There are a few things you should do ahead of time to prepare for the arrival of your new dog to help make a smooth transition for both for him and you.
Shopping List for Your New Dog
- Food. Ask your breeder or vet to recommend an appropriate dog food.
- Collar and leash. Choose a flat buckle collar to start with to go with a leather or nylon leash. Pick a leash that feels good in your hand.
- Food and water dishes. Available in plastic, ceramic, stoneware and stainless steel. Stainless steel ones are the most durable.
- Grooming tools. Including comb, brush, dog shampoo and nail clippers.
- Poop scoop. Available as a two-piece model with pusher, a rake, or one with connected handles.
- Crate. A wire crate is good as it allows two-way visibility between you and your dog. They also collapse for portability.
- Veterinary care. Certain necessities can only be bought through a vet. Your breeder should let you know what you’ll need ahead of time.
You might also want to pick up a few books on caring for a dog and read up in detail before you bring your dog home.
Dog-Proofing Your Home
When bringing a new dog home for the first time, you need to protect your belongings from destruction. Don’t leave anything on the floor that isn’t meant for your dog. This includes socks, shoes, toys, etc. Make sure your breakables are well out of your dogs reach until she learns she isn’t allowed to climb on the coffee table or until she gets used to the amount of space she has to wag her tail.
Protect your carpets and furniture from unexpected bathroom breaks until she learns to only do her business outside. Provide a range of toys and chewing bones to keep her from being tempted to play with the wrong things (like furniture). You might want to also install gates to block off certain areas of your home. Invest in a good stain remover too as accidents will happen.
Some dog owners will smear hot sauce along the edges of furniture they want to protect, which is a surefire way to discourage your dog from chewing.
