Last Updated on 2 years by Jenny Sovann
As much as bringing a dog home is an exciting experience, it is a serious one. It is essential to be well prepared and establish tasks that will ensure your furry friend feels safe and comfortable. If you are not having fun throughout this breathtaking experience, then you are probably doing it wrong. In this guide, we will go through the steps to prepare for a dog’s arrival in your home.
Deciding to keep your canine companion with you was probably a tough assignment. Grab your squeaky toy and let’s establish the means you will use to ensure that your dog’s arrival at home is a smooth journey that you will enjoy. We will cover things like the steps to take, dog-proofing, and routine, among other things every dog owner has probably gone through.
Steps To Prepare For A Dog’s Arrival In Your Home
Here are some of the crucial steps to prepare for a dog’s arrival in your home.
Choosing The Right Supplies
Your new furry friend, who is always out for your attention, has needs. Your dog will need food and water. It is highly recommended that you get your dog’s dietary needs from your veterinarian. Keeping your canine companion healthy will keep their tails wagging as they give you their wet kisses of affection daily.
Sometimes you will just need to keep your furry friend in check. If you would love to take him for a walk or a jog, it is necessary that you get a leash. This will keep the dog close to you and will make the people around you feel safe. It is also necessary to get a collar, this can be used for identification or restraint. If you love trends you can get a collar as a fashion item. Keeping collars on 24/7 is a bad idea though and you should remove them when the dog is going nowhere anytime soon, like during nighttime.
Your furry companion needs to be groomed. Getting brushing and bathing tools for your dog will be a great idea. It is highly recommended that you get dog shampoo for your dog. Most are medicated to keep parasites away from your canine companion. You can also contact your veterinarian about the various medications that would keep your canine companion safe during grooming sessions.
Dogs are playful and that is their nature. If you don’t take care of this behavior you will only end up regretting getting a dog. It is important that you get your dog toys and bones they can chew for their mental and physical stimulation. Some say the squeaky toys remind dogs of the hunting instincts they had at one point in time. So this would probably keep them busy from sneaking your socks and chewing up your favorite furniture. It is also important to get them a sleeping crate, or bed or build them a kennel that they would relax after their exhausting routines.
Dog-Proofing Your Home
Dogs are curious animals. Don’t get shocked if you see your dog trapped inside your trash can seeking your help to get back to the world. If you don’t properly dog-proof your home, you will be faced with the challenge of dealing with your canine companion’s unlimited curiosity and destructive nature. For one, you could keep all trash cans covered or secured to prevent your dog from getting into them.
Sometimes it is important to keep your dog from reaching some parts of your house. You maybe don’t trust your dog with some expensive furniture, or you just want to keep your office documents safe. You can overcome this challenge by installing safety gates or baby gates. This will prevent your furry friend from reaching certain areas of the house.
Buying your dog the most exquisite toys doesn’t mean that they will capture all his curiosity. Sometimes curiosity can be self-destructive. Cover your electrical cords to prevent the dog from chewing them up. Also keep cleaning supplies, chemicals, and medication out of reach from your dog. This will keep them safe from self-harm.
Importantly, you should just keep your house clean. Objects such as pens, paperclips, pins, and jewelry can be harmful when ingested by your dog. Securing loose rugs can ensure that your furry friend does not trip often. Also, keep that toilet cover closed, you don’t want your canine companion exploring the “fountain of youth” do you?
Establishing A Routine
Bringing your canine companion home means that a lot of things will have to change at home. It’s unfortunate, but your furry companion cannot get a job. Your dog will have to stay at home all day, and even for you, this can get extremely boring. Dogs thrive on routine, so it is essential that you establish one from the very beginning.
Establishing a feeding schedule, for instance, will help your dog adjust to the environment. Feeding your dog also means that he will have to take a potty. Taking your dog outside for potty breaks at regular intervals and rewarding him for going potty outside will keep your lives comfortable.
Dogs also require regular exercise and rest. It is crucial for your dog’s physical and mental health. Engaging your dog at set times to go for walks, play fetch or other physical activities will keep your dog healthy and active.
Training And Socialization
For both your well-being and the dog’s, it is important that you train the dog. You can teach your furry friend basic commands so that it can understand your expectations. A lack of understanding between you and your dog would only lead to ungoverned chaos. You can enroll your dog to get professionally trained on how to interact with you.
Socialization is also important. Your dog should be able to coexist with people and other dogs around him. Exposing your dog to different environments should not be a task that you dread. Your furry companion should become a well-adjusted pet.
Introduction To Family
At some point in time, you will have to introduce your new dog to your family. It is important that you carry this out slowly, skillfully, and carefully. Your dog should be comfortable in its changing environment, and you should be the driving force that allows this to happen.
Allowing the dog to approach the family members on its own would be a good idea. You should not force interactions as this would only make your dog anxious and aggressive. If you can, introduce your dog to your family members one at a time, in a calm and controlled environment.
You should supervise how your dog interacts with children and other pets to ensure everyone’s safety. Teaching children how to interact with the dog and respect its boundaries is one important thing you should always carry out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do with your dog when you first bring it home?
It is important that you give your dog space and time to adjust. It may be a little bit overwhelming for your dog to fit into its new environment. Your dog may feel anxious. Create a quiet and comfortable space for them to relax.
How do I prepare my house for the arrival of my new pet?
Removing hazards, creating a designated space, stocking up on supplies, and establishing a routine are among some of the things you can do to prepare for the arrival of your new furry friend. Also, learn positive reinforcement techniques that would help you along the way.
What is the best way to introduce dogs in their home?
Keep your introduction sessions calm. Introducing them in a chaotic environment would only lead to anxiety and aggression. Supervise the interactions if necessary and be prepared to intervene in case of anything.
What do I need before I bring my dog home?
You will need food and water bowls for your dog. Dog food, collar and leashes, toys and treats, grooming supplies, and cleaning supplies. Getting a bed or crate for your dog to sleep in will ensure that its stay at your place is a comfortable one.
How do you welcome a new dog?
Giving the dog time to adjust is important. Slowly show them around while establishing a routine that would be easy for them to understand. Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior and discourage any bad behavior.
Where should a puppy sleep the first night?
Puppies should sleep comfortably. The environment should be safe and in a designated spot. Sleeping in a crate can help with house training and prevent accidents during the night. Overall the environment should be quiet to keep the dog comfortable.
Conclusion
Bringing a new dog home is one step in a long exciting journey. It requires that you prepare and plan well. Choosing the right supplies, dog-proofing, establishing a routine, training, socialization and introduction to family are some of the things that you will have to carry out. To make your furry friend comfortable and happy, plan how you will carry out his points in an efficient manner.
Strap that leash on your dog and enjoy the new memories you will create for each other. Very soon your dog will be running around comfortably around your house like he just won the lottery, and yes he did. Hopefully, our guide on the steps to prepare for a dog’s arrival in your home helps you settle in well with your new companion.
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