Getting a dog is a huge responsibility. So when it is your first dog, there are a lot of things that you need to know before you even bring it home. But even once you have taken care of all of that, the first time you bring your new pet home, the magnitude of the situation can really start to hit you. So here are are some ways to make that first day easier—one step at a time.
- Let Your Dog Adjust to Its New Surroundings
By the time you bring your dog home, you should already have prepared the place for your new pet. This includes a number of things. Dog proofing is important to protect your furniture, but also to make sure your dog is safe. You will have to make sure your home and yard are secure so that your dog does not escape, and you will have to make sure that there is nothing around that your dog could ingest that would harm it.
You will also need to make sure that your home is stocked with the necessary essentials before your dog arrives, including food, bedding, a crate, a leash, a collar, and good quality dog shampoo. Now that you already have this stuff, the first day that your dog is home you will be able to focus on making sure that it is happy and comfortable while adjusting to strange new surroundings.
- Introduce New Friends
One of the toughest parts of bringing a dog home can come if you already have a few other pets. It is going to take time for your pets to get to know each other, and become comfortable with one another, so remember to be patient. Keep a close eye on them as they come to terms with each other.
You will also have to be smart about how you introduce people to your dog as well. It can be incredibly overwhelming for either a young puppy or a rescue dog to be surrounded by a group of unfamiliar people all at once. Try to introduce people one at a time so as not to cause unnecessary stress to your animal.
- Start Training
Especially if you have a new puppy, training needs to start right away. In particular, potty training should be introduced, as well as simple commands to help your puppy know what it should and shouldn’t do. You should never be harsh of course, but be firm in your commands. The American Kennel Club notes that if your puppy thinks something is ok today, it will continue to think it is ok in the future.
- Visit the Vet
If not on the first day, at least within the first few days of ownership, you should visit the vet with your puppy or new dog. They will do a general check up and tell you which vaccinations you will need to get for your dog. It is also good for your dog to get used to going to the vet as early as possible.
- Love Your Pet!
This is the start of a long lifetime of companionship between you and your dog, so more than anything, just enjoy your new best friend. Help it to feel comfortable and loved in its new surroundings by giving it plenty of cuddles and attention.