Welcome home pup

Bringing home a new dog, whether it be a puppy or older dog, is an exciting time for any owner. Some people may get too overwhelmed by the whole situation that they miss a pivotal step in the process – planning!

You need to plan everything for your new arrival to ensure that you and your new canine companion feel comfortable and stress free.

Before the big day

As many would know, you will need the essential items well before bringing home your new pup.

These items include:

• Food and treats
• Food and water bowls
• Bedding and kennels
• Leash and collar
• Toys

By having these ready before your furry friend arrives to his new home, you’ll create a warm and safe environment for them to explore and tire themselves out where they will eventually nod off to sleep. You should also organise a vet appointment for a soon as possible to get your pup fully checked and allow you to book in vaccinations and microchipping when the vet allows you to.

Home sweet home

Dog proofing your house should be number one priority when bringing your pooch home. You will need to remove all potential hazards and valuable items that your dog could chew. This will protect both the dog and your belongings.

Setting up where your dog will sleep should also be done before they get home to allow them to realise where they will be sleeping at all times. Keeping a routine for your new pup will be paramount to them settling in, as this allows them to know when they will expect food, bedtime, and other activities such as walks and toilet time. Routines for dogs are the best way to get them comfortable in a new place and will reduce possible mishaps or chances of them acting out.

The first day

Keeping your new pet calm during the whole experience may be hard; however it is imperative to making them feel welcome. Try to avoid visitors for the first couple of days in order to not overwhelm your pup. Keep an eye on your furry friend as he sniffs around his new home – try to take him to the designated toilet area and reward him for going in that spot.

Establishing what they can and can’t do should be done from the start and all family members need to be consistent with this in order to not confuse your pup.

For the first couple of weeks, you will have to keep an eye on them and give them ample toilet breaks as they wander around the house. Play time should be changed up with training, walks and fetch in order to allow them to grow and learn, as well as allowing them plenty of rest time especially if it’s a puppy.

Bringing home a new dog, whether it be a puppy or older dog, is an exciting time for any owner. Some people may get too overwhelmed by the whole situation that they miss a pivotal step in the process – planning! You need to plan everything for your new arrival to ensure that you and your new canine companion feel comfortable and stress free.

Don’t forget puppy insurance

Give your new puppy the best start in life with cover for accidents, illnesses and more. Read about the ins and outs of what dog insurance covers in our blog.