If you just made the decision to get a new puppy: congratulations! In my experience, welcoming a new dog into your home can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life.
But raising a puppy is also a huge responsibility. When you let a pet into your life, you are promising them a life of care, commitment, and unconditional love. Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or a seasoned dog owner, raising a new puppy always comes with a unique set of challenges. There are a lot of factors to consider before bringing home a new puppy, so I’ve put together a list of 10 things you must do before welcoming a new furry friend!
Check your lease: If you are renting a home or living in an apartment, make sure your lease allows you to have an animal. If not, try explaining your situation with your landlord. If your landlord continues to refuse, it might be time to search for a new, pet-friendly place to stay.
Review your finances: Look over your monthly and yearly budgets and consider the money you will have to invest in your new puppy. As much as we emphasize the intangible benefits of dogs (warm snuggles and wet kisses, anyone?), we have to face the reality: dogs can be an expensive investment. Check in with your dog-owning friends. Reach out to a trusted vet to find out the average costs of vaccines, routine check-ups, and spaying or neutering. Ask yourself: Does my budget allow me to support my puppy?
Have a conversation with your housemates: If you are living with family, roommates, or a significant other, make sure they are also enthusiastic about your new furry friend. Keep in mind that your housemates will inevitably have to interact with your puppy—and that your untrained puppy will probably ruin some of their possessions in the process. So have an honest conversation with them to confirm if they are willing to let a puppy into your shared space.
Decide what puppy is right or you: Make a list of features that you want your future dog to have. Consider traits like size, energy level, hair coat type, and/or typical personality. If you have kids, spend extra time considering what type of dog would work well with your family’s lifestyle.
Read up on your future puppy: Once you know what breed(s) you are interested in, do a deep-dive into that specific dog breed. Look up online articles, read books, and watch videos to learn more about your new pup’s characteristic behavior and basic care. This background research will help set your expectations for what your new, dog-filled life will look like.
Stock up: Make sure your home is prepared with everything you need. I would recommend purchasing a dog bed, crate, water and food bowls, collars, toys, shampoo, and age-appropriate food, at the very least. Buying all your supplies beforehand ensures that you and your puppy can start building a daily routine as soon as possible.
Puppy-proof your house: Puppies are curious—sometimes a little too curious! Hide your electrical cords and lock your medicine cabinets. Your pup will probably want to chew on anything small, so keep your laundry and shoes out of reach as well. If you have a garden, remove any poisonous plants.
Schedule an appointment with your local vet: Plan to bring your new puppy to the vet, preferably within the first couple weeks of bringing them home. They may need vaccinations, and your vet can answer any questions or concerns you have about your new furry friend.
Look into dog health insurance plans: A pet health insurance plan can help you cover any unexpected veterinary costs. Some policies can also help you pay for annual visits and vaccinations.
Plan out your puppy’s first couple of weeks at home: Try to get ahead on work, and see if you can move appointments in your schedule. This ensures that you have ample time to start house-training, crate-training, and socializing your new pet. Remember: once you bring your puppy home, it’s all hands on deck!
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