A GUIDE TO YOUR FIRST PUPPY
Preparing your home (and life) for a new puppy is a really exciting and magical moment for first-time owners. And it should be, it’s a big deal!
That said, it can also be a time of high stress and anxiety, for both you and your new pup. They’re being exposed to a new environment and you’re being introduced to a new lifestyle - it’s a nerve-wracking time.
To ease those nerves, we’ve assembled a super panel of experts to lend their best pieces of advice: our Canine Collection Brand Partners. Read their puppy care tips, recommendations and fun facts below.
Bringing a new puppy into your home is one of the most incredible experiences, but make no mistake - puppies are hard work and a major responsibility. The key to successful introduction is preparation. Make sure you've taken care of all the essentials before you bring your new pup home: (1) research, select and meet with prospective service providers (vets, groomers, dog walkers, trainers, etc.), (2) research and purchase the best dog food and supplies for you, your dog and the rest of the family, and (3) make sure everyone in the family understands ground rules (e.g., who cares for the dog, training guidelines, etc.) - Zel Crampton, CEO, Diggs
Welcoming a dog into your home and heart is making a lifelong commitment to the well-being of someone else. Be prepared, be patient, and be kind. Remember that this is a big change for both of you and you will learn and grow together. - Alexandria Jarrell, Co-founder and CXO, NomNomNow
Every dog has an origin story. Adorn your wall with a portrait of your best friend to celebrate Chapter 1 of your new life together. Guaranteed to evoke cuteness and nostalgia! - Kassy Ruimy, Co-founder, Petsy
Before bringing home your new furry addition, talk to your rescue or vet to make sure you have the correct food and supplies ahead of time to make the transition comfortable for everyone. A proper size crate is a wonderful way to assist with potty training and gives your pet a safe place to relax and decompress. Interactive toys are a great way to keep your pup out of trouble when they get bored! And, patience-it’s all new for your dog too! - RNSCeramics
Train, love, set boundaries and be consistent. And once your new love is settled, invest in a Barkiture bed to complete your home. - Katherine Ortega-Ford, Owner, Barkiture
Puppy-potty-training can often be one of the more frustrating aspects of becoming a pup-parent. Keep in mind your new fur-baby may have ‘to-go’ as often as every 4-5 hours! That’s why we recommend Fresh Patch REAL Grass Pet Patches. This hydroponically grown, dirt-free, grass patch is instinctive for puppies to use -- turning #PuppyPottyTraining into an easy and stress-free experience. - Laurie Feld, Marketing Director, Fresh Patch
Have outfit ideas ready. Those super adorable, very early days of puppyhood only come once. So, you’ll want to make sure your photos look just as memorable as that puppy bliss feels! - Ashley Paguyo, Co-founder Lucy & Co.
Your new pup will want a safe and cozy space of her own - somewhere she can go to take a break, chew a favorite toy, and of course sleep. If you don't want your dog to sleep in your bed every night, make sure she has a clearly designated bed of her own and never ever give in even though it's tempting - once she gets up in your bed she'll never leave! - Rose Shattuck, Owner, The Foggy Dog
Every dog is different, and it's important that you get to know him or her to be the best puppy parent you can be. A dog DNA test can help you learn your pup's breeds, and potential health conditions to enable you to take the best care of him or her: from how to train, to informative information that you can discuss with your veterinarian, and more. - Sarah Longstreet, Director of Digital Marketing, Embark