Hi neighbors!
A close friend of mine recently adopted the cutest puppy and asked me for some advice on making him feel at home. This got me thinking about when my family adopted a dog a couple of years ago, and what we did to ensure he felt safe and comfortable.
After coming up with lots of tips and advice for my friend, I thought that I would share what I told her, on here, as well. Just in case there is anyone else out there who is in the process of adopting a new puppy into their family and needs a little bit of help.
Make up a bed for him or her
First things first, you need to make a bed up for your new family member. This should be somewhere that is comfortable and cozy, and ideal for relaxing and sleeping in. To find the perfect bed, visit your local pet store or have a browse online.
You should be able to find plenty of cool dog beds, so no matter what you are after, there should be something suitable. It’s a good idea to opt for a washable dog bed, so that if your new pup has an accident, it can be easily cleaned.
Where you place the bed is important; kitchens work well as the flooring tends to be easy to clean. However, it’s up to you where you place your dog’s bed.
Buy toys
Puppies are like children; they love to play. To help your new addition settle in, buy him a few toys in advance. Don’t buy adult toys for a younger puppy, opt for specialist puppy ones instead. Rope toys, teething chews, and teddies are ideal for puppies. Any toys that you get your puppy place in his new bed, so that he knows they are his.
Add something that smells like his mom to his bed
When you go to collect your new addition, take a blanket along with you and ask to rub it on his mom and littermates. This should collect some of the scents he is used to and make moving to your home a little bit easier. Pop the blanket in his bed to help comfort him when he’s missing his mom and siblings.
Wrap a clock in a blanket
Puppies are used to being close to their mothers, and can become upset when they are apart. By wrapping a clock in a blanket, you can make them feel a little calmer - the clock sounds like their mother’s heartbeat.
You could also pop a hot water bottle in their bed wrapped in a towel. This will keep them warm and make them feel safe and secure. Puppies are used to sleeping with their mom and littermates and can feel scared being apart from them.
Taking your new puppy home is incredibly exciting, but it’s important to remember, that for him, it can be a scary experience. That’s why it’s important to do everything that you can to make him as comfortable and cozy as possible.
Comments