How to Prepare Your Home and Family for a Puppy

A Sprinkle of Fun and a Lot of Chaos: Welcoming a Puppy to the Family

New puppies are super cute but also a lot of work. When you already have a family to care for, you might feel a bit stressed about tending to another little one’s needs. Puppies are a big responsibility for both parents and kids. So, let’s cover how to welcome the newest addition to the family and manage the chaos so everyone can enjoy this next exciting chapter. 

Grab Some Supplies Before the Puppy Arrives

While every puppy will have their preferences for playthings (and it’s best to keep tasty slippers and leather sandals out of reach), stock up on various supplies before you bring your puppy home. Pick up some dog toys, pet bowls, a dog bed, a collar, and a leash just to get started. You might have to adjust some things or get new supplies depending on your puppy's needs, so have fun choosing things, but don’t go too wild with your purchases. Just get the essentials. (You can always go on a fun shopping spree with your pup later once you learn what they like.)

You can also invest in a travel kennel for dog safety and comfort to keep your pup cozy when you’re in the car. Letting the kids hold the pup while you drive may be tempting, but it’s not entirely safe for anyone in the family. 

Use a Pet Food Storage Container to Keep Food Fresh

If you plan on feeding your puppy dry food (when old enough), you can get a dog food storage container to help keep their kibble as fresh as possible. That way, you can buy the big bag of food, save some money, and still serve the little guy or gal stuff that tastes fresh. 

If you’re feeding them canned food or a special diet, you’ll have to find other ways to store their meals (it may be in the fridge). It’s always wise to keep some dry pet food in emergencies or as a travel snack for the kennel bowl. These storage containers can also help keep treats fresh or provide a convenient way to carry and store food when traveling or on the go.

Divvy Up Responsibilities for Everyone in the Family

It's easy to point fingers when it’s 8:00 p.m. and the puppy hasn’t gone for a walk. To avoid this situation, create a responsibility chart or divvy up puppy jobs at the beginning of the week. One person can feed the puppy, one walks it, and another lets it out at night until it can wait until morning (that role is probably for the parents). 

As a parent, you know your kids won’t always cover all their roles perfectly, but that’s why you’re the adult. While this isn’t an article about relationships, make sure you and your partner are on the same page about responsibilities with the new pup and how you’re getting the children involved with puppy care. 

A new puppy is fun for the whole family but also a lot of work. Ensure you, your partner, your kids, and the puppy all have a good experience and uncover the joys of pet ownership. At the end of the week, you can all take a group trip to the park for a family outing that even the newest family member will enjoy.