How to Plan for a New Puppy

Introducing a new puppy to the family is an exciting time for everyone involved. However, before you welcome home your new pup, it’s essential to prepare. 

Do you have questions about how to plan for a new puppy? Allow our team at Penny Paws Animal Clinic to help you review each recommended step for adding a puppy to your family. 

Finding the Right Puppy for Your Family

The first step towards puppy ownership involves finding the right dog for your family. Some factors to consider are size, breed, energy/activity levels, and temperament. 

Once you have an idea about the type of pet you want, you can look around for puppies. Animal shelters are often full of puppies looking for their forever home. Adopting from a shelter helps give these animals a new lease on life. If you have a specific breed in mind, take your time searching for a reputable breeder. 

Get Your Puppy Checklist Ready

Once you’ve selected a puppy, you can get ready to bring your new best friend home. We recommend that you get started by writing out a new puppy checklist. This list can contain all the basic supplies you need for a pet, including: 

• A dog crate
• Leash
• Collar
• Food and water bowls (with food!)
• Dog bed
• Grooming supplies (including nail clippers)
• Supplies to clean up accidents
• Toys 

We understand that getting a new puppy is an exciting time, but it’s essential to slow down and hit the store before bringing your pet home, so you’re in the best position to provide the care and love your puppy needs. 

Make Rules Before You Bring Home a New Puppy

Dogs respond very well to routine and consistency, so we recommend that you develop the rules for your house before you bring your puppy home. For example, will you allow your dog on the furniture? Does the puppy have to stay in certain areas of the house? 

Make these decisions, and then stick to them once you bring your puppy home. Dogs often respond to rules better when they are enforced consistently. 

Plan for Your Puppy’s Medical Care

Each dog owner has to face numerous decisions when getting a puppy. Are you wondering how to plan for a new puppy and your pet’s health needs? 

You can expect some initial expenses as well as routine expenses when caring for your pup. For example, you may need to invest in vaccinations, a spay or neuter procedure, and a wellness check as soon as you adopt your pup. 

We highly encourage you to consider pet insurance for any new pet you adopt into your family. This will help you with emergency care expenses you may face that you weren’t prepared for, so your new dog is never without accessible care.

Review Common Health Concerns for Puppies

Experts recommend that you get familiar with any potential health issues associated with the breed of your dog. Knowing what to look for can help you address concerns right away. You can also perform a health check every day for your puppy by: 

• Checking for fleas, ticks, and insects every day by petting your puppy
• Noting if the puppy starts rubbing or scratching their ears a lot
• Looking for abrasions and cuts on the paws
• Checking for redness or discharge from their eyes 

Monitor the consistency of your puppy’s feces and look for warning symptoms like fever, lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting. Before you adopt a puppy, keep these risk factors in mind so that you’re ready to provide all necessary care. 

Consider Crate Training for Your Puppy

Some new pet owners worry about placing their pets in a crate. However, most dogs take comfort in having a space all their own that makes them feel safe. Crates also allow you to keep your puppy safe and away from hazards when you have to leave your home. 

Crates also assist you during housebreaking because most dogs will not use the bathroom in a small space. Review all the benefits of crate training and purchase a reliable crate before bringing home your new puppy. 

Set Up Puppy Training for Best Behavior

Training your dog is often easiest if you start at a young age. Puppy training allows you to get professional help teaching your puppy basic skills like come, sit, and stay. This type of training also helps you address possible issues with behavior or housebreaking. 

Some dog owners decide to go for more intensive training. Going beyond the basics may prove fulfilling for your family, depending on your lifestyle and pet ownership goals. 

Make Arrangements to Socialize Your Puppy

Socializing your puppy with other animals and people can help your puppy feel more comfortable in social situations. Puppies who do not see other people or animals regularly may develop fears or anxiety when they leave their homes. 

We can advise you about regular socialization to help your new puppy grow up confident and friendly. 

Puppy-Proof Your Home Right Away

Puppies are a lot like toddlers. They don’t understand the dangers of items around your house, like electrical cords or small items. Many puppies try to eat anything they can fit in their mouth (and some things they can’t). 

Before bringing home your puppy, remove any potential hazards from the puppy’s reach and pay close attention to them as they get used to their surroundings. 

Learn More About Planning for Your New Puppy

Want to learn how to plan for a new puppy? Reach out to our team at Penny Paws Animal Clinic to learn more about the steps to get ready for dog ownership.