A dog feeling safe
Raising a puppy requires preparation. Your puppy has needs, and you have requirements or needs of making every day life easier for you. It is advisable to buy some equipment days or weeks in advance.
If you make a few well-thought preparations, you can make the puppy feel at home much quicker. If you have bought the necessary equipment beforehand, you can spend time introducing the puppy to its new surroundings and start training him/her.
Necessary equipment
- Collar
- Leash (a retractable leash or a short and a long one)
- Feeding and water bowls
- Care products (including brush, nail trimmer, shampoo)
- Dog bed or blanket
- Food
- Chew toys
- Treats
Other practical concerns
- Fencing
- Outdoor run
- Dog house
- Veterinarian
In the weekend
The best time to have a puppy is a weekend, preferably a prolonged weekend, but try to avoid busy periods, like birthdays, holidays etc. This will give the puppy the opportunity of getting used to both you and its new home. It will also give you the chance of starting to train the puppy. If possible, make sure that the puppy has not been fed prior to the drive home, as it may cause car sickness.
Once the puppy arrives at home, pay attention to the fact. that it will need to accustom itself to new surroundings and people. Especially children can become very excited, which of course will stress the puppy. Explain to the children that the puppy needs to rest. Show the children how to pet the puppy and how to lift it correctly. You should follow the puppy closely and take it “to the toilet” after feeding time, followed by resting time and playing time.
You should contact your veterinarian for information about necessary and voluntary vaccinations, deworming treatment etc.
