Before bringing a puppy home
To start, I would advise you to decide which breed of dog you want and research what has been written about that breed. Keep in mind that the dog you will get to live with you for the next 10-15 years should be adapted to your lifestyle and energy. According to your style, you should choose the breed.
I know that as a child, your favorite breed was a Husky, but do you have conditions for a Husky? Or for a Jack Russell Terrier? Maybe a Pitbull?
Each purebred dog has characteristics that you should consider. Whether it’s a terrier breed that will always want something to dig out and will have a ton of energy, a hunting breed that when focused on the “prey” you can’t bring them back with anything, or a herding breed that will want a “flock” for which they will be responsible. It is important to choose the breed that best suits your lifestyle and energy.
Okay, you’ve chosen a potential breed, now let’s read about it. The internet is full of dog pages and how to deal with them, but I recommend the website DOG TIME because it is pretty thorough in describing the breeds.
Without disappointment, if the favorite dog breed does not match your conditions. The most important thing is to choose a puppy that will be happy with you and in any case, you will be pleased with it.
After you choose the dog breed, make sure you take the dog from a reputable breeder. If there is a pedigree, don’t forget to inspect all the documents that should be given to you at the time of taking the puppy. You would be surprised how many people were deceived by the pedigree documents. If you don’t know the breeder of the chosen breed, contact the nearest veterinarian. Veterinarians always have information about breeders and new litters.
Essential things to buy:
Furthermore, it is very important to make a list of essential things to buy before bringing the puppy home. These essentials include food, a leash, a collar, bowls for food and water, toys, grooming supplies, and a bed. Don’t forget to make a budget for the care and maintenance of the dog. The cost of food, veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and other expenses will add up. Make sure you have enough money to take care of the dog properly.
1. Preparing the home for a dog – Puppy proofing
This is very important to do before bringing the puppy home. Preparing the home for a dog includes the following: where the dog will sleep at night and whether that space is safe, making sure all cables and electronics are out of reach to prevent them from being chewed on, covering all outlets in case the dog wants to lick them, cleaning up all items that could be chewed or destroyed. Generally, anything you would do when a baby starts to crawl or walk around is to put it in a high and safe place.
2. Food and water bowls
They can be a set, but they can also be separate. Keep in mind that they should be made of non-toxic materials and are easy to clean. If you have information that your new puppy has the potential to eat very quickly, get him a bowl that is like a labyrinth through which he will have to dig for food, thus eating more slowly.
3. Collar and leash
While the puppy is growing and developing, avoid collars that are placed on the thorax. These collars can impede proper body development. Also, find out if your puppy can even wear such collars and how to use them properly.
4. Appropriate puppy food
To ensure your puppy’s digestive system stays healthy, it’s important to maintain their diet consistency when you bring them home. If you want to switch to a new food, do so gradually over 7-10 days to avoid any digestive issues. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old food and gradually increasing the proportion of new food while decreasing the old food. Choose a high-quality puppy food that meets your puppy’s nutritional needs based on their age, breed, and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions about your puppy’s diet.
5. A puppy crate
Having a crate of appropriate size in which the puppy can sleep at night is a great way to teach the puppy boundaries and limits. Also, sleeping in a crate is recommended to avoid nighttime accidents of peeing and pooping around the house.
A crate teaches boundaries and limits, prevents accidents, and provides security.
6. Potty Pads
6. Potty PadsWhile teaching the puppy that the place for peeing and pooping is outside, potty pads are a great way to limit accidents inside the house.
In addition, potty pads can also be a helpful tool for pet owners who live in apartments or have limited access to outdoor spaces, as they provide a designated spot for their furry friends to go when necessary. However, it’s important to gradually wean your puppy off of using the pads and transition them to exclusively going outside to avoid any confusion or accidents in the future.
7. Vaccines and other veterinary services
If you take a puppy younger than 12 weeks, it probably hasn’t received all necessary vaccinations. Don’t forget to take the vaccination card from the breeder so you know when the next vaccination is. And stay home until it receives all the vaccines to make sure your new family member is properly immunized and safe from viral diseases.
8. Puppy toys!
8. Puppy toys!Every puppy loves toys, lots of toys. But give it one or two toys a day because if you give it all 15 that you bought before you got it, they might get bored quickly. Make sure these toys are made of non-toxic materials and appropriate for puppies, not children. Toys for children are not made of materials that are durable enough to withstand chewing with those sharp puppy teeth. You wouldn’t want your new puppy to swallow part of a toy and have to go to the vet.
9. Puppy rewards!
These rewards will be used for training and rewarding your puppy. They should be appropriate for young puppies because their digestive system is so delicate.
It’s important to keep in mind that rewards should be used in moderation, as overfeeding your puppy can lead to health issues such as obesity.
10. Choosing a primary veterinarian
Don’t forget to choose a primary veterinarian and stay in contact with them for any questions or concerns you may have. Regular visits to the veterinarian are essential for your puppy’s health. In upcoming posts, we will get familiarized ourselves with the importance of vaccinations and the diseases they protect against.