Whether you are buying from a breeder or rescuing from a shelter, getting a puppy is an extremely exciting time for the entire family. If you haven’t chosen your puppy yet, but it is something that you are considering, then you must do your research before making this huge life-changing decision. To give your puppy the best start in life, you will need to ensure that you can afford a pet and have time to provide your new addition with everything they need to keep them happy and healthy. To help you prepare yourself and understand the appropriate care required, here is how to give your puppy a good start in life.
Have Everything Ready
Having everything ready and set up in your home before you bring your puppy back to the house is essential. Many people like to pick up their new addition and take them into their local pet store to show them off and get all of their pet supplies. However, this can be extremely stressful for the pup and it can lead to you forgetting crucial items. Having everything ready beforehand will make it easier for your dog to settle into their new home and it will ensure that you have everything that they need.
Create a Safe Place
Creating a safe and comfortable environment for your puppy to settle in once they get home will make the transition into your family much easier and less stressful for them. You can do so by setting up a crate, filling it with bedding and familiar items, and covering it with a blanket. You need to make sure that fresh water is always available to them, ideally in a bowl that isn’t easily tipped over. You should also study different pet foods and feed them a high-quality diet, which leads us to the next tip.
Consider Raw Feeding
Providing your puppy with a varied and balanced diet is critical and many pet owners are turning to raw pet food in order to give their pets a healthy life. You can now purchase complete and readymade raw dog food for puppies at Bella & Duke. Here, you can learn if switching over to raw dog food for puppies will suit your lifestyle and if it will work for your new pup. Be careful to change your puppy’s diet slowly, preferably over the course of a few days, to avoid any stomach upsets.
Update Their Microchip
In the UK, it is now the law for all dogs to be microchipped and have their details kept up to date by the time they are eight weeks old. If a dog is caught loose without a tag or an up to date microchip, then the owner can be fined. Keeping these details updated is important and increases your chances of being reunited with your pet if they escape or are stolen. As soon as you bring your new puppy home, you must update these details (if the place of purchase or adoption hasn’t done it for you).
Make a Vet Appointment
You need to get your puppy registered with a local veterinary practice as soon as you bring them home. Unless you are adopting from a reliable rescue centre, you should book your new puppy in for a full health check. This is to ensure that they are in good condition and aren’t suffering from something hidden by the breeder. Book the puppy in for the rest of their vaccinations. If your breeder hasn’t given you evidence of their vaccinations, then you may have to restart the course. Setting up a pet insurance plan is also a good option. Companies like Bivvy have affordable offers and are easy to sign up with.
Start Training Immediately
As soon as your puppy’s paws enter the home, it’s time to begin their training. This is to ensure your puppy becomes a well-mannered dog and understands their position in the pack. If you let your puppy get away with certain behaviours, such as jumping up on the furniture and play biting, then you put yourself at risk of having to deal with these unwanted behaviours in a fully grown adult dog. Basic obedience training and potty training can be taught from the comfort of your own home.
Provide Plenty of Exercise Time
New experiences are extremely important for puppy development. Until the puppy’s course of vaccinations is complete, you won’t be able to take him out in public. However, your puppy still needs exercise. You should encourage safe and polite play in your home, to encourage good manners. Once their course of vaccinations is up-to-date, you will be able to start socialisation and obedience classes and your puppy can finally explore the world.
Now you know how to give your puppy the best start in life, you will be able to prepare your family and your home for your new arrival. Raising a puppy requires time, patience, and money, but when done correctly, the results are very rewarding.
