Having a puppy is one of the most exciting and joyous things you can do. Whether you have had a dog before or not, getting a new puppy is something that you should always celebrate. Of course, you are also going to want to know how to look after the puppy in question, and there are many things that you might want to bear in mind here.
In this post, we are going to take a look at how you can get prepared for a new puppy in your life, no matter how you might feel already or whether you have done this before.
Cost
First of all, you need to think of all of the related costs that are associated with having a puppy. If you do not look into this beforehand, then you might find that you can’t actually afford it after all, which could mean that you have to give it away.
It is better for the puppy and for yourself if you think about this in detail beforehand. As it happens, there are many costs that you will want to consider before you actually get the dog in question.
The main cost, of course, is that of the dog itself, and you should of course make sure you have this first. On top of that, think of all of the monthly costs: dog food, treats, and so on. Then think about less frequent, but still important, costs, such as pet insurance, vet bills, vaccinations, worming, flea treatment, and related items.
It is best to be completely honest about all of this before you get the dog, otherwise you could cause yourself a lot of problems further down the line.
Lifestyle Concerns
You also need to make sure that you have the right kind of lifestyle before you get a dog, as it is only fair to the pooch to ensure that you will really be able to care for it properly.
One of the most vital things is that you are able to take it for a daily walk, or two daily walks depending on the size and breed of the dog. If you can’t do that, you can’t get a dog. It’s that simple. If you are at all unsure about whether you can do this, think again, and go for another type of pet instead. It’s only fair on the dog.
In general, are you going to have enough time for your puppy, or are you too busy to spend time with it? Dogs need your attention a lot more than many other animals might, and if you are not able to give it to them, then this could cause some problems in the long run.
If you work full time, you might need to consider daycare for them, to make sure they are taken care of while you are at work. On top of all this, bear in mind any future lifestyle changes you believe might be on the cards.
The Sleep Learning Curve
A lot of people don’t realise that it takes a long time and a lot of work before your puppy starts sleeping properly. Just like when you have a baby, it can take some time before your puppy actually understands that the night-time is for sleeping, and it’s something that you are going to need to have some patience around.
Of course, there are some things that you can do to help the process along too, and you should aim to focus on some of these as well in order to ensure you are moving in the right direction.
By choosing a place that your puppy will sleep, you are going to begin a process whereby they get used to a routine, and that is one of the most important aspects of getting them to sleep better.
Choose somewhere dark, quiet and unlikely to cause any problems for them, making sure that they also have access to food and water throughout the night. After a while, they will simply get used to it and start to sleep properly throughout the night, which is going to make things a lot easier for you and them, and the whole family.
Make The Home Safe & Secure
Just like any other family member, you want to make sure that you are doing all you can to make the home as safe and secure for your new puppy as possible. There are a lot of things that you might want to bear in mind here, and in many respects it is very much like childproofing a home when you have a baby, so if you have ever done that you will be somewhat prepared for what you need to do here.
Some of the things you should particularly look out for include: anything dangling within the dog’s reach, which they might cause destruction with or damage to themselves with; any toxins or other dangerous items which you need to ensure they do not ingest; the rubbish, so that they are not going to get into it.
Be sure to protect them from any heights too, using a stair barrier if necessary. As you can see, a lot of this really does come down to the same things you do when you have a baby on the way, so if you think along those lines you are going to be doing everything you need to.
Puppy Training
Not everyone ends up taking their puppy for training, but all dog owners should seriously consider it. If you want to have the best possible chance of your dog behaving themselves, and of you and them having a good quality relationship, then you should think about getting them trained.
This will also help with making it less likely that they are going to cause household problems, which might cost you in the long run and can prove to be very frustrating much of the time. So, as you can see, puppy training is generally a very good idea.
If you are unsure about being able to take your puppy to training, why not consider doing so from the comfort of your own home? These days, you can easily find good quality online puppy training, and this is a great way to give your puppy all of the benefits of great training without having to worry about taking them somewhere.
That can be especially helpful if you are short on time, or if you have a particularly nervous dog. Some dogs are just like that, and having training from home can make all the difference in the world!
Get Your Supplies
There are a few supplies that you should make sure you have for your pooch before they arrive into their new home. You will need to get them a comfortable bed of a decent size, with room for them to grow into.
You’ll also need to source a food bowl, water bowl, and a leash. Then there is the matter of food – make sure you get puppy food, and that you are buying for their weight and breed, asking your vet if necessary, for help.
And finally: lots of toys! You want to be able to play with your dog, and having toys is an essential way to make sure you can do this. It also helps them to stay entertained while you are not by them, which can be especially important at first.
As you can see, there is a lot to think about, but all of this is vital before you get your new pooch.