It doesn’t matter what age your children are a new puppy is something most children will put on their Christmas list. A new puppy will be loved and adored by toddlers and teenagers alike and a pet such as a puppy can have a hugely positive impact on a family. That said those first few months of welcoming a puppy into your new home can be a busy and sometimes challenging time. To help make the transition smoother for everyone it is important to have a plan. A plan can help reduce any extra stress that a new puppy might be experiencing when moving to their new surroundings and coming into their new home. If you and your family are about to embark on life with a new puppy here are some basic guidelines to follow.
How To Look After Your New Family Puppy
Puppy prep
Firstly there are some steps you can take to be prepared for the arrival of your new puppy. It is a good idea to decide on a name as early as possible as this will be one of the first things your puppy will learn. You will also need to decide where the new puppy is going to sleep and have a dog bed ready, with a warm blanket. Commonly, puppy owners choose a space in the kitchen where the floor is typically easier to clean. However, be prepared for your puppy to struggle with separation from their mum and littermates in the early days, you may experience some whinging and crying in the first week or so as your puppy gets used to his new sleeping arrangements. Finally, you want to make sure you have all of the equipment necessary such as a feeding bowl, water bowl, safe chew toys, grooming equipment, lead, collar, name tag, and food.
Bringing your pup home
Collecting your puppy is an exciting experience for everyone and it is recommended that at least two people actually do the collection. This is so someone can sit with and hold the puppy on the journey home, this can provide reassurance for both the puppy and you. You will also be on hand in the event of any travel sickness. It is important to remember that this can be a scary and unknown time for a new puppy and as excited as your children may be it is imperative that they give the pup some space and time to adjust once in their new home.
Finally, whether you collected your puppy from a breeder or rehoming kennel be sure that you also collect all the necessary medical information and certification. This may include vaccination and or pedigree certificates.
Once home
This is where the fun really begins and you and your family can get to know and love your new addition. There are however some important steps you need to take care of first.
- Register your puppy with a local vet and have them checked over. It is also important you maintain routine healthcare of your puppy throughout their life.
- If your new pup is not vaccinated then ensure they have all of their relevant vaccinations.
- Don’t forget to look after their teeth. You might not be aware that just like children, puppies will lose their first set of teeth and adult teeth will replace them. Like humans, their teeth need to be cared for and brushed.
- Consider obtaining pet insurance, make enquiries and obtain quotes. Healthcare for puppies and older dogs can become very expensive and often be unexpected. Pet insurance can help to help protect you from unexpected medical bills. Pet insurance can also help protect you from unfortunate events such as being pursued for dog bite compensation. As a dog owner, you are now responsible for your dog’s behaviour throughout its life and even the most unsuspecting of dogs can act out of character and harm another dog or even person. Being adequately protected for such events can help reduce the stress and financial impact that they bring.
- When it comes to feeding your puppy this must be done at regular intervals, at least four times a day just ensure that it is a balanced diet and that you are not overfeeding your puppy. Be prepared for your puppy to experience an upset stomach during its first few days.
- Puppies do not need as much exercise as older dogs. In fact, they will receive all of the exercise they need in the home and garden in those first few weeks.
- Let your puppy rest, just like a new baby they will need a lot of sleep and rest. Encourage rest and downtime and ensure all family members are on the same page.