Congratulations on getting a new puppy! Adding a new member to your family is always exciting but it can be a little nerve wracking. Don’t worry; we have gathered together a survival guide to make bringing your new puppy into your home a little easier.

Before you bring your puppy home

Image via: @thomasetheo

Although bringing home your new puppy maybe a super exciting day, there is plenty of preparation that you should think about before you bring your puppy home. A good way to start this is to have a family meeting to lay down some ground rules. This will allow your family to all be on the same page for where the responsibilities lie, sleeping arrangements, areas off limits, and loads more. This will help to create a routine for your family and your puppy that will make the transition easier and will help with training later on.

Make sure you have all the essentials for your puppy before you pick up your puppy to avoid any last minute trips to the stores. Here’s a check list that you should think about picking up:

• crate
• food and water bowls
• high-quality nutritious food
• treats
• bed
• toys--especially chew toys
• stain and odor removing cleaners
• something to section an off-limit zone
• brushes and combs
• dog shampoos
• dog toothbrushes and paste (hint—coconut oil makes a great all-natural toothpaste!)
• nail clippers

Plan on puppy-proofing your house. Puppies are very curious and prone to get themselves into some of the most unideal situations. Things to think about include moving wires out of the way, moving anything that can be knocked over, chemicals and medicines properly stored, or anything that they could get into and hurt themselves with. You’ll probably want to put away or protect any furniture that you don’t want to be scratched. If you want to be extra careful, you can create a temporary gated off living space.

Since a new puppy is an exciting time, you might want to think about taking a few days off of work. This will give you lots of time to spend with your new fluffy buddy, but it will also give you time to work on other puppy related tasks. A few days off will allow the transition for your pup easier and allow them to settle down faster. You can take this time to find dog walkers, dog sitters/ dog day care, or a good obedience school.

Once the dog is home

Image via: @moose.theyellowlab

Even though everyone may be excited to meet your new pup, try to keep it low key. Your new puppy may be stressed out being away from its family and in a new environment, so keeping it mellow and calm will reduce that stress. If your new pup is overwhelmed with the sheer size of your house, you can introduce him or her to their crate or a sanctioned off area to allow them to be more comfortable in their new environment.

 If you have other pets, you also need to introduce them to your new puppy too. You should always supervise their initial interactions. Puppies are like toddlers, not really knowing the set rules in place and might upset your other pets. Try introducing them slowly in a large common area where your puppy can meet your other pet. If you have more than one pet to introduce, make sure to introduce them one at a time so that they can become familiar with each other in their own way.

Also make sure to have some crates or gates handy. Your puppy is full of energy that your other pet may not have, so your other pets will be grateful for some alone time. Have a space where you can create a pen for your puppy, or have a place where your other pets can get away from the puppy. Don’t forget this can be a stressful change for your current pets too, and they will need to get used to their new family member. Carry lots of treats with you! This will make the experience more rewarding, and your pets will look forward to being in each other’s company. It’ll take some time for your pets to get used to each other, but make sure to give them lots of love and supervise carefully .

Make sure you start training right away. The sooner you start, the easier it will be for them to learn. You don’t have to start off with traditional commands like sit, or stay, but important aspects such as their name, house training, and getting comfortable with other pets and humans.

On the first day, it would be good to set up a routine for your puppy.  By setting up a routine, it will help your puppy to adjust to his or her new life style.  Make sure to schedule walks, bathroom breaks, meals and exercises and try to stick to the schedule as best as possible.

The first week with puppy

Image via: @thorloneus

After you have gotten over the excitement of bringing home a puppy, there is still the first week to think about. It may take some time for your puppy to become accustomed with the new rules of your house, so make sure to show them lots of love and patience during this time. It will also be a good time to teach or reinforce your puppy’s new name. Carry around treats and your puppy will be sure to pick up his or her name fast.

No matter how rocky or smooth your first week is, you’re sure to have bunches of fun with your new puppy. Keep these tips in mind and you will be sure to have the best first week with your pup.

Header Image Photo Credit: @logan.the.wolverine