Animals can be the most adorable thing ever, and many times, they truly can become your best friend. For this reason, you may have been thinking about getting a puppy for the first time, or perhaps you’ve already done so. If this is the case, you may be looking for more information regarding the best approach to take and how to get the kids and other family members used to this new introduction to the home. On that note, you should find this article useful as it’s going to provide you with a few tips on bringing a new puppy into your family home.
Get the Right Equipment
When bringing a new puppy into the family home, one of the first things that you should do is get all of the right equipment. Some items you may need if you have a puppy include water bowls, chew toys, grooming supplies, bedding, a collar and leash, an ID tag, gate and odor neutralizer. If you don’t want to find yourself continuously going to the store, perhaps consider stocking up on the items you need so you always have a backup on standby. You should also have the foods you’ll be feeding your puppy at home as well as snacks.
Set Boundaries
It is important that when bringing a puppy into the home, you set boundaries as well as create rules. This is especially important if you happen to have children for safety reasons. You should ensure that the puppy and young children aren’t together unsupervised in order to prevent any accidents. It would also be a good idea also to decide who will be in charge of feeding, walks, and taking the dog to the backyard when necessary.
Dealing with Separation Anxiety
If you didn’t already know, separation anxiety in dogs is common especially when they’re newly integrating into a home with a new owner. Some signs and symptoms to look out for include excessive barking, destructive behavior, and bathroom accidents. The reality is that you can’t be with them all 24 hours of the day, so it’s essential that you help them overcome it. Some ways to do this include crate training, exercise, behavior modification, as well as medication and supplements. You should also try educating everyone else in the house about separation anxiety in dogs and tell them how they can help support your new puppy as well.
Bond With the Puppy
It is important that you train as well as bond with your puppy at the incipient stages of welcoming them into your home. Some ways to train puppies include giving them basic commands that tell them to sit, stand, come or go. In addition to this, some things you should know to have a well-behaved dog include the importance of exercise, learning to communicate, and being consistent.
Are you thinking of getting a new puppy?
A new addition to the family whether it be a pet or new bundle of joy can completely change the dynamic of the home. It can bring positivity, joy, and laughter, however, it’s natural that adjustments usually have to be made. On that note, hopefully, the tips mentioned above give you a better idea of the adjustments you may need to make and steps to take when introducing a new puppy to your family home.
Want to learn more? Check out all of the lessons I learned as a new dog mom…
