Welcoming a new puppy into your home can be an exciting yet daunting experience. You want to make sure that your new furry friend is comfortable, happy, and safe. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your puppy’s first week home. From essential supplies to tips on training and socialization, we’ve got everything you need to ensure a smooth transition and a happily ever after for you and your new bundle of joy. So, let’s dive in and get you ready for your pup’s big arrival!
EVERYTHING You Need For Your Puppy’s First Week Home!
Introduction
Bringing home a new puppy can be an overwhelming experience. The joy of having a furry little friend running around your house is priceless, but it can be a lot of work. It’s important to prepare in advance for the arrival of your new puppy, to ensure that your transition together is as smooth as possible. In this article, we will discuss everything you need for your puppy’s first week home, including essential items, training tips, and recommended resources.
Essential Items for Your Puppy’s First Week
Before bringing your new puppy home, it’s essential to ensure that you have all the necessary items to make them feel comfortable:
-
Collar and leash: Purchase a collar and leash that fits your puppy comfortably, but not too tight or too loose. Limit their movements to certain areas so that you and your puppy can get used to each other.
-
Bedding: Your puppy will need a comfortable place to sleep after a long journey home. Make sure you have a cozy and warm bed for them to sleep in.
-
Food and water bowls: Invest in a set of food and water bowls for your puppy. Stainless steel bowls are great, easy to clean and are durable.
-
Puppy food: Consult your veterinarian for advice on the best brand of puppy food for your particular breed. For the first few days, stick to what the breeder or rescue shelter provided your puppy to avoid upset stomachs.
-
Puppy pads and cleaning supplies: Potty training is one of the biggest challenges you will face in the first week. Stock up on puppy pads and cleaning supplies to make the transition easier.
-
Chew toys: Teething is common for puppies and they will need to chew on objects. Get some toys that will keep them busy and that they can play with.
-
A crate: For puppies, it is recommended to purchase a crate to limit their movement area. It will provide a safe and comfortable retreat for your pet while you’re away or sleeping.
Training Tips
Bringing your new puppy home is not just about getting the necessary items, but also about training them to behave nicely. Video dogs trainer, McCann Dogs, has a video outlining some common mistakes new puppy owners make during training. A few tips to keep in mind include:
-
Be consistent in your training: Dogs are creatures of habit, and consistency is key to successful training. Set specific times to work on training, so they know what to expect.
-
Use positive reinforcement: Praise and reward good behavior to encourage repeat actions.
-
Keep training sessions short and sweet: Puppies have a short attention span, and 5-10 minute training sessions are enough at a time.
-
Use a daily schedule: Your puppy will love the routine. Create a daily schedule that includes bathroom breaks, playtime, feeding time, and training time.
-
Tuna treats for training: McCann Dogs recommends making homemade dog training treats from canned tuna in oil. This will provide an excellent reward while keeping the calories down.
McCann Dogs and Recommended Resources
McCann Dogs is a great resource for new puppy owners. Their Essentials Training Program is available online for a one-time fee, providing you with access to a wide range of training videos. Their Life Skills program is an excellent resource for dogs over five months old with more advanced training.
McCann Dogs also offers signature training equipment such as the Puppy Tug, which is an excellent tool for training puppies on appropriate biting behaviour.
If you are seeking more resources, the McCann Dogs website also features recommended podcasts and Amazon store. You can find a wide range of helpful books and items to support your puppy’s development.
Conclusion
Preparing for your new puppy’s first week at home can be intimidating, but with the right plan, you can make the experience easier. Make sure to get all essential items and invest time in training to build a positive and healthy relationship between you and your pet. With McCann Dogs as a resource, your puppy’s first week at home can be a success.
FAQs
- What is the most important item to buy before bringing a new puppy home?
- The most important item is a comfortable and warm bed for your puppy.
- How often should puppy training sessions take place?
- Puppy training sessions should be short and sweet, lasting 5-10 minutes per session, and at least twice per day.
- Can I spoil my puppy by giving too many treats?
- Yes, overindulging your puppy with treats can lead to excessive weight gain. Stick to vet-recommended portions and use rewards to reinforce good behaviour.
- Will the McCann Dogs puppy tug toy benefit my puppy?
- Yes, the McCann Dogs puppy tug toy is an excellent tool for training your puppy on proper biting behaviour.
- Do I need the Puppy Essentials Training Program if my puppy is well behaved?
- Even well-behaved puppies can benefit from the Puppy Essentials Training Program to ensure that they are trained on key behaviours from the beginning.