Before you bring a new puppy home, it’s important to do a lot of research about how to take care of a new puppy – how to get your home ready for a puppy, and all the responsibilities that come along with puppy ownership. You can talk to your local veterinarian before bringing your puppy home to make sure that you are ready. Here are a few puppy care basics that will help you get started.
Create a Safe, Clean, and Comfortable Environment
Your puppy will need a safe, clean, and comfortable environment in which to eat, sleep, play, and spend time with you and your family. Before bringing a puppy home, put away anything in your home that your puppy could get into, including electrical cords, trash, laundry, shoes, medications, human food, hair elastics, and plants. You should set up puppy gates to confine the puppy to a specific area of the home that is the safest, like the kitchen or living room. You should also set up a playpen or kennel that the puppy can be in when you aren’t home or aren’t watching it. You will also need to set up a comfortable sleeping area with a soft bed and bedding.
Schedule a Veterinary Visit
Your puppy should visit the veterinarian within a week of you bringing it home. The veterinarian will make sure your puppy is in good health and determine if it is ready to be spayed or neutered. The veterinarian will also schedule your puppy’s initial vaccinations. Ask the veterinarian any questions you have, such as what food to feed your new puppy, if you should microchip your puppy, and the safest leash and collar to use.
Enroll in Training and Socialization Classes
As your puppy gets older, it will need to be properly trained and socialized. You can schedule one-on-one or group training classes to teach your puppy basic commands and make sure it is housebroken. You can also take your puppy on walks and take it to the dog park so that it is properly socialized and used to being around humans and other dogs.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as you get a new puppy to make sure it is safe and healthy.