What to Do Before You Bring Your First Dog Home? A Complete Checklist
Text by Laraib Meeshal
Bringing your first pup home? It’s an exciting step that promises lots of love and joy.
But before you welcome your furry friend, a little prep work is essential for both your peace of mind and your new pet’s wellbeing.
Keep reading to learn about the preparation steps for welcoming a dog home!
1. Take Time to Think
Study reveals that one in every ten pets adopted from shelters ended up leaving the home within six months. You certainly don’t want your dog to be a part of this statistic.
Hence, before adopting a new dog, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you have the time, patience, and financial resources to care for a dog?
- Are you ready to provide them with a loving, fulfilling life?
2. Consult a Vet
Find a trusted veterinarian and book an appointment shortly after your pet’s arrival. This first visit is important to ensure your dog gets all the necessary vaccinations, meds, and health check-ups. Plus, it gives you the chance to ask any burning questions about their care!
3. Stock Up on Essential Supplies
Make sure you’ve got all the essentials to keep your pup happy and healthy from day one. These might include:
- Cozy bed
- Food and water bowls
- Leash and collar
- Nutritious dog food
- Toys
- Grooming supplies (brush, shampoo, etc)
4. Dog-Proof Your Home
Naturally, dogs are curious pets. They will hardly wait to sniff out every corner of their new surroundings. To keep them safe and prevent any mishaps, it’s important to dog-proof your home. Here’s how:
- Set Up a Special Area for Your Dog: Select an area where your cute pup can sleep, rest, or play. This could be in a different room, under a quiet corner, or even a little dog house if you have space. Make this space as safe and comfy as possible.
- Clear the Floor and Block Hazardous Areas: Keep the floor clear of shoes, cords, or other things your dog could chew on. Also, block any hazardous areas, such as stairways or rooms with fragile items. You can do so using baby gates!
- Move Poisonous Houseplants: Many common houseplants are dangerous for dogs. To avoid potential health hazards, research the plants in your home and remove the toxic ones.
- Lock Up the Trash Cans: For dogs, trash cans are a goldmine of tasty scraps and chewable items. However, these temptations can also lead to tummy issues or choking hazards. Make sure to secure trash cans in cabinets, closets, or other areas that your dog can’t access.
5. Prepare for Training
Be ready to invest time and patience into training your dog. This includes housebreaking, teaching basic commands, and helping them adjust to their new home.
Consider enrolling in a puppy training class or consulting a professional trainer, especially if you’re a first-time dog owner.
Wrapping Up
To wrap it all up, bringing a dog into your life for the first time is a rewarding yet life-changing experience. With the right preparation and commitment, this new chapter will be filled with joy, companionship, and countless cherished moments.