Welcoming a puppy into your home comes with many responsibilities. We'll tell you everything you need to know to make sure everything goes smoothly!
Questions to ask yourself before adopting a dog
Before adopting a puppy , it's essential to think carefully. A dog lives for about 15 years, which implies certain responsibilities for that entire period. You must therefore be sure you can provide for your pet's well-being (feeding, caring for, etc.) for more than a decade. Once you've considered the commitment involved in adopting a dog , you should also carefully consider the type of dog you want to welcome into your home.
To do this, you'll need to learn about the different dog breeds and their needs. If you're not the athletic type, a Belgian Malinois, for example, won't be the ideal dog for you. It's best to choose a dog that can adapt to your lifestyle, as it's unlikely you'll change your habits once your dog arrives.
Also consider how much time you can dedicate each day to your future four-legged companion. Keep in mind that you will need to be available for the first few days after its arrival.
Once you've carefully considered everything that comes with having a dog in your life, it's time to look for your future furry friend. You can contact shelters or breeders near you.
What equipment should I buy before welcoming a puppy?
To welcome your new puppy , you'll need to get a few essential items. We recommend buying them before you pick up your furry friend. This way, you can compare the different options and choose without rushing.
You will need to provide the following for your four-legged companion:
For toys and treats, we recommend not buying them in large quantities at first, so you can see which ones your furry friend prefers. If you've chosen to welcome an adult dog , the recommendations regarding items to purchase are the same!
Security Focus
Puppies tend to chew to help with teething. So, to avoid mischief and for your puppy's safety, make sure to babyproof the house. Hide shoes, electrical cords, children's toys, etc.
It's important to know that some plants or foods you have at home can be toxic to dogs , so you must ensure they are not accessible to your dog. Also, be careful with household products, which are often dangerous.
The journey and arrival home
It's the big day! You're picking up your new four-legged friend! While it's a joyous day for you, it's a stressful one for him. He'll be separated from his brothers and sisters and his familiar surroundings for the first time in his life. Ideally, bring a piece of fabric or a toy from his birthplace so your puppy has a comforting and familiar scent. For this first trip, which is most often by car, be prepared and bring a towel in case your puppy gets carsick.
If possible, plan to pick him up in the morning so he has some time to get used to his new home before his first night. Be gentle and patient; he might get into mischief, but that's normal since he's still a baby. To encourage him to go into his basket, place the fabric or toy you brought from his old home inside.
Praise him when he's good and goes to his bed. A small treat can also be helpful in taming your puppy. Make sure to place your furry friend's food and water bowls in a secluded spot, away from foot traffic. He should always have fresh water available.
The first night with your puppy
This is often a complicated and dreaded stage when adopting a dog . Until now, your puppy has never slept alone; he slept with his brothers and sisters. He therefore finds himself alone for the first time at night, and what's more, in an unfamiliar place. There's a good chance he'll whine or bark during this first night. Make sure your puppy has relieved himself before going to sleep.
It is exceptionally advisable to place his basket in your bedroom or in the hallway so he feels he is not alone. You can talk to him or pet him if he cries, but we advise against bringing him into bed with you.
Gradually, you can move the basket further away until you put it back in its original spot. Expect that the first night won't be entirely smooth sailing, and that there might be a few accidents.
Your puppy's first days at home
During the first few days, continue to praise your puppy whenever it exhibits the behavior you expect. It's also time, if you haven't already, to decide its place in your home. This means deciding what it is allowed to do and what it isn't. Is it allowed on the sofa? Will it have access to all the rooms in the house?
Make a decision and, above all, be consistent. This means discussing it with all family members, as they need to know the rules and follow them. A dog cannot understand the concept of an exception. Similarly, when teaching basic commands, you must choose a word for each command, such as "sit," and all family members must use the same word. This is crucial for the dog's learning.
If you've switched your puppy to a different food than what he's been eating, plan a gradual transition. This involves slowly mixing the new food with the old food until it's completely replaced. You'll also need to schedule a visit to the vet within a few days of bringing your puppy home. This first visit will be an opportunity to assess your puppy's health and establish a vaccination schedule.
The basics of training your puppy
The first thing to do is teach your puppy its new name. Praise it when it responds to your call. At first, reward it with a treat, then a pat will suffice. Play with it to build a bond, and use playtime to teach it to fetch and give.
The most important thing will be to teach your puppy to stay alone.
This training should be gradual. This will prevent your dog from developing separation anxiety. Leave him alone for a few moments at first and praise him if he has behaved. Then, gradually increase the duration of the sessions. For this training, it's best to have walked your puppy beforehand so that he is calmer and more relaxed.
To further your puppy's training, there are specific courses called "Puppy School." These are group training classes that allow puppies to socialize and receive guidance from a trainer. These classes are usually held at dog training centers; there's sure to be one near you.
Now you know everything you need to prepare to ensure your dog's arrival goes as smoothly as possible! But the most important thing is to love him and take care of him and his health throughout his life! If you have any advice for future dog owners, please share it in the comments!
