Welcoming A New Canine Companion: The Only Checklist You Need
Welcoming a new canine companion into the family is an incredibly exciting proposition. If you’re counting down the days until your new furry friend arrives, it’s wise to get ready in advance. Here are some essential purchases and some jobs to cross off your list before you become a dog owner.
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Welcoming A New Canine Companion: The Only Checklist You Need
What do you need to buy for your new dog?
If you search for checklists and shopping lists for dog owners, you’ll be bombarded with pages of links and all kinds of exotic, non-essential purchases. Many of us get excited about adding to the family, and we like to indulge our pets, but it’s best to focus on the basics first. Your dog will need somewhere to sleep, some toys to play with and keep them entertained and a collar and lead. You’ll also need to decide which kind of food you want to buy and ensure you have water and food bowls at the ready for that all-important first meal. Look for healthy food for dogs, ask your vet for recommendations for the breed and try and vary your dog’s diet. If you’ve bought or adopted a puppy, search for puppy foods and make sure you follow the feeding instructions. It can be tricky to resist puppy dog eyes, but try not to get into the habit of giving your dog scraps from your plate. You can add pieces of meat or vegetables to their food bowl, but treating them too frequently and giving them other types of food can lead to weight gain. Some human foods can also be toxic for dogs.
Some dog owners like to keep their pets in a crate during the night or while they’re out during the day. Choose a crate that is big enough for the breed, and bear in mind that a tiny puppy will often grow into a sizable beast.
Once you’ve crossed off all the essentials, you can turn your attention to any additional items you want to treat your new companion to. You might want to invest in a coat for chilly winter walks, add a blanket to their bed or buy a longer lead to give them more freedom to roam when you go for a walk, for example.
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Prepping your home for a new arrival
If you’re welcoming a dog to your home for the first time, it’s beneficial to take some steps to prepare your home before the big day arrives. Lay out your dog’s bed and food bowls, add stair gates if you don’t want your new best friend to take over the upstairs of the house and remove any valuables that may be within tail’s reach. Make sure your dog has access to toys and try and remember to tidy away items you don’t want to end up being chewed. Puppies have a tendency to enjoy munching on slippers and socks. Dogs are also inquisitive by nature, and they’re often led by their sense of smell. Keep cupboards that contain food and household cleaning products and medicines locked.
Are you preparing to welcome a new canine companion to the fold? If you’re adding to your family, this guide will ensure you’re ready when the big day arrives.
