Essential Tips for Welcoming Your New Dog Into Your Home

Patrick Mull |
Adopt An Animal. Closeup portrait of cheerful African American girl embracing her labrador from shelter, spending time with parents in living room at home, man and woman sitting on the sofa
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Congratulations! You’ve decided to welcome a new dog into your home, and we couldn’t be happier for you and your pup. The journey you are about to embark upon will be a heartwarming and rewarding one, filled with the joys of pet parenthood.

Welcoming a new dog into your home is an understandably exciting time for new pet parents, but the process can be stressful for the dog itself. Careful planning and preparation are crucial to helping them ease into their new environment, but don’t fret, ZippyPaws has a few ideas to help you get ready to bring your four-legged friend home.

Acquire the Essentials

To help your dog feel at home in their new digs, it’s important to acquire all the essentials your new pet will need in their lives. Trust us, your dog will thank you. Below are some of the most important items they will need before you bring them home for the first time.

  • ID tag and microchip
  • Leash, collar & poop bags
  • Dog food
  • Food and water bowls
  • Potty pads
  • Toys and toy bBox
  • Treats
  • Dog bed & crate
  • Stain and odor remover
  • Grooming supplies
  • Enroll in obedience school 
  • Choose a veterinarian and plan for care
  • Flea & tick treatment
  • Heartworm preventative

Prepare and Dog Proof Your Home

Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and that curiosity can lead to trouble from time to time. Dog-proofing your home can help keep your four-legged friend safe and safeguard your belongings from becoming chew toys.

  • Clean and tidy your home
  • Put shoes, clothing, laundry, and valuables away
  • Secure pills and medication in medicine cabinet
  • Keep cleaners, chemicals, batteries out of reach
  • Opt for a dog-proof trash can with secure lid
  • Spray furniture with a natural taste deterrent
  • Cover or spray taste deterrent on exposed cords  
  • Keep human and toxic foods out of reach
  • Remove poisonous plants from home and yard
  • Block off small spaces and high places
  • Set up baby gates, playpens, crates
  • Provide secure dens and safe spaces (crates, beds, playpen)

Create a Safe Space for Them

All dogs need a safe space they can retreat to so they can relax without fear of being disturbed. Be it a crate, or an entire room to themselves, it’s important to provide them with a calm, comfy, and quiet space they can call their own. Here are a few ways you can ensure that your dog’s safe space has all that they need.

  • Make it comfortable (temperature, space, location, bedding)
  • Provide secondary safe space if needed
  • Stock with food and water
  • Make it easily accessible
  • Ensure that it isn’t isolated from others
  • Make it quiet and stress-free (calming music, television, white noise machine)
  • Provide mental enrichment and chew toys
  • Dog proof and eliminate potential hazards

Provide Plenty of Toys and Snuggle Items

Dog toys are more than just fun. They are important to a dog’s overall well-being. Dog toys offer enrichment and help satisfy instinctual needs. They provide mental and physical stimulation, helping to combat boredom. Toys can provide comfort when a dog is feeling stressed or nervous. They can even help to correct common behavior problems, like chewing on inappropriate items.

Need help deciding what types of toys to buy and try? We’ve got you.

Establish Rules and Routine

Establishing a routine and schedule for your new dog is crucial to helping them settle into their new home and learn good behaviors. A new puppy or dog must adapt to their new environment, new people, new smells, and other new stimuli. Having a routine and consistent schedule in place can help give them a sense of security. They’ll know what to expect and when to expect it, and they’ll rest easy knowing that their basic needs, like food, water, and companionship are going to be met.

Your dog’s routine should include scheduled times to eat, sleep, exercise, and spending quality time with you. The most important thing is for you to maintain consistency. Keeping a regular schedule for feeding, walking, exercise, and playing can help them feel calm, comfortable, and less stressed. Be realistic with your ability to follow the routine you establish and be sure you are willing and able to stick to it. Dogs thrive on routine and predictability, so maintaining a consistent schedule will ensure that they are leading a healthy, happy, and balanced life.  

Again, congratulations on the newest addition to your pack. We wish you the best and look forward to seeing pics of your pup playing with their favorite ZippyPaws toys – be sure to tag us on Instagram!

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