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Are you looking to add a new family member into your home?

It’s important to know what to expect and possibly have a few tips ready at hand for when your new pet arrives.

First, making this decision takes some planning. You have to make sure that everything is ready and you know what you and your pup are getting into.

Remember this is going to be a new experience for both of you, so stay calm and learn with them.

Here are some tips to help your adjustment:

1. Get a crate: This will make your training much easier, but remember this doesn’t mean they are in the crate 24/7.
2. Invest in baby gates: If you have particular areas of your home that you don’t want destroyed, invest in a gate to block the path.
3. Set a routine: When you come up with a routine for your pet, they’ll know when it’s time to eat/go to the bathroom.
4. Enroll in a training class: Classes can help with both training and socialization! There are also plenty of books and resources out there that give tips on at-home training as well.
5. Love: Love on your pet so they know they’re safe and cared for. This helps them stay comfortable.
6. Touch: Get your pet used to being touched around their paws, mouth, nails, and ears. This helps if you have to make a trip to the vet.
7. Social Interaction: Let your pet meet new people so the sights of unfamiliar faces don’t frighten them.
8. Introduce: Along with social interaction it’s important to introduce your pet to new things. This can be different faces, pets, or sights. Just be careful not to overwhelm them.
9. Teething Toys: If you have a puppy they will chew on anything in front of them. Teething toys can help with this.
10. Enforce good behavior: Letting your pet know when behaviors are correct will help to enforce those behaviors to continue.
11. Watch your pet’s stools: We know this sounds gross but looking at their stools is an easy way to signal if something is wrong.
12. Take them out when they need it: Sometimes new pets have to frequently use the bathroom. Don’t hesitate to let them outside.
13. PLAY: Puppies love to play. Don’t be afraid to make some trips outside and bring some toys. This will be so much fun for the both of you.
14. Drive them around: If you drive your puppy around early, it will help to avoid car sickness and uneasiness later in their life.
15. Stay calm: Your pet is going to make mistakes no matter how much effort you’re giving. Remember they are still learning, so try to stay calm.
16. Patience: This is key to having a puppy. They require so much time and attention that can be draining sometimes. Try to stay patient with them and know you’re both trying your best. Things get easier with time.