-chew spray on furniture, shoes, socks, and other commodities to avoid the puppy from chewing on your belongings.
- Make room for your pup: Organize a dedicated open space for the puppy to rest and play. Install a pet camera if you spend most of your time away from home.
- Rearrange your house: Lock all drawers, cabinets, and containers and arrange them away from the puppy’s reach. Store food and medicine on higher shelves and cabinets. Avoid keeping electronic devices and gadgets on the floor level.
- Vacuum your house: Regularly clean your carpets and furniture if the puppy sheds. Since your pet might try to explore its environment by sniffing and licking everything around it, it is imperative that your house clean.
Puppy Essential List
Like people, there are certain things that puppy need to lead a happy and comfortable life. Scan through the puppy essentials checklist thoroughly before getting a four-legged friend home.
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Feeding Supplies:
Hydration is equally important for dogs as it is for humans. Keeping your dog's water dispenser and water bowl ready at all times will make sure the new puppy is drinking enough water throughout the day. Choose between an automated water dispenser or a regular water bowl depending on your budget and need.
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Water bowl:
Hydration is equally important for dogs as it is for humans. Keeping your dog's water dispenser and water bowl ready at all times will make sure the new puppy is drinking enough water throughout the day. Choose between an automated water dispenser or a regular water bowl depending on your budget and need.
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Vaccines and healthcare:
The first thing you need to do after welcoming your tiny fur baby home is book an appointment with a vet. Puppies need to be medically examined and vaccinated regularly. Rabies, hepatitis, parvo, and parainfluenza are some of the most commonly seen diseases in dogs. Vaccination can help you keep lethal diseases at bay, and routine check-ups will give you detailed health updates on your new puppy. The doctor will also guide you better on how to handle and monitor your puppy’s growth.
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Accessories:
Walking harness, collars, leash, clothes, bedding, and baskets top the puppy essentials list. These accessories come in handy day in and day out. You need to walk your pet at least once a day and using a walking harness or a leash will simply make it easier for you to train the new puppy. Other accessories like beds, baskets, and blankets help in creating a cozy environment for your pet at home.
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Toys:
Wild knots, fetch balls, teething chew toys, and rope toys are some of the most popular canine toys. Puppies are often hyperactive during their growing stage. Their energy and enthusiasm are at their peak during the initial months. Buying toys will not only keep the new puppy entertained and intrigued for hours but it will also build a stronger bond between you and your pooch.
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Foods and treats:
Your dog’s diet will decide its health. Investing in healthy and nutritious will provide the right amount of nutrition to the puppy. You can choose a from dry dog food wet food as well as dog treats for complete nutrition. Today, brands offer different flavours of dog food such as chicken, beef, lamb, and turkey to tantalize your pup’s taste buds. However, consult a vet before choosing a dog food for your pup.
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Grooming needs:
Another set of essentials includes a grooming kit. While frequent visits to the grooming parlour are recommended, it can get quite expensive. Hence, it is better to invest in some basic grooming tools to ensure your new puppy is well groomed. Brushes, nail clippers, scissors, pet soap, and shampoo are a few grooming must haves that you should buy for your puppy. You can also take your little one to a professional groomer to get a cute dog hairstyles!
Now that we’ve answered most of your queries on how to prepare for a new puppy, the journey of welcoming your newest family member must be simpler. In case of more queries, do connect with your local animal shelter or vet and avail detailed information on how to care for a newborn puppy.
House training puppies
When you bring a pup home, you need to invest your time and effort to train it. Training is a crucial aspect of being a dog parent, it helps your pooch grow into a confident and happy dog. So, mentioned below are the types of training that is essential for every dog:
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Set boundaries:
Puppies are not used to being inside confined spaces. However, when you get a fur baby home, you will need to set boundaries to ensure they don’t harm themselves unintentionally. Setting up fences and keeping them away from certain places like kitchen, staircase, and window is recommended.
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Potty training:
Puppies can easily be trained for potty through habit building exercises. All you must do is set a specific potty spot and train the puppy to use that spot every time it needs to relieve itself. Reward your puppy with dog treats and praises for following commands. This is a good way to inculcate habits. You can also set up a puppy toilet training pad and seat to potty train your little pup.
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Exercise regimen:
Puppies are very active during their initial months. Hence, setting up a small exercise routine will aid in balancing their hyperactive behavior and ensure good health. It is best to take the puppy out on walk at least once a day. You can also play quick games like fetch to keep the little one active and happy.
Socializing
You wouldn’t want your pup to grow into a dog scared of other dogs and people. Hence, it is imperative that you introduce it to new people and dogs. Taking your furry friend out to dog parks or catching up with other pet owners is recommended to help it mingle with others. Introducing puppies to people also helps in reducing their anxiety around guests. However, don’t forget to groom your dog thoroughly by cleaning its paws and brushing its fur to keep dirt and fleas away after socializing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does it take for a puppy to get used to a new home?
A new puppy can take anywhere between one to three weeks to get used to its new surroundings. Older puppies can take longer to adjust to a new home compared to younger ones.
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Where should a puppy sleep the first night?
For the first night, make the puppy sleep in the same room as you because it will need time to adjust to the new surrounding away from its mother.
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Should I wake my puppy up to pee?
Yes, younger puppies, between the age of 0-5 weeks find it difficult to hold their bladder. So, you should take them out on pee and potty breaks before bedtime and at regular intervals throughout the day.
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How do I bond with my puppy on the first week?
Puppies are extremely small and sensitive. You need to be patient and caring when developing a bond with them. Help the puppy explore, introduce them to new sounds, play games, and keep them entertained in the initial days to create a stronger bond.
