What to Do After Getting a New Puppy: Top 5 Tips for a Smooth Start

Congratulations on your decision to welcome a new furry member into your household! If this is your first time, preparation is key. Here are five tips to prepare and get your pet comfortable in their new home.

1. Supplies

To start, ensure you have all the necessary supplies to make them comfortable, assist in their training, and provide healthy food for their growing bodies:

• Food and Water Bowls (metal or ceramic is best)
• Crate
• Food/Treats
• Toys
• Bed
• Leash/Collar

2. Puppy-Proof Your Home

Prepare your home to provide a safe space for them:

• Remove any exposed wires they could chew on.
• Remove items they could knock over or pull on that you don’t want damaged.
• Close off rooms you don’t want them entering yet.
• Clean your floors of debris they could consume.
• Move any plants higher so they don’t knock them over or chew their leaves.

3. Ease Into It

This is a significant change in your puppy’s life, so try to maintain a calm, comfortable environment:

• If you have a cat, consider introducing them later when your puppy is more settled.
• If you have children, remind them to handle the new puppy carefully. Try to maintain a calm environment so both your child and puppy can adjust to each other.

4. Establish a Routine

Consistency is crucial for development:

• Feed them at the same time every day.
• Take them out to use the bathroom every hour/half hour.
• Get them on a daily training schedule.
• Make time for lots of play!

5. Training

Start housetraining your pet immediately:

• Begin crate training during bedtime to prevent midnight mishaps and reduce the likelihood of accidents.
• Socialize your puppy by introducing them to different environments.
• Sign up for obedience classes, or train them at home using DIY methods.
• Remember to ease into it and maintain patience—consistent training will yield results.

ENJOY! This is an exciting time, and we hope these tips help simplify things for you. Please let us know in the comments what topics you’d like to learn more about!