Introducing a new dog, primarily a puppy, into an already structured home with daily routines already in place might not be the happy walk in the park like movies make it out to be. Especially if you already have a dog in the home that is set in their ways, and maybe not all that fond of being bugged. So when the time came to make the decision of growing our four-legged family, it was not taken lightly, and we did our best to set up both dogs (and us) for success.
Before bringing the new puppy home, we knew we had to prepare ourselves, our home, and our Roper boy (the first copper dog) the best we could, as to not completely flip life as we knew around. To help ease all of us, but mostly Roper, we took the following steps to help prepare for the new puppy;
- Puppy Visits! Before it was time to take our new puppy home, we worked with the breeder to visit frequently. I highly recommend getting as much interaction with your new pup prior to bringing them home, especially if you have other animals in the home. This will help the puppy transition quicker if they already feel like they know you. Bonus if you are able to let dog #1 ride along in the vehicle to get the fresh smells from you & potentially meet the new little one in a neutral environment.
- Get all of the scents. Not only can it be overwhelming for your current doggo, going to a new home can be scary for a new puppy. Before the first visit, pick out a blanket or towel that can become the new dog’s. Let your first dog lay in it, or rub them down with the blanket or towel. You will then want to take this on your puppy visits, let them smell it and also wrap them up in it. After the each visit, let your older dog have it back to soak up the puppy smells. By allowing both dogs get familiar with each other’s scent beforehand, they will already feel acquainted.
- Go shopping! Okay, okay, this one sounds like a gimme, but is so important! Go shopping for all the puppy needs PRIOR to bringing them home. You will have your hands full as it is, and it won’t be fun for anyone scrambling last second to get all of the essentials. However, unlike any google search that will give you a crazy long list, just make sure you have the following for a seamless first few days:
- Puppy Food & Training Treats (Don’t be scared to ask the breeder what puppy food they started the litter on).
- Food & Water bowl
- Collar & Lead
- Teething Toys (fun fact: They make actual teething toys for dogs now)
- Appropriate sized crate – Regardless if you want to continue to crate train, having a small crate will make car rides safer and a place for the puppy to rest when you need some personal time. You know, for things like showering.
- Optional: Puppy Pads. If you do not have a yard to immediately start potty training in, puppy pads make a great alternative!
- Puppy Space & Proofing. Before bringing the new little rascal home, puppy proof your home! Yes, it is a thing. And yes, it should be done. Now, it doesn’t have to be extensive, but anything you cherish and don’t want to find in your puppy’s mouth, pick it up. Along with proofing the home, you should also make sure there is a designated space for food, water, and where their crate or bed will be. Once dogs are older, feel free to move those things wherever, but when they are young, consistency is key.
- Select a Vet: If this isn’t your first dog, odds are you already have a loved and trusted vet. If you don’t, find one and schedule your first appointment prior to bringing the puppy home. Many vets now days are booked out at weeks at a time, and missing a crucial shot appointment can put your new puppy at risk of all sorts of deadly illnesses. Don’t forget to also get any records of appointments from your breeder, like first round of shots, if they were dewclaws were removed, and if applicable, their tail docking recording.
The most important tip however is to be prepared to be flexible. If this is a second dog, or even a third dog, remember that all dogs learn differently and at different speeds.
And I’m off to wrangle Roper and Cinch!
The Copper Dogs 