Finally ready to bring home a new dog but not sure what to do? This post will help you prepare your family and home for a new puppy!

If you are ready to bring a new dog into your home, your entire family is probably very excited. Bringing a dog into your home is the same as gaining an additional family member. But you need to be prepared and know what to expect! That’s where The Goody Pet comes in. This is a great website that provides reviews, tips and guides that help you become a better pet parent.

A new pup comes with a lot of responsibilities. There are several things you need to do ahead of time to ensure that your new pet fits in as fast as possible. Here’s a look at what you need to know.

How to Prepare Your Family and Home for a New Puppy

Prepare Everyone

A new puppy can be stressful but if everyone in the family chips in and does their part to help everyone will feel less overwhelmed. Decide ahead of time who will do the feeding, the walking, playtime, and cleaning up.

When everyone has clearly defined responsibilities before the pup arrives, things will go a lot smoother.

Puppy Proof Your Home

One of the things that are sometimes overlooked is the fact that you need to prepare your home for a new puppy just as you would if you had a new baby.

Stairs need to be safeguarded. Cords need to be put in safe areas and you should block off gaps that are behind your appliances. If you have a fireplace it will need to be closed off.

Once the puppy arrives, make sure you close your toilet lids after using the toilet. Finally, ensure that medicines and other toxic chemicals are stored away safely.

Buy the Essentials

Your new pet is going to have to eat, so make sure you buy the best dog food possible for them. Your pet will also need bowls to eat from and toys to play with. Make sure that you buy them a collar and a lead, so that taking them for a walk is easier.

Your new puppy is going to need a bed. It is a great idea to buy a thermal bed, and heated blankets. This is especially important if you are bringing home your pup during the colder times of the year.

Bring Home Your Pet

Although everybody will be excited to see the new pup when you bring it home, you shouldn’t bombard the puppy with a lot of attention the minute they arrive.

Remember, the new puppy does not know you and is slowly deciding whether or not they can trust you. They are likely to be anxious especially because they have been thrust into a new environment.

For the first 24 hours, you should limit the number of people who are exposed to the puppy. Give the puppy a few days to settle in before everyone starts greeting and playing with them.

Let the puppy have ample opportunity to explore the home so that they can become as comfortable as possible. Also, remember to take your pup to the vet for a checkup as soon as possible.

Enjoy Your New Puppy

Once your puppy has settled in and has been introduced to the family then comes the fun part. Remember to remind everybody of their agreed-upon duties, so that care goes smoothly.

The best thing you can do for your new puppy is to show them, love. Once you do this they will begin fitting into the family in no time.