Published November 2022

Next to a new child, there are few things in life that challenge and reward us more than a new dog. 

They are loyal, friendly and in some cases can make us feel safer. When a new dog arrives home it's an exciting time for everyone in your family. To help you make your new addition feel welcome, we've put together a few best practices and essentials to consider.

A place to stay

The saying goes 'let sleeping dogs lie'. A place to sleep is especially important so your dog can relax. A small basket with shredded paper or old blankets can be practical and cosy. Dogs, especially when bored, can be demolition experts and may chew everything before them – their basket, dog lead and, unfortunately, your finest pair of slippers. Should this happen, you know where to put them…

Food for thought

Always leave a clean bowl of water out for your dog, and keep his food and drink in the same place so he knows where it is. Ask the breeder or previous owner what his diet has been and continue to feed him the same food if appropriate. You could also go online or check with a vet if the food is right for the dog and breed, and whether the diet should be altered.

A good vet for your pet

Your pet should always have a vet to help keep it bright-eyed and bushy tailed. Asking other dog owners or your local pet shop to recommend a local vet is a good start. They may be able to give you a few names – but owners can do their own research. Remember, vet bills can be very costly so you may also want to consider pet insurance which could help with the costs of any expensive treatment. 

No train, no gain

Training a dog is vital to help leave behind bad habits and pick up new ones. It is also a great bonding experience and sets up your relationship for years to come. Taking the dog to training classes is a good idea, especially with a professional involved so you can learn from the trainer too. Furthermore, for your dog to master basic commands, it is essential to form the structure for more complicated training in future; and for the safety of your dog in public places, especially when crossing roads. Remember some of the training basics when making commands. Don't make your training sessions longer than around fifteen minutes and try to do it in a familiar environment without too many distractions. Take it one command at a time and persist, even if you're struggling - you'll get there eventually!