So, you’re thinking of adding a new, furry member to your family. Dogs have made a name for themselves as man’s best friend due to their fiercely loyal nature and overall adorableness. From the very first day you bring your puppy home, you have to make sure they’re happy, healthy, and comfortable. Building a good, strong relationship with your pup will not only ensure that they love and trust you, it will also make it a lot easier to train and build a routine for them. Here are a few things you can do to ensure you’re the best possible parent to your new pup!

Puppy Proofing Your House

Puppies are little explorers and will chew their way through anything! So, for the safety of your house and your pup, some basic puppy proofing is essential. Luckily, you can take precautions to make sure your puppy won’t get stuck in a sticky situation at home:

1. Keep cleaning supplies behind a locked cupboard.
2. Tie electrical cords somewhere out of reach.
3. Put valuables away in drawers and containers.
4. Keep shoes in a closed closet.
5. Either use lidded trash bins or avoid disposing of foods in open ones.
6. Examine your home and garden for any getaway spots, toxic plants, or dangerous areas.

Everyday Essentials

You must always have a few of your puppy’s essentials in stock to make sure they feel comfortable and welcome in their new home. It might take them a while to get completely comfortable with their new surroundings, so keep in mind that you must be patient with them. Here are a few basic necessities you can purchase from Daraz:

1. Dog Bed
2. Collar
3. Lead/Leash
4. Food Bowl
5. Clothes

Delicious, Nutritious, Puppylious

Just like with humans, a pup’s diet will largely dictate their health and wellbeing. To keep them happy and healthy, you must make sure to give them suitable, nutritious, balanced meals every day. While still a pup, your furbaby should be fed around three times a day. They should be hydrated and sufficiently full bellied. Once they reach the six-month mark, depending on their breed, twice-a-day feedings will usually be enough. Just make sure 12 hours don’t pass in between meals as their stomach might become hyper-acidic, causing nausea.

1. Drools Kibble – Dry Food
2. Dog Biscuits
3. Cheestick Chews
4. Absolute Calcium Bone
5. Pro Stix Soft Dog Chew

Grooming

It’s best to get your puppy used to grooming early on. Grooming is a great way to keep your dog healthy, happy, and looking good. It also keeps your dog’s coat, skin, ears, paws, and other areas clean and odor-free. Consistent grooming will help prevent matting and knots which, if left untreated, can quickly worsen as moisture gets trapped underneath. As a result, the matted coat can cause skin irritation or infections. Therefore, you should always keep up with your pup’s hygiene and grooming. 

1. Pet Hair De-Shedding Gloves
2. Shampoo
3. Brush
4. Nail Clippers
5. Dog Deodorant
6. Anti-Itch Powder

Toys

It’s important to play with your dog and build a bond with them. Play with your puppy every day, as often as you can while still maintaining discipline. Cuddles and scratches are always a must but also remember to do more challenging activities that can make your pup think and use their senses, like hiding treats in a treat dispenser toy or under blankets. Playing games such as fetch or tug-of-war can also help provide physical exercise too. Additionally, if you’re ever feeling tired after a long day and don’t have the energy to run around with your puppy, you can give them a toy to beat boredom on their own.

1. Frisbee
2. Braided Cotton Rope Ball
3. Squeaky Toy
4. Braided Rope Dumbbell
5. Treat Dispenser Toy
6. Red Ball
7. Tennis Ball

Remember that when you bring home a new dog, you’re essentially bringing home a new family member. Always treat them with kindness and love and make sure to meet their mental, physical, and emotional needs. Lack of physical exercise and mental stimulation can lead to anxiety, frustration, and destructive behavior. By devoting time each day to play and exercise, training good behavior, and meeting your puppy’s instinctive needs, you can help your puppy be a happy and sociable family member. Happy Shopping!