Things To Consider Before Getting A New Puppy

Having a puppy in the house brings lots of joy and laughter but they can also be hard work in the early days – they need lots of love and attention and they might keep you awake for a few nights if they are missing their mum and siblings. That being said if you nurture them, love them and care for them properly your puppy will be your best friend in no time.

If you’ve decided to add a fur baby to your family for the first time there is a lot you need to think about before you bring your new addition home the following are just some of the things you need to consider.

Do your research

Many people rush into choosing a puppy. Can you give a young puppy the time and attention it needs? If you work long hours or the puppy will be left on its own for long periods of time perhaps now isn’t the time to be bringing a puppy into your home.

Similarly, all puppies start out small and cute. They do not stay this way and many rescues end up with puppies who have been bought in haste and regretted once they have started growing bigger than anticipated, chewing (all puppies chew) things they shouldn’t and getting into mischief – these are all things puppies do as they get bigger.

It is also worth noting that you may need to puppy proof your home so that any wires, shoes, clothes, children’s toys, toxic plants etc are removed. Puppies are inquisitive and will get themselves into trouble if tempting things are left in their way.

Go Shopping

Puppies are expensive. There are lots of things you need over time for your new addition, but there are a few things you can buy ready for when they come home with you including:

• A bed – your puppy needs something to sleep on. When they are first brought home you should have been given a puppy pack by the breeder and a good breeder will have provided you with a blanket that has the scent of mum on it. This is only needed for a few weeks and you will find that you can discard this blanket once the puppy is a bit bigger if you wish. When purchasing a bed for your puppy you might choose a smaller bed to start with and then as they get bigger buying a bigger bed for them. Perhaps you will treat them to a luxury dog bed that is warm and cosy as they get older or you might decide that an orthopaedic dog bed would be better for them instead.
• Toys – Puppies will chew a lot – buy toys that are tough and designed to withstand a teething puppy. It took us a lot of trial and error to find toys that our dogs can’t destroy even now at almost 7 and 12 years old. Ziggy loves to play fetch but is a notorious chewer so we have to buy balls that he can’t destroy – tennis balls are a no go in our house as are cuddly toys as he just destroys them within a few minutes.
• Food – Just like with a blanket your breeder should provide you with food for your puppy. If you are planning to change the food your puppy is currently eating you must do this gradually so as not to upset its tummy – the last thing anyone wants is a poorly pup. Look at Ultimate Pet Nutrition reviews to see if this will suit your new pup.

Fill out paperwork

• Transfer ownership – If you buy a puppy that is KC registered you will need to transfer the ownership papers into your name. This can be done any time after you have bought your puppy. You will also need to register your puppy’s microchip number so if your pup goes missing and is found you can be reunited quickly – if you move in the future be sure to update these details with the company.
• Register at a vet – One of the most important things you will need to do. Your puppy may have already had its first booster jab and it will need at least one more before you are able to take your puppy out for walks. They will also need to be wormed and treated for fleas regularly. Should your pet have an emergency they may need treatment quickly so it is always important to have your vet’s emergency number to hand.
• Take out insurance – As mentioned above puppies can get themselves into trouble quickly and through no fault of their own. Vet treatment can be expensive so ensure that your new pet is insured. Breeders should send your new pet home with 4-6 weeks of free insurance. You can choose to keep up this premium after the free period or move to another provider. Search the internet for the cover that suits you and your pets needs.

Are you welcoming a puppy into your home soon? If so, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below

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