In 2022, about 90.5 million American households own at least one pet. And out of those, 69 million have at least one dog. Dogs are true friends and family members that make any home lively and vibrant.
But before you bring home the newest family member, there are a few things to consider. Not only is having a new furbaby a big responsibility, but it’s also your job to ensure it’s the right fit for your family.
Before bringing your new puppy home, read on to learn what to do first.
Make Sure Everyone is On Board
Getting a puppy is not a decision that should take for granted, as it is a big responsibility. Everyone in the family needs to prepare for a new puppy’s extra work and commitment.
If everyone is not on board, it can be very stressful for the puppy and the family. Discussing this with everyone in the household before bringing a new puppy home is essential.
Know Your Responsibilities
It would help if you considered whether or not you are ready to take on the responsibility when you adopt a puppy. It includes providing adequate food, water, shelter, and exercise. Puppies also require time, patience, and training to become well-behaved adult dogs.
You should also consider getting training classes for your puppies. The cost of dog trainer services can be affordable and offer fast results.
Consider Your Space
Puppies need room to run and play and should not be in a small area for extended periods. If you live in an apartment or condo, you may need permission from your landlord before bringing a puppy home.
It would be best if you were also prepared to deal with some muddy footprints, chewed-up shoes, and accidents on the floor. Puppies are not born knowing how to “go” outside, so it will be up to you to teach them. With a bit of patience and consistency, most puppies learn fast.
Finding the Right Puppy Food
You need to find food that is specifically designed for puppies. Puppy food is higher in calories and nutrients than adult dog food, which is vital for your puppy’s growth and development.
It would help if you found food appropriate for your puppy’s size. Smaller breeds will need a food that is higher in fat, while larger breeds will need a food that is lower in fat.
Furthermore, look for food that is palatable for your puppy. Puppies are more demanding than adult dogs, so it may take trial and error to find the food your pup will eat. Once you find food that meets all of these criteria, you can be confident that you are giving your puppy the best possible start in life.
Pet Care for a New Puppy
So, you’ve decided you’re ready to add a furry friend to your family. Congratulations! Adopting a new puppy is a big decision and one that you should not take lightly.
Before bringing your new pup home, you should consider a few things, such as if you’re prepared to have extra messes and daily walks outside, if you have the time to commit to training, and if you’re ready to handle extra noise in your home. With some preparation, you’ll be prepared to welcome your new four-legged friend into your home in no time.
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