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Everyone deserves to have a furry best friend. That is why bringing a new puppy to your home is such an incredible idea.
Recent data is coming out that says having a dog is not only good for your mental health but can also improve your physical well-being too. Dogs provide you with companionship, calm your central nervous system and also encourage you to move more.
We could go on and on about how great dogs are for your health, but chances are you’re already convinced if you’re reading this. So instead, we’re going to share all the advice to ensure you can be prepared to care for your new furry friend.
Yes, puppies are a lot of work to train, but it is not nearly as hard as you think. We’ve rounded up the top tips and tricks that other dog owners have learned along the way. From buying the right dog bowls to getting your home dog-proofed, here is all you need to know.
1. First, Know the Breed You Get
Puppies come in all different shapes and sizes. This means that you will want to do some research in advance of welcoming your puppy into your home to understand their health risks, behaviors, and any specific diets they should follow. You will also want to then research the best type of pet insurance to get them, so your puppy is protected as they continue to grow up.
2. Puppy-Proof Your Home
Next, you will want to ensure your home is ready to welcome your puppy in. Puppy-proofing your home is actually really similar to baby-proofing. You will want to scan your house and make sure there are no loose electrical cords or items that could break if your puppy runs into it.
You will also want to make sure that you put any items you don’t want to be chewed up out of reach. Puppies love to chew on things that are easily accessible to them – like shoes. Make sure you store those items in secure places that are hard for your puppy to get into.
In general, apply the rule “out of sight, out of mind” to your puppy-proofing preparation.
3. Pick a Cute Puppy Name
Your puppy is going to be part of your family. That is why you will want to make sure you do your homework in picking a great name for your puppy. It will instantly make them feel cared for and allow you to communicate and train them as they grow.
Pick a name that is simple, short, and also one you are particularly fond of. You’ll likely be using this name a lot on a daily basis.
4. Stock Up on Puppy Supplies
Next, you will want to gather up all the essential puppy supplies needed before you welcome your furry family member home. One key puppy supply essential is a quality dog bowl. You will want to get one that is timelessly simple and is a size that holds enough food for your breed of dog.
Other items include a dog bed, puppy toys, a leash, and a jacket. Puppy care can be expensive, so we suggest stocking up on the essentials first before growing your puppy supply collection.
5. Get the Right Puppy Food
We’ve already mentioned this a few times. But getting the right type of dog food is critical in caring for your puppy. After all, having a nutritious diet is fundamental to your overall health and well-being.
There are a lot of different dog food brands out there. The best are the ones that use premium and natural ingredients. Also, do research to ensure the dog food you buy is designed to support puppy growth. There is a big difference between adult dog food and puppy dog food.
6. Take Your Puppy for Walks
As your puppy grows it will be able to do more and more exercise. Start with short walks at first and add on a few minutes every week. As their bones grow and develop, they will need to get more movement throughout the day.
Plus, puppies are full of energy. Taking them for walks will help them exert their energy so they are calmer back at home. It equally provides you with a nice opportunity to connect with them on an individual basis.
7. Schedule Vaccinations
Puppies need to build up immunity. That is why you should get them pet insurance and schedule vaccine appointments to help keep them healthy and protected. In fact, puppy vaccinations are one of the most important ways to ensure they stay healthy in their early years.
You will also want to schedule regular veterinarian exams so you can routinely check in on your puppy’s development.
Conclusion
Welcoming a puppy into your family is easy with these seven tips and tricks.
