So you have decided to take the plunge and welcome a new puppy into the family? First of all, a huge congratulations is in order! Puppies are an absolute joy, and watching them grow and develop as you train them and prepare them for life in the household is highly enjoyable and rewarding. There is nothing cuter than the sight of puppy dog eyes and wagging tails, especially when you have had a long day at work - there’s nothing quite like being greeted at your door by a happy little pup to melt away the stress of the day.
Aside from the cuteness factor, owning a dog has proven benefits for the whole family. For example, families with dogs are much more likely to get enough exercise thanks to all those lovely relaxing walks with your four legged friend. Dog ownership is also associated with lower stress levels and better heart health. Scientists have proven that bonding with your dog releases oxytocin, also known as the ‘love hormone’, in dogs and their humans, and this is sure to bring you both plenty of happiness. Basically, it’s almost impossible to be sad around puppies!
Having said this, puppy ownership is also about taking responsibility for your small friend, because they are actually quite vulnerable and will depend on you to provide them with all their basic care needs. You will not only need to be a friend to your dog, but also a caretaker and custodian, providing them with a safe and secure home full of love. You will want to get things right from day one, and the best way to do that is to prepare your home in advance, not only by puppy proofing your house or apartment, but also by ensuring you have all the bits and pieces in place you will need to make them feel safe and at home with their new family.
Gather the basics and some fun extras
First and foremost, puppies love to sleep, and when given the right conditions they will choose to sleep for up to 18 hours per day. They need this rest and relaxation to recover from all the excitement and exploring they will be getting up to, but also because they have a lot of growing to do, and growing up is hard work! You will need to buy your precious bundle of joy a nice comfy bed to sleep in. Choose one that isn’t too big so they can snuggle up and feel secure as they snooze.
A leash is an essential piece of equipment for dogs of any age, so make sure you have at least one or two at home before your puppy arrives. At the very least you’ll need one when collecting your dog from the shelter or breeder, but you also need them to safely take your dog for walks. If your dog is very young or particularly small you should try looking for a leash that is strong but not too heavy because a heavy leash can quickly become irritating and uncomfortable.
Food is something you should make sure you have in advance of bringing your dog home, and preferably you should be using the same brand that the pup is used to in order to avoid stomach upsets. Ask the breeder or the shelter about the brand of food the pup is used to eating and buy enough to last at least a few weeks. Even if you plan on switching to another brand you will still need to do this because you will have to introduce the new food slowly to protect your new puppy’s delicate tummy.
Toys, toys and more toys are exactly what your new best friend will need, including balls, chew toys and soft toys to snuggle with. Tug toys and chew toys that are very hard can damage a young dog’s developing teeth, so just make sure that anything you give your dog is age appropriate. You also need to think about the size of the dog, if they are small you don’t want to give them something that will be too big and heavy, and if they are larger, then the risk is that they will swallow or even choke on small toys.