The arrival of a puppy at home, be it a dog, a cat or any other pet, is a very important event in a family. The presence of a puppy requires great responsibility , this is because especially during its first year of life it totally depends on us. But don't worry, the joy it will bring will repay every effort.
Do you have a puppy and don't know where to start? On the occasion of March 23, National Puppy Dog Day, we will give you some advice on how to welcome your puppy into your home in the best possible way.
In this article…
1. How to welcome a puppy into your home: create a safe and comfortable environment
Upon his arrival the new puppy will probably be scared and confused, he will need time to adapt to a new environment and for the first few days he will have a lot to explore. What you can do before his arrival is to make sure you prepare a safe environment so as to avoid any danger during the exploration.
Puppies, just like children, use their mouths and teeth to learn about the world around them, which is why it is advisable to put away all objects that could put them in danger . During the first few days it is advisable to supervise him, allowing him to explore the house freely, but in total safety .
It is also advisable to organize a quiet corner away from drafts where you can place his kennel, a possible blanket and his first toys. When choosing the location you must keep in mind that the dog is a pack animal; therefore, it is important to place the kennel in the room frequented by the family and not isolate it .
2. How to choose his first toys
To prevent the puppy from chewing dangerous or valuable objects, the advice is to direct the bite towards dog toys . The toys must be suitable for the size of the puppy and particularly resistant. Engaging the animal mentally and physically generates gratification and will lower the level of stress generated by boredom. This way he will tolerate moments of solitude better and will cause fewer messes at home.
Did you know that pets use body heat and the sound of their heartbeat to reduce separation anxiety from their owner?
There are some animal toys on the market that reproduce the mother's heartbeat. The aim is to help animals reduce anxiety about separation from their owner and get used to a new environment more easily.
3. Get your puppy used to solitude
Another important tip is to accustom the puppy to solitude. In fact, once the first few days have passed, during which it is very important to supervise the puppy, in daily life the need to leave him alone will inevitably arise, even for a short time. Doing it suddenly can be a traumatic experience for him, which is why it is advisable to get him used to solitude gradually .
A piece of advice could be to start leaving him for just a few minutes in a safe and limited area of the house and then increase the time until the puppy lives this experience in total tranquility.
Especially when they are very small, it is useful to use a puppy enclosure to keep them out of harm's way. Be careful though, this structure can be used during the night or when we leave the house, for the rest of the time the puppy must be free to explore.
4. Get him used to everyday objects
The house is full of noisy appliances and everyday objects that could scare him. It is very common, in fact, for puppies to be afraid of vacuum cleaners, hairdryers, washing machines, electric razors and much more. In this case it is important to normalize the use of these objects immediately and allow him to get used to them.
5. The importance of socialization in the puppy
In addition to exploring and discovering the world, it is also essential to allow the puppy to relate to other animals and people. Only by gaining experience and coming into contact with others can he learn to relate to adult dogs and people of different ages and ways of doing things. Socialization allows the animal to form a healthy and balanced character in adulthood.
6. Management of toilet bowls and walks
Remember that puppies cannot leave home before they are four months old, the period in which the vaccination cycle usually ends. For this reason, until that moment, it is necessary to choose a place in the house where the puppy can freely do its business . In that place we can place a hygienic mat for dogs which will need to be changed daily.
Furthermore, in anticipation of future walks, it is advisable to purchase a harness , collar and leash and use them at home from time to time, so as to get him used to it and make the moment of his first walk easier.
7. Bathing: when can I wash the puppy?
As regards hygiene and cleanliness , experts advise against bathing puppies at least until the vaccination cycle has been completed . In any case, for the first bath it is advisable to rely on a professional who will be able to approach the puppy's experience in the healthiest way possible and subsequently guarantee him regular grooming over time.
Hygienic dog wipes can be very useful for cleaning paws quickly and in anticipation of the future it is advisable to purchase a dog brush perfect for detangling and shining the fur.
8. What to buy for a puppy dog?
In short, here's what to buy when a puppy arrives:
- Dog bed and blanket
- Bowl for food and water
- Food (trust your vet)
- Resistant dog toys of the right size
- Dog sleepers for needs
- Collar, harness and leash
- Hygiene bags for dogs to collect waste
- Dog brush, wet wipes
- Carrier
It is normal if the arrival of a puppy and the responsibility that this entails can lead to further doubts, in this case do not be afraid to rely on the advice of an expert veterinary doctor. Dedicate your time to him, play with him, only in this way will you be able to get to know him and he will soon become your best friend!
