Before obtaining a puppy, there are several things you need do to get yourself and your home ready for a new furry friend. Before deciding to bring a new puppy home, there are many decisions to make and things to think about, such as where the puppy should sleep on its first night, who will be taking care of it, and if you have all the necessary materials on hand. Avoid acting impulsively and bringing home a puppy at the wrong moment. First, conduct research. Find out if you’re ready to get a puppy and how to do so responsibly. Learn about how to care for a puppy and how to get ready for getting one.
7 Things to Consider Before Getting Your First Puppy
Are You Ready for a Puppy?
Although adorable, puppies take a lot of effort to care for. You might not understand what you’re about to get into if you’ve never owned a puppy. Being prepared to get a dog, especially an adult dog, is one thing. Even more dedication is needed while raising a puppy.
Three to four feedings each day are necessary for young puppies. After eating or drinking, they must be taken outdoors right away so that they can go potty and develop good house manners. While they are still learning to use the bathroom in the house, puppies will have accidents. That may require extensive cleanup.
You should never leave a young puppy alone for longer than a few hours. When left alone, the puppy should remain in the crate; this helps with housebreaking and prevents the puppy from gnawing through everything in your home. However, a puppy can’t contain its bladder for more than a few hours (and sometimes bowels too).
What Kind of Puppy Is Right for You?
You’ve considered the advantages and disadvantages of owning a puppy and have determined that the time is now for you to bring one into your home. Congratulations! It’s time to start looking for your new pet right now. But how do you get started?
Decide which breed of puppy is best for you first. Make a list of the characteristics or attributes you absolutely must have, prefer, and do not want.
Do you want your dog to be large or small? Smaller spaces frequently suit small dogs better. For enormous and giant canines, food, supplies, and medications are more expensive.
Do you want a dog that will probably become less energetic in a year or two, or do you prefer one that stays very active as an adult? How much physical activity can you offer?
Consider the type of hair coat as well. Do you want to put up with shedding? Do you like a dog that sheds very little instead? Low-shedding dogs frequently need to visit the groomer on a regular basis. Can you really afford it?
Where to Find Your New Puppy
It’s time to start looking for a puppy after you have a general notion of the kind you want.
If you can, try to adopt a dog first. Mixed-breed dogs are lovely and vastly underappreciated. Adorable mixed-breed pups are available for adoption from animal shelters and pet rescue organizations in your community. Even if you are unsure whether a mixed breed dog is right for you, visiting your neighborhood shelter or rescue organization to see some of the puppies is worthwhile. Possibly even fall in love!
It will just seem right when you locate the best puppy for you. Most dog owners will tell you that they were actually chosen by their canine friends, not the other way around!
Puppy-Proof Your Home
It’s imperative that you set up your house before inviting your small companion in. Make every effort to puppy-proof your home. Destructive puppy behavior is typical, annoying, and your dog may be in danger. Your dog will undoubtedly discover all the tiny objects that could harm it. Maintaining constant supervision over your puppy is the greatest method to keep it safe. While you’re gone, confine your puppy to a kennel (just avoid leaving for more than a few hours when your puppy is still young). A puppy shouldn’t have complete access to the house until it is more mature and trained.
Stock up on Puppy Supplies
Before bringing your new puppy home, you’ll need to stock up on plenty of dog supplies. Before you end up acquiring a ton of unnecessary items, such as beds or toys your dog won’t use, start with the essentials.
To start, you’ll unquestionably require a few necessities:
– standard leash of four to six feet (later you can get an extra-long one for training)
– ID tags on an adjustable collar
– Pet food and water dishes made of metal or ceramic (avoid plastic as it may cause skin irritation1 and is easy for puppies to chew up)
– Canine food
– simple dog bed with space for expansion
– a dog box with additional space
– a couple of basic dog toys (try one of each: a squeaky toy, a plush toy, a chew toy)
– An proper brush, comb, or grooming mitt for your puppy’s coat
As your puppy grows, you will find you need other items, such as grooming supplies and preventive products. Your vet can help you decide which items best fit your dog’s needs.
