Long before you take your puppy to its first day of puppy school at madamemas.com, there are many other tasks you need to undertake first to ensure their wellbeing. Examples include getting them jabbed at eight weeks, and there is the crucial matter of choosing a name for them, which we know has caused many a family argument.
Another series of tasks are for making your home ready and suitable for your puppy. There will be many aspects of your home which you currently take for granted but, when a puppy is introduced, some can become a danger to them which we are sure you do not want to see happen.
For those who have raised dogs before you may well be well-versed in how to prepare your home for a puppy although it may be several years since you did so. In case you have forgotten, and for those who have never had a puppy before, below are a few tips that will help you make your home a safe and welcoming place for your puppy to thrive.
Have A Meeting With Your Family
This applies whether you have young children, older children, or it is just you and your partner or spouse. Everyone needs to be prepared for the new puppy’s arrival, and they all must know what the ground rules are with regards to taking shares in the puppy being walked and letting them out to poo and pee. Everyone should also be aware of where the puppy is and is not allowed to go, and what dangers they should all look out for.
Prepare A Shopping List Of Everything You Will Need
We should warn you that this is going to be a long list, but if you are all in for having a puppy become a member of your family, let us look at what should be included in it.
- Crate/ Bed: You will need to decide whether your puppy is going to sleep in a crate or a bed. Note, if a bed, they are likely to wander around at night.
- Bedding: This should be soft and can be a combination of blankets and small cushions, or a single large cushion. Remember it will need to be washed.
- Collar/Lead/Harness: Essential for the puppy’s safety when out walking but they will also be required when you start training them and taking them to puppy school.
- Feeding Station/Food/Treats: Puppies love their food and their treats so all of this will help keep them nourished and happy.
- Toys: A puppy can never have too many toys so fill your shopping cart with them, especially if you want to prevent destructive chewing.
- Grooming Equipment: More essential equipment such as shampoos, brushes, clippers, and combs to keep their coat clean and healthy.
Assess Your Home And Garden For Dangers
Before your puppy arrives, you should do several walks around your home, both inside and outside in the garden or yard, looking for anything that could create a danger to them. These include loose power leads, sharp objects, and also dangerous substances and foods that could poison your puppy.
Let Your Neighbours Know
We include this as it is certain your neighbours will soon see and hear that you have a new puppy. Hopefully, they are dog lovers and be desperate to meet them, but either way, as a courtesy let them know and reassure them you will do all you can to ensure the puppy is well behaved and does not become a nuisance.