Tips to Prepare for a New Puppy

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pexels-photo-257519Source: pixabay.com
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a lot like welcoming a new baby. Excitement levels rise as everyone in your family anticipates the arrival of the fluffy little guy or gal. Preparation is important in order to help your pup acclimate to a new environment as seamlessly as possible. It also helps minimize potential negative puppy behaviors due to anxiety and stress. Before you order your furry bundle from www.littlepuppiesonline.com, take the time to plan accordingly.

Puppy Space

It’s important to determine ahead of time which areas of your home will be available to your puppy. Will he have free reign or do you want him confined to certain areas? Is he allowed on the furniture? There are no right or wrong answers here, but your preferences need to be taught to the pup right off the bat. If you let him on the couch on Day 1, you can be sure he’ll be jumping up there forever after. Install gates/barriers on any off-limits areas before the puppy comes home.

Create a cozy space that belongs only to the puppy, whether that includes a dog bed, an old pillow, or a blanket for him to snuggle up with. Anticipate your pup’s natural need to chew on things, and don’t give him anything you wouldn’t want permanently damaged. If you have young kids, make sure they understand that the puppy’s cozy space is off limits. It should be a place where he can go to relax.

pexels-photo-422220Toys

It’s no secret puppies like to chew. Not only do they like it, they actually need it for the development of their teeth. They also like to play! Puppy toys and chews are a must to keep your pup engaged, entertained, and satisfied.

Plan on devoting one-on-one time with your puppy just playing and bonding with him. Not only does this establish that important bond with your pup, it helps him begin to learn appropriate behaviors and keep his growing brain stimulated. Although you will soon find out what types of toys are his favorites, begin with a variety of toys including:

  • Raw hide chews
  • Rope tugs/chews
  • Stuffed animals
  • Rubber toys
  • Throwing/fetching toys

Nutrition

Growing puppies have unique nutritional needs. If you have mature dogs, you cannot just feed your puppy the same food they eat. Puppies grow at an astonishing rate and need specific vitamins, minerals and fat content to keep them healthy. It’s a good idea to speak with the breeder or his previous caretaker to find out what he has been eating since being weened off his mama.

Sudden changes in a puppy’s diet can cause digestive problems that you likely do not want to deal with! Even if you plan to change to a brand or type of food you prefer, it’s best to wait until the puppy reaches his first birthday.

Bringing home a new puppy is a family affair. It will effect every aspect of your lives, from current pets to family members and children. While a puppy can add much joy and love to your home, they can also cause quite a ruckus. Arm yourself with appropriate supplies and food, a positive attitude, and patience. You will find that investing your time and energy into the first few months results in a well-behaved, happy pooch.

 

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