You’ve just changed your puppy’s life by welcoming them into your home! Everything is new and exciting for your puppy, but it can also be overwhelming. Your first day with your new puppy should be spent allowing them to get used to their new home. Below are our top tips for ensuring they get settled in to their new environment.

• Puppy-proof your home. Prior to bringing your new puppy home, make sure you walk through your home and puppy-proof problem areas. Puppies are very energetic and have the potential to get themselves into all sorts of trouble if you’re not prepared.
• Establish a space dedicated to your puppy. This can be a room, section of your house or their crate. When you’re crate training your puppy, leave the crate open so that they can go in and out whenever they please.
• Be prepared for accidents! Puppies have tiny bladders, so it will be inevitable for some accidents to occur in your home before they are completely house trained. Generally, puppies can control their bladder for one hour for each month old they are, plus one. So, a 2-month-old puppy can only hold their bladder for 3 hours at a time and will need lots of consistent potty breaks.
• If you’re introducing your puppy to another pet, take it slow. Just like we don’t get along with everyone right away, it might take some time for both pets to adjust, so give them some time. We even suggest giving your current pet(s) something with your new puppy’s scent on it to help them adjust.
• Set up a routine. Consistency is key when training your puppy. Setting a daily routine for your puppy will help them acclimate to their new home more quickly and establishing expectations for both of you. Click here for more information on setting up a routine for your puppy.