Welcoming a puppy into your home is such a fun experience, but it’s so important that you are able to take the right preparation steps to ensure that you can provide your new addition with everything they need to be comfortable and happy. Though you may be absolutely bowled over by the cute and small bundle of furry joy, it’s important that you can remember that a dog is for life - they are sentient beings who have a passion for affection and fun, both as puppies and fully grown dogs, and they can really act as ‘man's best friend’ for the rest of their lives. Whether you’re drawn in by the adorable cocoa coloured pups at www.chocolatelabradorretriever.ca or have fallen in love with a rescue pup at a local animal charity, any dog that you decide to buy deserves to be treated as a valued member of your family that doesn’t get forgotten or left behind! Giving your puppy the best start in life is easy, as there are a few simple tips and tricks that you can make the most of to ensure that they can settle into their new home and have everything they need to be healthy and full of energy as any pup should. So, if you want to find out more about how you can prepare for a puppy, then read on to uncover the best steps that you can follow to get started today! 

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Learning Basic Training Skills 

Before you get your puppy, it’s important that you can spend some time researching some of the different basic training skills that you can utilise when they arrive at your home. It’s likely that they will not be able to perform any tricks or commands just yet, as their memories are not as strong as they need to be to remember these skills when they are just a few weeks old. The most important training that you have to give your puppy involves going to the toilet, sitting when asked to and some basic behavioural commands such as responding to ‘stop’ when misbehaving. You never need to be angry at your puppy if they make a mistake, as it’s more than likely that you are the one in the wrong. Never be physical with your punishment and hurt your puppy, else they may develop behavioural issues and anxieties that relate to people or being touched. Always be mindful of the way that you act around your puppy, as they can pick up on different emotions and may feel intimidated or frightened by your presence if you are too loud and aggressive. 

Purchasing Some Material Items 

Your puppy is going to require a few different material items to allow them to make themselves at home in their new surroundings, starting off with a bed. There are many kinds of beds on offer, from raised structures that can lift them off the cold floor to big fluffy pillows that they can spread out on, so it’s up to you to make a decision. Bear in mind that the size they are as a puppy is not permanent, and they are bound to grow quite considerably in their first 6-8 months. As well as a bed, they may also require their own personal blanket which can be used to tuck them in on cold nights as well as covering the car seat from nervous pees whenever you have to travel on the road. They will also need some kind of entertainment to keep them occupied, especially if you will be out of the house for some time. Any pet store will offer a range of toys and games that will keep your puppy occupied for hours, so find a few chewable items (perhaps one that squeaks or makes a noise) and help to keep them entertained whenever you are busy. It’s also important that you are able to source a collar or harness as well as lead that you can use to take them out on walks, as you will need this as soon you bring them home! 

Finding Food & Nutrition Information 

The selection of food that your puppy is able to eat is not as vast as you might initially believe, as young dogs are very sensitive and require certain vitamins and minerals to help them grow properly. This being said, there are many ready made puppy food options that you can purchase both in stores and online, and each brand offers its own unique recipes too. If you want your dog to follow a specific diet, perhaps one that’s free of grains or other common allergens, you can even make your puppies food yourself.  It’s so simple to make a meal for a dog, as they can eat most non-processed foods such as meat, vegetables, rice and pasta, as well as some produce that usually goes to waste such as gristle and egg shells. Do not use any salt when you are making their meals, as they do not have the capacity to digest it properly. Never give them anything that could be deemed as ‘unnatural’ such as chocolate, sweets or anything deep fried, and though they may seem interested it really will not provide them with any benefits whatsoever. 

Contacting A Local Veterinary Centre 

It’s vital that you can get in contact with a local veterinarian centre to register your puppy under their services, as you will need to take them for regular check ups to ensure that they are healthy and not suffering from any underlying issues. Obviously dogs cannot express themselves with words as humans do, so it can be really tough for your puppy to let you know if there’s something wrong. Always look for the main signs of illness, such as a very small appetite or an aversion to food, as well as struggles going to the toilet.

Preparing for a new puppy has never been so simple when you are able to make the most of the top tips and tricks detailed above!