how to get ready for a new puppy - Sandy Creek Doodles

This is such an exciting time for families, but it can be overwhelming when trying to figure out how to get ready for a new puppy! With over 15 years of breeding experience, I have broken down how to prepare in five easy steps. Hopefully, after reading this, you will feel more ready for your new puppy!

STEP 1 - CALL YOUR VET

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time, but it is important to take a few steps to prepare beforehand. One of the first things you should do is call your veterinarian to set up an appointment for a full examination of your new puppy. It’s best to call ahead since many veterinary offices may have waiting lists, and examining your puppy as soon as possible is crucial. It is important to make this appointment even if your new puppy does not need anything. It is very helpful for your vet to see the condition your puppy came to you in, get a weight, and establish a baseline. In the event, your puppy starts not feeling well after a few days or weeks, your vet will be better able to treat your pup.

At the first appointment, your veterinarian may want to conduct a few tests and require a stool sample to check for worms. You should always assume that your puppy could have worms, even if they have previously been administered worming medicine. It is important to be proactive and take these measures to ensure the health and well-being of your new puppy!

STEP 2 - SIGN UP FOR PUPPY CLASSES

I highly suggest registering your new puppy for puppy obedience or kindergarten class, as it is an essential step in your new dogs development. Enrolling them in such classes provides them with a chance to interact with different people, children, dogs, and environments, allowing them to grow into a loving and well-adjusted adult dog. Most classes require only an hour per week for about six weeks, making it easier for you to manage your schedule.

Additionally, attending puppy obedience classes teaches your puppy how to listen and obey your commands, even in distracting situations. As your puppy grows, this skill becomes essential in outdoor settings, such as curbing the urge to chase loose dogs.

While some instructors may recommend waiting until the puppy completes its vaccination series, many places offer special puppy classes that cater to puppies with only one or two vaccines. I highly recommend to take advantage of this opportunity and train your puppy from an early age to make it easier to break any bad habits they might start to pick up on.

STEP 3 - SHOP FOR PUPPY SUPPLIES

As you prepare for the arrival of your new puppy, you will want to ensure that you have all the necessary items to make the transition as smooth as possible. We have put together a blog post outlining all the essential items you will need for your new puppy. We cover everything from food and water bowls to collars, leashes, and toys, ensuring you are fully equipped to give your new puppy the best start possible.

Simply click the link below to access this blog post and get the information you need for all the necessary supplies!

STEP 4 - PUPPY PROOF YOUR HOME

Puppies are known to be very curious and love getting into things, similar to toddlers! It is crucial to check your home thoroughly and ensure that there are no items that may harm the puppy such as loose wires, toxic cleaning products, or houseplants. It is highly recommended to research houseplants to make sure they aren’t toxic to dogs if you have any.

STEP 5 - GET ON THE SAME PAGE

This will be the most important step in ensuring that your puppy is well-behaved and learns quickly. Transitioning to a new home and starting training are huge steps for a puppy. It is crucial that before the puppy comes home, everyone in the home sits down and talks about what training will look like. Things like, will the puppy be allowed on the furniture? Who will watch the puppy during the day when not in the crate? Will you allow the puppy to have people food? These are all topics that should be decided on before the puppy comes home so that you do not confuse the puppy.

Puppies are very smart, and they figure out quickly if they need to listen to you or not. I often see puppies go home and realize they need to listen to one family member, but maybe they can take advantage of the other. Or oftentimes puppies will learn they need to listen to the adults but consider the small kids their “playmates.” They might never consider jumping or nipping at adults, but they will do it regularly with kids.

These are all reasons why it is a good idea to sit down before the puppy comes home and make a plan for how training will go. For families with kids, it is a great idea to make a schedule and have everyone take turns with who will be taking the puppy outside, feedings, etc.