Bringing a Puppy Home for the First Time

Bringing a puppy home to its forever home for the first time is one of the most exciting times in a young dog’s life. Their new home is full of sights, smells and things to chew. This time can be stressful for some puppies and some homes might not be ready for a small dog.

Bringing a puppy home for the first time requires preparation and understanding of dog psychology. If you prepare well, your new dog will easily adapt to your home and feel like it’s their den right away. Explore some tips to help prepare the perfect home for your puppy.

Check for Hazards and Puppy Proof

Homes have numerous hazards that could harm a curious little puppy. It’s a good idea to get on your hands and knees and look at a room from your puppy’s eye level. Look out for cords, choking hazards like rubber bands, string, children’s toys, things that could be easily damaged or obstacles that could be difficult for your puppy to navigate.

You should also prepare some items they can chew on, like a durable hard rubber chew toy or a soft toy like a puppy-proof teddy bear. Treats like pig’s ears, hooves, cod skins or other hard chewable can be suitable for puppies under direct supervision only.

Build a Healthy Routine

Puppies thrive on routine and a structured schedule can also help pet owners ensure their pup gets the exercise, food and stimulation they need while also ensuring they get the proper 18-20 hours of sleep per day.

Setting up bathroom routines is critical for the puppy and the cleanliness of your home. A good rule to remember is the month/hour rule: A puppy needs to urinate at intervals equal to its age in months. For example, a 2-month-old puppy will need to urinate every 2 hours.

Healthy routines should also include healthy eating habits. Set regular feeding times for your puppy and get them started on a healthy diet of 20 percent wet food and 80 percent dry food suited for their age and geared toward their development from day one. This will also help regulate their bowels, allowing you to create a bathroom schedule more easily.

The 333 Rule

It will take time for your puppy to adjust to your home and your rhythm of life. It is helpful to remember the 333 rule of dog acclimation. It takes 3 days for your dog to relax and calm down from the initial shock of moving into your home. It takes a further 3 weeks for your dog to feel comfortable and secure in your home. Finally, it takes 3 months for your dog to adapt and acclimate to your routines.

It takes time for your puppy to fully become a part of the family. Enjoy this wild and fun time, but keep a close eye on your puppy’s progress. If your puppy shows signs of food allergies or illness, is struggling to adapt to your home or is not hitting its developmental milestones, consult a vet.

A Good Start From the Beginning

The first few months of a puppy’s life in your home are important. A good diet is one of the best ways to give your puppy a head start. Explore Open Farm’s range of delicious organic, human-grade dog food to learn more.