So, you have been gifted a puppy. Or perhaps you are a parent who gifted their kids a puppy and will be taking on a large portion of the responsibilities. What do you do now?
Here are a few tips to help make welcoming your new fur-baby home more fun and less stress:
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Supplies, supplies, supplies.
If this is your first time with a dog, you’re going to need to stock up on the essentials. Start with everyday basics, plus a few safe toys and enrichment items that support comfort, confidence, and positive learning from day one.
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Contact a local trainer.
It’s important to set your new family member up for success, and consistent, positive training plays a big role. Starting early can help your puppy build confidence, learn life skills, and begin developing healthy social habits. It’s also important to socialize your puppy thoughtfully during their early critical socialization period. Veterinary behavior experts, including AVSAB, recommend focusing on safe, positive experiences that help puppies build confidence without overwhelm. If you’d like support getting started, you can explore our puppy training in Nashville, Portland puppy training options, or virtual sessions for puppies if you’re located elsewhere.
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Shop around for doggy daycare.
Exercise and socialization are critical to a dog’s health and happiness. A great way to ensure your pup is getting both is by sending them to doggy daycare. Believe it or not, doggy daycares can be a hot commodity and have long waitlists. Shop around, and if you find one you like, get on the waitlist. Many daycares will also offer overnight care or boarding at their facilities. It’s good to think through where your dog will stay when you go out of town, and consistency is helpful to easing a dog’s comfort when you are apart. If your dog isn’t a fan of other animals, that’s OK! We can help set you up with pet sitting in Nashville or Portland pet sitting. If you’re weighing your options, you may also find our article on in-home pet sitting vs. boarding helpful. We can also help your puppy build skills and confidence with extra training support through our Nashville Stay & Train or Portland Stay & Train programs.
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Make some decisions.
As a new dog owner, there will inevitably be some decisions you’ll need to make on the fly. But there are a few you can think through ahead of time so that you and your family are all on the same page and can approach with consistency. For example, do you want to allow the dog on furniture (couch, bed, etc.)—and if not, how do you plan to enforce this? Will the dog sleep in the bed with you, in their own bed, or in their crate? Where will the crate go?
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Have fun!
It may seem like a lot at first, but you are doing great and are on your way to helping your new pup live his / her best life. Laugh, play, and enjoy your time together. Don’t expect perfection—like humans, all dogs are different, and it will take a little bit of time to get to know each other’s personalities. Most importantly, take this time to build the relationship between you and your new puppy by playing games, cuddling together, and training.
Happy Paw-lidays from The Cooperative Canine family!