5 Tips for Bringing a New Dog or Puppy Home

As a pet lover, there's nothing more exciting than bringing home a new dog or puppy. Starting this new relationship right will lay the foundation for a lifetime of love and affection with your furry friend. The information below will help you get going, but it's also a good idea to consult with your veterinarian for personal, in-depth advice.

1. Get Social With Puppy Training Class to Meet New Dogs (and People)

There are a number of things you can do to get social with your new puppy or dog, including letting your animals get to know each other:

• Take it outside: Introduce the new dog to your other dogs and new people in neutral territory, somewhere outside is best. But make sure your puppy's vaccinations are up to date before going outside.
• Be encouraging: Use positive encouragement when they interact well with others. Tell them what a good job they're doing.
• Offer treats: Reinforce positive interactions with treats!
• Go with the flow: Let the dogs get to know new dogs and humans at their own speed. They may want to keep their distance at first and that's ok. Building relationships can take time.

2. Puppies Need Routine

Bringing home a new dog or puppy can be stressful, not only for you, but for them! There are a few things you can do to help reduce their anxiety:

• Create a schedule: Get your new dog into a predictable routine, which means eating, walking and sleeping around the same time every day.
• Playtime: Playing with your dog is a great way to bond, and is just plain fun, not to mention a good distraction from some of the more stressful moments.
• Pet your pup: Studies have shown that petting animals can reduce stress, and if your dog likes touch, it can be a great way to calm both of you.

3. Exercise Is an Important Part of a Playful Puppy’s Day

One-on-one outdoor time with your dog strengthens your relationship and provides fresh air and exercise — a proven stress reliever. All dogs have different exercise needs, but start with 20 to 30 minutes once or twice a day and see how that works. You may also consider enrolling your new puppy in obedience training classes and remember to be patient — your new puppy is still a baby. Even if you have prior training experience, classes give your new dog the opportunity to meet other dogs and people.

4. Don’t Forget to Schedule a Vet Visit

Your first visit to the vet is important! Your vet will be your dog's doctor and can help you keep them healthy and happy. Your vet will establish a baseline for your canine pal's health and can provide vaccine, food/diet, and flea and heartworm prevention recommendations.

If your new dog or puppy is experiencing anxiety, your vet may be able to recommend natural calming supplements, pheromones, or medications.

Is your new dog a puppy? Your vet may want to schedule them to be spayed or neutered, and microchipped.

By scheduling regular preventive exams with your puppy's vet, you can help keep your puppy happy and healthy for years to come.

5. Don’t Forget to Stock Up!

Puppy-proof your home:

Walk through the inside and outside of your home, and remove or secure anything a puppy could climb on, eat or pull down.

Stock up on puppy and new dog supplies:

With all the excitement of welcoming a new puppy into your home, it can be easy to overlook stocking up on all of the essential items and supplies! You may need:

• Puppy-specific food and treats

• Food and water bowls

• Leash and/or harness and collar

• Microchipping and an identification tag

• Playpen or gates to block off or limit areas

• Bedding to provide your puppy with a comfortable place to sleep

• A variety of toys for play, teething, comfort, dental hygiene and mental stimulation

• Carrier and/or crate for housetraining

• Cleaning supplies for puppy accidents

• Grooming supplies such as a soft brush, nail clippers and dog shampoo

Steer clear of these top puppy poisons:

Be aware of these common household items that are poisonous to dogs if ingested — and be sure to keep them out of your pup's reach.

• Chocolate

• Grapes

• Human prescription medications

• Aloe plants

• Insecticides

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dogs

Taking good care of your pet's well-being from nose to tail is essential. Make sure to stay up to date on their regular checkups at the vet to help keep your pet happy and healthy for a lifetime of love. You can use your CareCredit credit card for pet care throughout the year for routine veterinary services as well as emergencies and surgeries.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian near you that accepts CareCredit.

CareCredit is there for you and your pet every step of the way; continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

Expert Reviewer

Dr. Kathy Wentworth, V.M.D.

Dr. Kathy Wentworth has been caring for companion animals in Southern California for 22 years after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine. She grew up in Colorado and completed her undergraduate studies in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience at UC San Diego. Dr. Kathy furthered her passion as a veteran by becoming board certified as a Diplomate in Canine and Feline Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (2010-2020).