{"id":5295,"date":"2022-12-16T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-16T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/?p=5295"},"modified":"2024-11-18T10:20:26","modified_gmt":"2024-11-18T18:20:26","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-a-puppy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/how-to-prepare-for-a-puppy\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Tips to Help You Prepare for a Puppy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The French statesman Charles de Gaulle once said, \u201cThe better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.\u201d While we here at Quicken still have plenty of love for our fellow humans, we absolutely adore dogs \u2014 they bring such joy to our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you found yourself wanting to bring a new puppy home but aren\u2019t totally sure where to start? We\u2019re glad you\u2019re here. New pets are a giant responsibility \u2014 you\u2019re not only socially and financially responsible for their wellbeing, but they are quite literally dependent on you for all of their needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re getting ready to bring home a dog of your own, here\u2019s a new puppy checklist to make your choice \u2014 and their transition to a forever home \u2014 as seamless as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to find the right puppy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Finding the right puppy isn\u2019t quite as easy as it sounds \u2014 there are many dogs in need of a home, but there are certain unethical entities in the industry that don\u2019t have the animals\u2019 best interests in mind. Here are a few tips to find the right pup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider adopting first<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Adoption is a great way to give a dog a second chance and bring them to their forever home. Check with local shelters in the area \u2014 they\u2019ll often have dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments. Are you ready to care for a special-needs puppy? Do you want to give an older adult dog a wonderful last few years? Adoption is the best avenue for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When adopting, most shelters will list their dogs on their website (or Instagram), where you can get an idea of who exactly is available. Once you find the dog you love, you can meet them in person \u2014 this may require visiting the shelter or the foster home they\u2019re living in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From there, you can arrange to bring the puppy home and pay any adoption fees, which can run from $50-500 depending on your location and the age of the dog, and may include spay\/neutering and vaccinations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many animals in shelters come from incredibly harsh circumstances \u2014 this is a great opportunity to give a dog another chance and offer them the love they so willingly give us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find a responsible <\/strong>breeder<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While there are about 2,000 licensed dog breeders<\/a> in the United States alone, not every breeder works within the law. Check in with local resources, like veterinarians or dog enthusiasts, or national databases with the American Kennel Club (AKC) or Humane Society to find reputable breeders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You want to avoid buying a dog from a puppy mill \u2014 they breed dogs in really unfortunate circumstances, and many of these dogs have behavioral or health problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you find a reputable breeder, make sure you visit their facility, meet their puppies, and have an honest conversation with the person in charge. Consider asking if they offer any warranties or guarantees on their dogs, and ask these nine questions<\/a> to ensure your puppy is positioned for a healthy life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to do before you bring your dog home<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are few better feelings in the world than finding a dog to love and provide for \u2014 once you find your puppy, it\u2019s time to get down to puppy-proofing and preparing your home for another inhabitant. Here are some tips to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Puppy-proof<\/strong> your home<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve never lived with a puppy before, get ready for a whole lot of cute and a whole lot of chaos! By their very nature, puppies are inquisitive and energetic, which can make your home an exciting new playground. Unfortunately, your new dog can get themselves into a lot of trouble if your home isn\u2019t puppy-proofed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start by surveying your space and noticing every small detail \u2014 are there small decorative candles or knick knacks at the dog\u2019s head level that can pose a choking hazard? Take an inventory of any plants you may have in the home and make sure they aren\u2019t toxic to canines, and make sure you secure loose cables or wires that the dog could chew through. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By puppy-proofing your home, you can lessen the risk of your puppy getting into any dangerous circumstances while encouraging them to learn skills and confidence as you nurture their creativity and explorative nature!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Puppy-proof<\/strong> your budget<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Paying your breeder the cost to bring your puppy home or paying the dog\u2019s adoption fee at the shelter is just the tip of the iceberg \u2014 dog ownership costs money. In the United States, providing for a puppy can set you back anywhere from $350-$2,000 a year<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your pup needs to eat, they\u2019ll need dog toys, and you\u2019ll need to pick up odds and ends that come with owning a puppy as well (think pooper-scooper and carpet cleaner for messes!) However, it\u2019s also extremely important to have some savings stashed away in case your dog has a health emergency \u2014 it\u2019s never a bad idea to be prepared. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start by creating a monthly budget based on your take-home pay. You\u2019ll want to see how much you have left over that you can work with, and it also helps to calculate the costs of dog ownership \u2014 you can estimate how much you\u2019ll spend monthly on dog food, toys, pet insurance premiums, and any medications your puppy may need (think Heartgard\/Nexgard). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Need to save money for puppy purchases? We\u2019ve got <\/em>14 ways to help<\/em><\/a>! <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head to the pet store for some <\/strong>puppy supplies!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unless you want your dog destroying your possessions around the house, you\u2019re going to need to pick up some toys for the puppy to play with. Fortunately, the modern pet store has everything you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs love to chew things, especially when they\u2019re teething, so it\u2019s important to have engaging chew toys for them to stimulate their brain, channel their energy, and soothe the pain of adult teeth coming in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also need to pick up puppy food. Check with the breeder you\u2019re using or the shelter from which you\u2019re adopting and find out what food your pup has been enjoying. Beware of fad diets that hit the pet store shelves (often at a steep premium) \u2014 many of these dietary regimens have not been evaluated by any veterinary groups and won\u2019t provide any extra nutrition for your pup. Also, don\u2019t forget stainless-steel food and water bowls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, you\u2019ll want to buy a crate and dog bed for your pup. The benefits of crate training<\/a> have been well documented, but simply put, a crate provides your puppy with a safe place of their own to unwind and chill. Start by taking a look at the different size dog crates your local pet shop offers. You\u2019ll want one large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in, but a crate that\u2019s too big can feel stressful and imposing \u2014 you don\u2019t want to put your Yorkie in a Great-Dane-sized crate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After you bring your <\/strong>puppy home<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Elation \u2014 that\u2019s how it feels to bring a puppy home. Still, their transition can also come with a bit of stress for both parties, so here are a few helpful tips to encourage your dog\u2019s socialization process, ease first day jitters, and help puppies and puppy owners get used to each another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Create <\/strong>house rules<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chances are, you\u2019ve spent a fair amount of time (and money) deliberating on your interior decor and the way your possessions are arranged. Puppies can bring other interior decor ideas to a new home. The best move? Set boundaries and create house rules from the get-go \u2014 and be consistent! Get together with your family members or the people you live with and decide what the puppy can and cannot do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have priceless vases or fragile speakers on stands in your living room, you may want to discourage indoor playtime. When your pup gets the zoomies, redirect. You can take them to your backyard or to the local park to burn off some energy \u2014 just be sure to have a long lead for your dog if they\u2019re not leash trained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also want to decide where the dog is allowed to roam. Consider blocking off stairs while you\u2019re on one level to prevent the puppy from going rogue and getting into trouble. You can also purchase baby gates that block doors, which can deter your dog from entering rooms that are off limits. Stay consistent with your rules and your dog will learn fast!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start <\/strong>puppy training<\/strong> right away<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Following on the heel of creating house rules (dog pun!), you\u2019ll want to start training with your new pup as soon as you bring them home. Training your dog doesn\u2019t mean preparing them for the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving \u2014 it\u2019s a way to establish a rapport between you and your puppy, build their confidence, stimulate them mentally, and build trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you\u2019re a novice, the best thing you can do for your dog is remain consistent and provide positive reinforcement. There are many different ways to train your dog, but remember that most are very receptive to praise and food \u2014 keep plenty of training treats handy, and be sure to praise and compliment your dog when they get it right. This method is great for \u201cDog 101\u201d skills like sit, shake, down, potty training, and getting them into their crate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more advanced training, consider hiring a professional dog trainer. Professional trainers come in many different varieties, dog training modalities, and prices \u2014 work with your budget and see how much you can spare per month for professional lessons. By continuing training, you\u2019ll ensure your dog builds healthy self-esteem, keeps learning, and earns your trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get an appointment with your vet<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you bring your puppy home, you\u2019ll want to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian right away. If you\u2019re a new dog owner, you might be wondering where you should take your puppy for medical care \u2014 it\u2019s a big question! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First-time pet parents should get in touch with family or friends in the area who are pet owners and get some recommendations from them; it\u2019s generally easiest this way. You can also take a look at local vets in the area using Google and visit their facilities before getting your dog. Make sure you feel comfortable with the vet, ensure they have a similar philosophy regarding pet ownership, and feel confident in the facility\u2019s cleanliness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs in the care of responsible breeders and shelters will already have started veterinarian care early in their puppyhood, and most will be vaccinated against rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, as well as microchipped with an ID tag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on what age your dog is, they may need leptospirosis vaccinations, a heartworm test, flea treatment, or a regular checkup \u2014 this can all be taken care of with your first vet visit to ensure your dog is healthy and happy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exercise your puppy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No matter the breed, puppies have tons <\/em>of energy. We all love the tired, snuggly pup, but let\u2019s face it \u2014 they\u2019re not going to want to snooze and cuddle all day long. Once that puppy energy switch is flipped, Dr. Jekyll, meet Mr. Hyde!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way to ensure your puppy is getting rid of their energy (and stress) is by exercising them regularly. It\u2019s also important to familiarize yourself with your breed\u2019s energy levels \u2014 don\u2019t expect a Catahoula Leopard dog to sit on the couch all day without running them prior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get your puppy familiar with a leash and walk them around your home first if they\u2019re not yet understanding. Once they\u2019re comfortable on the leash, you can take your dog running, hiking, or walking for some exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once your dog gets comfortable off leash, you can consider taking them to a park (or a friend’s large, fenced-in backyard) to run and burn off energy. Fetch is an all-time classic, but you can also throw flying discs, create obstacle courses, take your dog swimming, or even make up your own games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try plenty of different activities to keep your dog stimulated and remember which ones they\u2019re the most receptive to. By keeping your dog active, you can keep them at a healthy weight and stave off any destructive behavior around the house from boredom or pent-up energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prepare to have a friend for life<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dogs are just wonderful \u2014 they love us so unconditionally and provide us with immense joy. Bringing home a puppy is one of the true pleasures in life, and they promise to be our friends \u2018til the end. In order to give them the best shot at getting a great start in their new forever home, it\u2019s crucial to meet them with boundaries, patience, and a whole lot of love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By following the steps above, you\u2019re ensuring your puppy gets off on the right foot to a happy, healthy life. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Puppies are an absolute joy, but they certainly don\u2019t come with an instruction manual. Check out these 9 tips to prepare for bringing a puppy home. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":5297,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"69","_seopress_titles_title":"How to Prepare for a Puppy | Quicken","_seopress_titles_desc":"Puppies are an absolute joy, but they certainly don\u2019t come with an instruction manual. Check out these 9 tips to prepare for bringing a puppy home. ","_seopress_robots_index":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[69],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5295","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-personal-finance"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/woman-playing-with-puppy.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5295","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/59"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5295"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5295\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5307,"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5295\/revisions\/5307"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5297"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5295"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5295"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5295"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}