Welcoming a dog to the family is hugely exciting. If you’re counting down the days until your new furry friend comes home, you may have a big to-do list. To help you get sorted, here’s an essential checklist for new dog owners.
Buy essential products
If you’ve researched shopping for a new puppy online, you may have come across huge lists, which can be a bit daunting. In reality, for the first few weeks, you’ll only need the essentials, such as food and water bowls, toys, food, a bed, some blankets, a carrier and a collar and lead. If your puppy isn’t trained, it’s also a good idea to buy some puppy pads. Ask your vet for advice if you’re unsure which food to buy. Once your dog is settled and they’ve grown a bit, you can explore other products, such as larger beds and pet furniture, more sophisticated toys and things to play with outside. It’s worth shopping around to find the best deals on pet food, toys, accessories and beds. If you’ve seen a designer dog bed you love, for example, you may be able to find a very similar product at a fraction of the price using search engines or social media.
Choose a name
This is one of the most exciting jobs for expectant dog parents, but it can also be one of the hardest! It’s natural to be indecisive because you want to choose the perfect name for your new canine companion. To help you narrow down the options, think about the size and breed of the dog and consider their personality. You can look for ideas online by using search engines to find specific breeds such as Cane Corso name ideas or take inspiration from celebrity dogs or famous pooches from the small or silver screen, for example. It’s also a great idea to get the kids involved if you have children. If you’re not 100% sure, you can always wait until your puppy comes home and choose a name once you know them better. According to an American Kennel Club survey, the most popular dog names in the US in 2023 were Max, Charlie, Luna and Bella.
Puppy-proof your home
The next step is to puppy-proof your home. Puppies are balls of energy, they love to play and run around and they’re often inquisitive, which can get them into trouble. Dog-proofing your home is important for two reasons: to protect your puppy and prevent accidents and to protect your house and its contents. Remove hazards, put anything valuable or fragile away and lock cupboards that contain medicines and cleaning products. Store anything made from small components in a safe place to avoid your dog swallowing them. Set up dog-friendly areas, including places to play and cozy zones to relax and sleep.
If you’re about to become a dog owner, you’re probably very excited but also a little nervous. There’s a lot to do to prepare for a new furry family member, but this checklist makes it easy. Write a list of essential items to buy before you bring your puppy home. Search online, browse stores and compare prices to find the best deals. Choose a name for your pet and puppy-proof your home to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to prized possessions.
