What to do When Bringing a Dog Home for the First Time
It is truly a special moment bringing a dog home. A joyful addition to your family! Along with this getting an incredible companion comes many dog supplies and responsibilities.
If you’ve never been a pet owner and you are bringing a dog home for the first time, there are a few things to do around the house! There are also lots of new things you should buy your dog so that they feel right at home. In this article, we will be sharing with you what you will need to know to have a successful transition from not having a dog to bringing a dog home.
Dog Proof Your Home
Before you bring your new addition to the family home, some things need to be done around the house! At first, make a blocked-off designated area for them. In this area, put a nice dog bed and some fun toys for them to play with. Don’t let them roam around the house at first because you never know what they could get into.
Get on their level. Dogs are curious and put about anything in their mouths. Go around the house looking for things that might harm them and remove them. Also, look for items on their level that they can damage. Anything fragile or harmful should be placed on higher shelves or in secure cabinets.
When you bring them home, show them their designated bathroom area. Keep bringing them to this place and reward them when they go to the bathroom outside in their special spot. This will help them get the idea to go outside and not ruin your house with bathroom accidents!
Use a baby gate to block off areas you don’t want the dog to explore yet! For example, these are helpful around stairs so the puppy can’t go up or down them. Also, if you don’t want them in an area where they can ruin carpet, place baby gates in the entrances of these rooms.
Dog Supplies
You will need to have some supplies to make this transition easier! These items will leave you without worries of not knowing exactly what to get.
- Leash
- Dog Bed
- Toys
- Treats
- Pet Food
- Crate
- Baby Gate
- Water and Food Bowls
- Dog collar and ID Tag
Find out about your dog’s dietary needs before buying them food. Also, get them healthy treats for you to reward them with.
If you don’t want them sleeping in your bed with you, get them a comfortable doggie bed! Keep bringing them to this bed during the nighttime to get a feel for sleeping there at night.
Make sure one of the first things you do is get them a collar with an ID tag with your name and phone number. This is in case they somehow sneak out of the house. Then, if someone finds your puppy, they can call you right away.
Safety and Fun
With all fun things comes responsibility. A little bit of responsibility is worth adding a loving companion to your family. Keep your dog happy and safe with these housewarming tips!