7 Checks to Make Before Adopting a Puppy

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Adding a puppy to your home is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You’re not just adding a new animal to your home, you’re adding a family member. Before you take the plunge, you need to make sure you’re mentally and physically prepared for everything that having a puppy entails. Here are some tips to follow and advice to take before you decide to take the puppy plunge.

Interview the Caretaker

Before adopting a puppy, you need to have an in-depth conversation with whoever is selling the puppy. By talking with the person who has been in charge of the dog, you may learn valuable information about your puppy’s breed and temperament. You need to make sure you are picking the perfect pet for your family. If you have smaller children in your home, you want to ask questions about the energy level of the dog. If you have older grandparents in the home, you’ll want to ask the caretaker how active the dog is.

How Much Time Can You Devote?

Be prepared to spend a lot of time with your new puppy. Before you adopt, clear some time in your calendar. Avoid taking any vacations because your puppy will need a lot of care, and your puppy will need to adjust to its new home. It might be a wise choice to take some time off work so that your puppy isn’t left home alone. Your new addition needs your guidance and care as it gets the hang of potty training, eating, and adjusting to its new surroundings. The key to good long-term behavior is time and consistency.

Is Your House Puppy Proof?

Before you bring your puppy home, you’ll need to puppy proof your home. Make sure you have plenty of pee pads especially if your dog isn’t potty trained yet. If you plan on having your dog in the yard, make sure it’s fenced in and that there are no gaps where it can escape. Puppies need time to adjust to their new home. If they run away, they might not know how to get back. Finally, make sure food and water are easily accessible.

Ask Family for Help

Having a puppy is a huge commitment. It’s something you might struggle with alone. This is especially true if you’re a new dog owner. It’s okay to ask for help. In the first few weeks, enlist the help of family to make sure your dog is supervised and adjusting accordingly. You’ll want to make sure your pup is getting plenty of exercise to wear off some of that energy. You’ll also want someone on hand, in the beginning, to make sure they don’t get into anything that they’re not supposed too. Puppies are curious and want to explore. In order to keep them safe, you need to keep a watchful eye.

Avoid Big Life Changes

When puppies move to a new home, they’re going through a lot of big changes. They can feel scared and overwhelmed as they adjust to their new surroundings. To make the transition smoother on them, avoid any big life changes that will confuse your new puppy. Make sure you don’t have a move planned. Avoid adopting a puppy if you’re expecting a baby. Add a puppy to your home when you feel settled and ready to devote your life to them.

Get the Whole Family on Board

If you’re adding a puppy to your home, you need to make sure your whole family is on board. You’re essentially adding a new family member and you’ll need help. You should be able to rely on your family to help feed the dog, take it for walks, and play with it. Your dog will want and need attention. You need to be ready to give that to the dog in order for it to thrive.

Understand This is a Long Term Commitment

Finally, you need to remember that having a dog is a long term commitment. This isn’t just a new toy you’ll have for a week weeks and disregard. This puppy is meant to be with you for the rest of their life. They will love you and depend on you. If you abandon them after a few years, they will be crushed. That’s why it’s key that you understand that they are a commitment. Once you accept this, you’ll be able to devote all your love and attention to them.

Overall, make sure you’re prepared before the puppy comes home. Do your research to make sure you’re picking the right breed. Make sure your home is ready. Talk over the decision with your family. Once the dog is in your home, it’ll be a lot of work. It can always go more smoothly ahead of time.

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