Those who have adopted a puppy into their lives are well aware of the intense emotions that accompany this decision.
On the one hand there is the anticipation and excitement for the tiny creature that has just been separated from its mother, on the other hand the anxiety and challenges that this symbiosis has, especially for novice guardians.
The preparation for the puppy to come to home has several stages:
– Start by asking the vet about the first steps you should take regarding what food he should eat and when he should have his first vaccinations. The beginning must be done right, get all the useful information about your puppy, both about the diet and the stages of its development. At the same time, deworming will help you prevent risks and keep your dog healthy.
– Talk to a professional trainer about what you should expect from the first days when the puppy comes home, what behaviors are expected, but also what topics you should start working on from the beginning.
– Finally, some checkmate moves are coming to make your home safe for the new family member. As we mentioned above, there are some risks that we might not have thought could harm our dog. The puppy’s curiosity to discover the world, i.e. his new home, will grow day by day. This exploration can cause accidents on the stairs, in the outdoor areas, but also to come into contact with objects that can cause him from poisoning to drowning.
Here are some ways to make the house as safe as possible for your puppy:
1. Hide in a place that the dog will not have access to detergents, cosmetics, plants, medicines, insecticides and other similar things that can cause him poisoning. Also make sure it can’t come into contact with small objects, such as coins and batteries, that it can swallow.
2. Create a space for him to move. Many trainers and vets recommend giving your puppy access to the house gradually. Thus, it is easier to control his movements and he has more security. It’s also easier to teach him rules. The older it gets, the more access it will have, until it can move everywhere. This can be done by delimiting an area with baby bars or if he is in a large cage, in which you will have his bed, nappies, bowls and toys. Depending on its size and your space, see which layout works best.
3. Make sure you have the escape exits closed. If you live in an apartment, it concerns the doors and windows, while for houses with a yard, the doors and railings that lead outside the house. It is possible that he left either out of curiosity, to come find you if you are missing, or because he was scared and is looking for a safe place to hide.
4. Hide or cover the cables and replace any that are frayed. It is very likely that the puppy will see them and consider them ideal for chewing, especially during the period when his gums are itchy and his first teeth are coming out.
There’s no need to panic if you don’t know where to start. With a little good organization and advice from more experienced and puppy experts, you’ll be fine. Find the softest bed, the most suitable food and diapers for the first weeks and get ready for a magical journey with a little creature that will become your best friend.
