A dog is an excellent addition to the family. They’ll be your loyal companion and can teach your children about responsibility from a young age.
However, looking after man’s best friend is a lot of work, and before you introduce a playful pooch to your home, be sure to do some research so you know what you’re getting into.
If you’re thinking about getting a puppy, here are six essentials that you should keep in mind.
Talk to your Kids
Puppies are resilient little things, but it’s important to remember that they’re only babies.
You should sit your children down before you introduce them to their new pet and explain the importance of being gentle. In their eagerness to show their puppy love they could end up being too rough.
Reputable Breeder
Puppy farms have been a problem for years, but the situation has only worsened after the lockdown doggie demand.
Make sure that you find a responsible breeder, and never buy from anyone who won’t let you see the mother too.
The Kennel Club have a handy tool for finding a Kennel Club Assured Breeder, so you can rest easy in the knowledge that your puppy had a good start in life.
Allergies
It’s a good idea to find out if your kids are allergic to dogs before you promise them a puppy – it’ll save you a lot of tears down the line.
However, human allergies aren’t the only things to consider, as your precious pooch might also have allergies! Specialists like Avacta Animal Health are dedicated to animal allergy research and they’ll be more than happy to provide you with information and guidance on possible triggers for pet allergens.
Stock up on Supplies
Before you bring your new puppy home, it’s important that you have everything that they’ll need.
Take a trip down to your nearest pet supply store and get those essential items… and make sure you don’t get distracted in the toy aisle and forget to pick up puppy food!
Register with a Vet
Your pup’s first vaccine and microchipping should have been done with a breeder, but they’ll need to register with a vet for their second. It’s also important for any emergency treatments and regular check-ups down the line.
Your vet will be able to give you plenty of advice on your new addition’s health and well-being, as well as providing you with the details of your puppy’s microchip. Details are stored by companies such as Petlog, so you’ll be able to keep your information up to date.
Dust off the Baby Gates
Perhaps your own children have outgrown the need for baby gates. If so then it’s time to get them back out of the attic. Baby gates are a great solution for keeping your puppy out of the rooms that they’re not allowed in – at least until you have them fully housetrained!
Becoming a puppy parent takes patience, but with these six tips, your little pooch will settle right in.
Do you have any tips for adding puppies to a family?
Nb. Collaborative post.
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