Pooch and Mutt's expert trainer, Jon, explains everything you should be considering and thinking about before bringing a new puppy into your family.
In our training video, Jon walks us through the main preparations you should make when thinking about getting a puppy. As exciting as it is (and it's VERY exciting!), there are a few crucial things that need to be considered and planned to ensure you're ready and, of course, that your pup will have the best possible start in their new life with you!
Top tips on getting a new puppy: The basics
- It's super important for the first few days of your puppy’s arrival that you are free to help them settle and to bond with them. It’s also a good idea to avoid having large social or noisy gatherings in those early days.
- Speak to your breeder. They will usually send a puppy with enough food for a few days, but make sure you have purchased a supply before your puppy arrives. After your puppy has settled in you can change their food to your preferred option.
It’s normal for puppies to go off their food for a few days in a new environment. Keep offering them the food they ate at the breeders, and they will settle into a healthy eating routine.
- Speak to your breeder about microchipping, health checks and the puppy's first round of vaccinations.
Your puppy should be microchipped before coming home to you, and should be ready for their second round a few weeks later. You should also look into dog insurance for peace of mind.
- Since puppies are curious and explore with their mouths, it's important to puppy proof your home and secure harmful items.
Secure your garden by checking fences, removing toxic plants, and avoiding pesticides. Indoors, prevent access to climbing hazards like furniture or stairs.
Use tools like dog gates, crates, and chew toys to keep your puppy safe and happy as they adjust to their new home.
- Stock up on puppy tools and accessories! Make sure you have the essentials; crate, and a bed that preferably fits in that crate, some extra bedding in case of accidents, stainless steel bowls, collar, leash and a couple of teething toys.
You are also going to need an identity tag for your pup’s collar. It's a legal requirement for a dog to wear one outside of the home.
- Leave intensive obedience training for a few weeks after they've settled, but you can get started on the basics like toilet training and sleep/crate training.
- Get all the cuddles in but also work on letting the pup know that they are safe and can cope on their own.
- Phase in high-reward treats amidst their diet that act as a special addition around meal-time and help with training.
- Have fun, play games and most of all enjoy cuddles with your new pup, but make sure you give it time to entertain itself. This is so important in its development.
Explain to and monitor children, so the pup isn’t constantly pestered.
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