Complete Dog Parents Guide: What Do You Need for Your Puppy?
So, you have just welcomed your new puppy into the family. As the proud parent of this tiny bundle of fur, you may wonder how to take care of them. Despite how cute they are, puppies can be a lot of work. This dog parents guide will help you properly care for your new addition to the family.
It's an exciting time to be a dog lover. Everything your puppy needs is available online. But… What do you need for a new puppy? How do you know what's best? From the best chew toys to lovely playpens, crates, and the most comfortable dog beds, our complete dog parents guide has got you covered.
Here, you can learn all you need to know to help your puppy feel secure as they integrate into their new home!
First Things First: Prepare to Bring Your New Puppy Home
You drove to a pet store a few weeks ago to get a new puppy. It was such a whirlwind of emotions. And today, they finally came home with you. Your first day with a puppy is a big deal and an exciting time for the family. It's a significant milestone for your family and the new pet, and you want to ensure everything goes as well as possible.
As with all significant changes, there's a lot to prepare for. That's where these tips come in handy. These tips will help your puppy settle in during its first weeks.
Prepare the environment.
Puppies have this endearing natural inclination to destroy anything in their way. They enjoy chewing. A lot.
Hide everything you wouldn't want the pup to bite down on and items that could hurt it in the area where it will spend the bulk of its early days. Some of the things you may want to hide include:
- Toys
- Cords and cables
- Shoes
- Books
- Gaming controllers
- Furniture
- Cleaning and laundry products
You can also use non-stain deterrent sprays with a pungent taste across valuables that are impossible to hide, such as the edges of home furnishings.
Go slowly.
We know the whole family is delighted to welcome the puppy home, but you don't want to overwhelm the little pup with too much excitement on the first day. Allow the new puppy to adjust to its surroundings and get some downtime amid all the hoopla.
Help your pup to acclimate slowly and over time. This is much preferable to overwhelming them with boisterous games, hugs, and contact as they attempt to discover their hind legs.
It's preferable to restrict the puppy's access to certain areas. Keep the puppy in an area where you can watch it using a baby gate or locked doors.
Establish a potty spot.
For the puppy's first house training, lead it outdoors to the location you want to establish as a potty area. The standard cue, "go potty", the guard dog command, "empty", or "here, boy!" are all acceptable. As long as you repeatedly use the same command, your choice of command doesn't matter.
He can meet his new family now.
Introducing each family member one person at a time is best if you can. Let him have a peaceful moment to get to know each of you. Keep young children under your care the first time they meet the puppy. Explain to them what’s going on, and don't let them pick up the puppy until it is used to children.
Avoid interacting with other dogs before visiting the vet.
Your puppy shouldn't mingle with or even walk in areas frequented by other dogs, as it most likely has yet to have all of his vaccines.
Schedule a veterinarian visit.
Within a few days, your puppy should receive a checkup from your veterinarian.
What Does Your New Puppy Need?
Get Your Puppy's Essential Supplies
You're getting a new puppy! What do you need for a puppy? The timing is right to purchase a new leash and collar, a new bed, and some toys to keep them busy. But what else do you need? Check out this list to find out!
Every puppy needs a dog crate.
A crate typically facilitates and expedites manners and potty training. When you can't watch the dog, you have a place to keep it away from mischief and stop it from picking up negative behaviors. You can even get a fantastic acrylic custom dog crate so the puppy can still see everything that’s going on.
Of course, your four-legged buddy needs puppy food.
What would a dog parents guide be without helping you feed their hungry bellies? Purchase dry food and perhaps some cans of wet food. For filling puzzle toys, wet food works well.
It should be clear on the packaging that pups, not adult dogs, should use it. If you know the food the breeder or rescue has been giving your dog, choose that brand to prevent stomach issues. You can gently transition to a new food over a week or two if you'd like.
Remember to purchase a large-breed puppy chow if your pup will eventually grow into a large dog.
Dishes for food and water.
Fresh water should be available at all times for your dog. Always offer your dog a bowl of food rather than a puzzle toy during dinner time. Food-related toys are best as a snack, or to keep them entertained.
A leash and a collar.
Cotton, nylon, or leather is the preferred material for a leash. Ideally, it should be between 1.5 and 2 meters, or 4-6 feet.
The ideal selection is a cotton or nylon based flexible buckle collar. Please verify that the collar fits snugly. Whenever the dog uses it, two fingers should fit comfortably underneath. It's too loose if more than two fingers can fit under the collar when it's buckled and too tight if two fingers can't fit.
Every puppy needs a chew toy.
When puppies go through their teething phase, they’ll want to chew on just about anything in the house! You can choose from rope toys for tug-of-war, soft toys, or squeaky toys. Be sure to check that the toy fits comfortably in your dog’s jaw, and the material isn’t too hard for their little teeth. Purchase a variety of chew toys to determine the kind your puppy prefers.
Equipment for scooping dog poop.
Every dog owner needs something to get rid of poop. Regular supermarket bags work well, and a poop scooper for your yard. When you eventually start taking your puppy on walks, small purpose-made poop bags can conveniently attach to the leash.
Get some Pea-sized training treats.
Use soft snacks that have been cut into pea-sized bits to reinforce good behavior and teach pup some new tricks!
Canine nail clippers.
Training your puppy to be calm around nail trims from an early age is crucial because they are the torment of many dogs. Scissor and guillotine clippers come in two different designs. For pups, either is suitable. The scissors work well for colossal adult dogs, whereas guillotines work best for tiny to medium-sized dogs.
Throw in some puzzle toys.
To keep the pup occupied, you should have at least a few toys you can fill with treats.
Other Nice-to-Haves for Your Puppy
Once you've all the essentials and must-haves, you can always add a few nice-to-haves. Our dog parents' guide would be incomplete without a list of other things to make your pup feel more at home.
Playpens and Baby Gates
Caring for your puppy sometimes involves creating a space for them to unleash their playful side inside the house. Keeping up with a playful dog can be challenging. But with a playpen, you don't have to worry about it.
Even baby gates can be used to either create a tiny puppy-proofed space or to keep your puppy out of off-limits places. You can also add dog stairs to the mix to give your pup something to have fun with, and help them reach higher places.
Dog Beds
Your puppy is a cherished member of your family, and it should have its own bed where it can have a comfortable sleep. Fortunately, with these designer plastic dog beds, providing them with a secure and comfortable place for your puppy to sleep doesn't mean sacrificing the look or feel of your home! This is also a good one for longevity, since many fabric beds get chewed up while the puppy is learning how to behave properly.
No Chew Spray
Teething puppies enjoy biting and chewing on everything. Bitter Apple Spray tastes disgusting and reduces your dog's tendency to nibble. Spray it on woodwork and furniture corners you don't want the dog to gnaw on.
Dog Feeders
I'm sure your pup is a special family member, so why not treat it like one? Instead of sticking with traditional dog bowls, you can include modern dog feeders that you and puppy will both love.
Storage Bins
If this isn't your first dog, you know how fast a neat, beautiful home can become chaotic once a puppy has wreaked mischievous havoc indoors. You can minimize clutter by keeping your dog's accessories arranged in one simple and elegant storage container.
Additional Ideas to Aid Your Puppy's Adjustment
Here are some great ideas to help your puppy adjust smoothly.
Getting Through the First Night With Your Pup
Some puppies start off being able to sleep through the night. Some might sob for nights on end. Others may be unable to retain their urine and need to go outside in the middle of the night. However, this typically passes by the time a puppy is 4-5 months old.
Many pups may find sleeping hard in the evening, so if you play with it before, it might burn off some energy and calm down. Ensure it goes potty just before night. Then position the crate or bed in your room. If you're close by, your dog will feel at ease. Bring a plush animal or comforter that you can put in your dog's crate to keep them company during the night.
Establish a routine and follow it
A routine will aid your new dog to develop a sense of security and help him comprehend expectations better. Establish a routine and follow it. Be mindful of the following:
Mealtime
Puppies often eat two-to-three times each day. Set up a consistent feeding regimen for your dog.
Playtime
Activity and contact with you are essential for your dog. A word of caution: pups should not engage in extended, vigorous exercise. Instead, they should play with toys and you, solve puzzles and run around the yard.
Potty Breaks
Move the puppy to the allocated potty spot by picking it up. Never discipline it for "mistakes" during housetraining. Reward him right away after he goes outdoors to relieve himself.
Sleep Time
Some puppies sleep for up to 16 hours at a time. Make sure your pup gets enough rest. You should place a cage in a peaceful area of the house. Set a puppy's bedtime at night and work on establishing a sound routine with him.
Start your puppy's adventure with confidence!
Everybody wants the best for their furry friends, which boils down to ensuring they are safe and secure. Puppies are curious, and naturally, they are always on the lookout for adventure. To give them a good start on their journey, you should only get the best products to help them feel at home.
You can get beautiful top-quality pet products that can help your new puppy fit in, while enhancing the gorgeous appearance of your home. Discover all you need for your pup with ShopHiddin.