When it comes to introducing a new puppy to your home, there are lots of things you need to know to ensure they’re entering a safe, puppy-friendly environment. Alongside the household checks, it’s also important to take key health and progression for your puppy into consideration too, such as training and vaccines. The following checklist covers everything you need to ensure your puppy has the very best start, keeping them healthy and happy throughout puppyhood and into adulthood.
Table of Contents
The Vets
First things first, you need to focus on finding a vet practice local to you that you can get your new puppy registered to. Vets are a key part of a pet’s life and it’s important that your puppy is registered from the beginning, so you can get them booked in for their vaccinations, flea and tick treatments and so on. It’s also beneficial to have your puppy registered with a vet’s practice, should your puppy become unwell or you feel you need advice or help with the development of your new four-legged friend.
Cosy and Safe
From the moment your puppy enters your home, they will start to associate certain smells and items with their new home. You want your puppy to feel safe and comfortable, so investing in a good quality bed for them is key. Position the bed somewhere they can retreat to, somewhere quiet and calm so they can rest properly without too many interruptions. At the beginning, people often start with crate training, so you may want to position your puppy’s new bed in their crate so that they become comfortable with their new environment. Similarly, you should look at adding some soft materials to the space, such as a cosy blanket and some soft toys for them to play with and find comfort in.
Puppy Identity
Ensuring you have the necessary items to keep your puppy safe and protected is crucial and one of the most important things to do is have your puppy microchipped. This will ensure that your puppy has a clear identity and can be returned if lost, or stolen, to their home. You can find out everything you need to know about microchipping here in this Blue Cross article, with advice on what to do for first time dog owners. Another important thing to invest in for your puppy upon their arrival is a collar and lead. Having a collar is crucial for a number of reasons, from ensuring they have a clear identity should they get lost, to ease when walking and training keeping them close to you when required. You can find some gorgeous dog collars and leads at much loved pet retailers, as well as online at Etsy.
Food and Treats
Providing your puppy with the right diet can help to ensure they have a happy and healthy life. Finding out which food your puppy likes and sticking to it is a great way of ensuring they receive the nutrients they require for a balanced diet. It’s also really useful to invest in lots of treats, from puppy training treats to larger treats for them to enjoy when they behave in a certain way. With so many different options available, you can try a few to figure out exactly which your puppy loves best.