So, you’ve decided to get your first puppy! How exciting! You chose your cutie from the litter and the excitement of bringing him or her home is wonderful. However, to make this experience a memorable one for both you and your dog, you need to be as prepared as possible.
You may wonder if you can ever really be prepared. Rest assured, in this article we’ll explain to you exactly what to expect and what you’ll need for your puppy’s first night home—from food and a bed to all the tools for safe pet transport.
The First Night Home
The first night home may be exciting for you, but it will be confusing and scary for your puppy. It’s his or her first night away from their mommy and litter mates, so you’ll want to mirror the litter life. A soft bear that resembles a mom, and a blanket, toy, or sock that has her smell on it, are all ways to help pups feel safe.
A puppy will be crying a lot and will potentially try to get on the bed with you. Unless you want an adult dog on your bed, don’t allow this. You need to be firm and redirect them to the crate or bed continuously until they gets the hang of it. A clock covered with a blanket could help a puppy sleep as it resembles the mother’s heartbeat.
Here is a list of items you’ll need in your starter kit:
- Food and bowls
- A collar and leash (a harness for training later)
- A bed and blanket
- Toys that are safe for puppies
- A crate if you choose to use one
- Potty training mats or sheets
Puppy and Juvenile Training
Your puppy’s training starts from the first minute you put it in your car. From not allowing the dog on your lap while you drive to the first night’s sleep and everything in between, it all forms part of training.
It’s recommended to join a puppy school as soon as possible where they’ll guide you in the correct training methods, and your dog can receive professional training well into his juvenile years.
It may be helpful to familiarise yourself with the basic training commands before you get your puppy.
Whether you choose to join a puppy school or train your puppy yourself, your pup will need some method of training from a very young age. If you choose crate training, purchase a crate that can also be used for interstate pet transport purposes, as it will save you money in the future when you take your dog with you on travels. It will also make travelling much easier as your pet will already be accustomed to the crate.
Socialising
Having a well-socialised pup is crucial not only for the pup’s safety and well-being but also for yours. This starts with well-established leash training.
Socialising goes far beyond meeting other furry friends. It’s about being comfortable and controlled in all types of situations and activities. This includes:
- Receiving visitors
- Car rides
- Vet visits
- New environments
These are just some of the many factors of socialising and none of these can be successfully achieved if your dog is out of control. This is why the foundation of socialising starts with leash training.
Perhaps receiving visitors is an easy way to socialise your dog since this will be at home and a leash won’t be required. However, when visiting the vet, it’s required to have your dog on a leash, and you’re guaranteed to encounter other dogs. This can be a horrible ordeal if your dog is out of control, which proves the value of leash training.
Another successful way to help your dog become accustomed to different sights, smells, and situations, is by visiting building sites. There they’ll encounter all kinds of smells, the noises of the machinery, and different people and movements.
Planned and Unexpected Vet Bills
Pets come with vet bills. From a very young age, your pup will need to be vaccinated against rabies and other diseases. Although you know this and can prepare for it, along with sterilisation, there will be other unexpected vet bills. You need to create an emergency fund for your pet as soon as possible.
The other alternative is to compare quotes from different insurance companies and get your pet insured against accidents and other health factors. This will give you the peace of mind that you can provide them with the medical care they need. Another benefit of having your puppy on pet insurance from a young age is the surety that there’s a provision made for their senior years.
Final Words
Having a puppy is a blessing, but it’s also a big responsibility. Being prepared for your puppy’s arrival will not only make it more enjoyable, but you’ll be more equipped to raise a well-mannered adult. Before you fetch your pup, take a trip to your local pet store for all your accessories. We hope this article has been helpful in getting everything you need, as well as knowing what to expect on your pup’s first night home.
If you have questions, please leave a comment!
