Adopting a puppy is, without a doubt, an exciting experience. You will have a new member of the family in the home with a personality that you do not know and that will be fun to discover. He will wait for you when you get home and you will enjoy unforgettable moments by his side, playing and sharing affection.
Now, before your new best friend comes home, you should know 10 things a puppy needs and that are essential for their well-being. We will explain it to you below, do not miss it!
1. Bed and blankets
Just before your new friend comes home, you need to purchase a comfortable bed for him. This should be adequate for its size and it is advisable that it be soft. Along with the bed, get some blankets that you can use during the winter.
When the bed is at home, it is time to determine the ideal place to place it. The best thing is that it is in a space that offers privacy when you want to rest, but at the same time is integrated into family life. Place it in a quiet place and away from drafts.
2. Containers for food and water
A container for food and one for water are essential to receive your puppy. In the market they exist in all colors and shapes, in addition to being presented in various materials, such as plastic, metal and ceramic. These should also be chosen with the size of the dog in mind, as there is no point in purchasing a small container for a large breed dog.
The automatic feeders for dogs are a good choice for those who spend a lot of time away from home, however, these tools cannot control the right amount, which can promote overweight and obesity. On the other hand, we also find sources of water that are very attractive to dogs, since they encourage them to drink more.
3. Toys
Play is a fundamental activity for the well-being, health and development of the puppy. In addition, when they are young, puppy dogs tend to bite due to tooth growth, which also usually causes pain, so having toys that help redirect this behavior towards suitable accessories is essential if we want to prevent damage to the home.
In pet supply stores you will find all kinds of toys that the puppy can chew on, but make sure they are appropriate for his age. These can be presented in different materials, from soft to more rigid; choose the one that best suits your puppy’s needs.
4. Identification plate
Identifying your puppy is crucial to his safety. One of the first things you should do is order an identification plate is his name, your phone number and your name, in this way, if he gets lost during a walk, the person who finds him could help you return with him.
In addition, today there is microchip technology, a much safer option. With it, it will be easy to locate your pet in case of loss and it is a painless and safe procedure. Check with your vet about this option.
5. Collar or harness and leash
When we talk about safety, the ideal is to minimize the possibility of your puppy getting lost, and the best thing to do is go for a walk using a collar or harness. However, which is better, harness or collar? The use of a harness is generally recommended, as it is usually safer and prevents damage to the neck in the event that the dog pulls on the leash.
As for the leash, it is highly advisable to choose one between 1 and 3 meters long, preferably adjustable, which will help us offer a good walk and freedom to the puppy. If you are a responsible human companion, do not forget to walk with your dog always using the collar and leash, because only in this way will you be protecting it from possible loss. Of course, remember that you can only take your puppy outside when he has all his vaccinations up to date.
6. Hygiene accessories
One of the things a puppy needs is to have hygiene accessories, because at this stage they tend to get dirty easily if we allow it. Although you should wait for your puppy to have his vaccinations before bathing him for the first time, it does not hurt to acquire the necessary accessories to give him a bath when he requires it. Meanwhile, you can buy wipes for puppy dogs.
Remember that you should always choose specific products for dogs. Consult with your veterinarian to find out which is the most suitable comb for his hair type, as well as the shampoo and conditioner.
7. Transport for dogs
The carrier is a basic accessory to take our dogs by car, likewise, it can also be interesting for veterinary visits when they are especially ill. However, in the case of large dogs, the cost of this accessory can skyrocket, so many people opt for a specific adaptable leash for dogs instead of a carrier.
These items should be chosen with the size of the dog in mind. Ideally, you should be able to stand up and roll over when indoors, as well as lie down comfortably.
8. Puppy education
That’s right, not all the things a puppy needs are items that you must purchase. Education is crucial so that the relationship with your dog is harmonious, unwanted situations or behaviors are avoided, understands how he should behave and it is easier for him to communicate with you or understand what you want.
The basic education of the puppy should begin at an early age and you can carry it out yourself or ask for the advice of a specialist, such as a canine educator or a trainer. Some basic things for your puppy to learn may be to urinate on the newspaper (until they can go outside) or to control the bite.
9. Socialization
We want to dedicate a complete section to socialization, as it is one of the most important things a puppy needs, since a balanced behavior in its adult stage will depend on it. The socialization of the puppy begins around three weeks of life and ends around three months. It is a process in which the dog learns to relate correctly with all kinds of animals, people and environments. Once the socialization period is over, fears appear.
If we do not socialize our puppy correctly, we will observe that it does not relate adequately with other individuals, showing fear, aggressiveness or other behavioral problems. It is also likely that he will have difficulty adjusting to the environment or that he is afraid of certain objects that we have not presented to him.
It is essential that a puppy explore fully to prevent it. However, given that before vaccination it is not possible to walk with a puppy in the street, it is highly advisable to attend puppy classes, in which we can socialize with other dogs, people, toys and environments.
10. Love
Love, affection and respect are the pillars on which the relationship with your dog must be sustained. There is no use buying the best things if you are not going to appreciate it as it should or spend the time it needs.
Remember that adopting a dog is a commitment that can mean between 12 and 16 years of your life, depending on the hope of the breed, so you must be willing to fulfill your obligations and provide the comforts it requires. In return, he will reward you with love, protection, companionship, and loyalty.
