Bringing a new dog into your family is an exciting stage in everyone’s lives. Whether you are adopting a puppy or an older dog, here are some tips to consider as you welcome your new furry friend into your home and heart.

1. Get your supplies ready

Before you go to pick up your new dog, consider making a trip to the store to retrieve all their supplies first. Your new dog should come home to everything they need, saving you a last-minute trip that could be quite stressful. Bring your family into this stage of preparation by researching for supplies together and determining what most suits your dog’s breed and size. 

We recommend you prepare common items such as a collar and leash, food and bowls, and bedding such as a crate or playpen. A Doggy Bathroom Starter Kit can be helpful for potty training your puppy, with many new dog owners finding success. As Rhea M. comments, “The Doggy Bathroom is great! My 8 month old puppy uses it consistently and he hasn't had any accidents since he started using it.”

2. Bring your new dog home

Once your dog arrives home, have everything placed in their respective areas. Work with your family to establish food and water areas, along with where your dog will play and sleep. 

To welcome your new family member, help your dog understand their surroundings through a home tour. 

Putting your new dog on a leash, take them around your living space and introduce them to both the indoor and outdoor environments. Show them where the food and bedding is, and introduce them to human family members

Let your pup sniff around the Doggy Bathroom and explore it on their own. Doggy Bathroom pee pads contain an attractant to encourage pups to use their litter box. 

3. Establish a new routine

Your dog’s life isn’t the only one that has changed! Expect a busier schedule as you train with your new family member, forging a forever bond. Take time out of your day to feed, walk, and play with your dog, and work with household members to delegate tasks. 

This is also the time to establish boundaries for unwanted behaviours. Speak with your family members on expectations such as where your dog is allowed in the house. 

Have patience!

Change is not always easy. There will be ups and downs, and certainly some unexpected surprises. However, your new dog will soon become a beloved member of the family. Enjoy each day as it comes!