This post was created in partnership with North Coast NAKED DOG food however all words are my own and were drafted from my experience bringing home my own rescue pup Frida
Welcoming a new puppy into your household will be one of the most exciting and gratifying experiences as a family!
While thrilling, there is a great deal of preparation that goes into it that I began as soon as we were approved for adoption (roughly one month before we welcomed little Frida!)
I hope my learnings can be helpful for you and your new family member.
Research Nearby Veterinarians and Puppy Insurance Options Ahead of Time
This was one of my first steps in the process. During the first year of your pup’s life, she or he will need a number of vaccinations and checkups, requiring you to visit the vet somewhat frequently.
You’ll want to do research to find the vets as close to your home and/or office as possible to help make it as convenient as you can. I looked through the reviews to ensure the vet I liked offered fear-free care, and people felt positively about their pets experiences.
Once our date to pickup Frida was confirmed, I scheduled her first vet appointment one week following so she could get her first workup and we could ask any questions about her diet and schedule for wellness visits and vaccinations.
Our vet also offered a puppy wellness program for the first year of her life that covered a number of her initial visits, vaccinations, and a few other important aspects which just made financial sense for us to enroll in.
Be sure to check in with your future vet to see what options they offer or if you’ll have to seek an outside plan
Finding the Right Food and Supplies
I consulted with our vet for a food recommendation tailored specifically for Frida that included portion sizes and the meal frequency she should follow based on her breed, size, and activity level.
It was incredibly important to us that the food was natural (without things like corn, soy, fishmeal, and by-products) and as high quality as possible to help Frida live her best little life.
We are so happy to provide Frida with NAKED DOG Food as it’s crafted from 100% real, certified-sustainable fish caught by local fishermen.
North Coast NAKED DOG food is also the only pet food that specializes exclusively in fish-based dog food (they have been providing high-quality seafood for over 50 years!) and as it’s important for us to track the origin of our own food and Fridas, it’s reassuring to know North Coast controls every step of the process from boat to bowl.
You can find NAKED Dog at Big Y stores and available recipes include Wild Cod & Sweet Potato, Wild Haddock & Sweet Potato (this recipe is Frida’s favorite), and Wild Salmon & Sweet Potato! Each flavor comes in either four or eleven pound bags.
Figuring Out Sleeping Arrangements & Prepping Your Home
We knew we wanted Frida within view of our bed during her first year to make sure she could see us whenever she wanted to while giving her her own space, but also so we could see and hear her during the night.
Plan where you would like your pup to sleep, especially if you want to crate train. During those first weeks, having her or him closer to the door can help a great deal when rushing to the door when your pup won’t be able to hold it yet.
You’ll want to do walk-throughs of your home or apartment to see where your pup may be able to chew on wires, have access to items that would be harmful if swallowed (be sure to look up plants especially), or breakable if jumped on.
We resolved to always have each pair of shoes away, or in an elevated spot she could not reach and bought large area rugs for our hardwood floors.
Create Your Plan for Care (Daycare, Grooming and Boarding)
As Dan works from home full-time, I made sure to work from home the first full week after Frida arrived so I could help with the late night potty breaks, bond with her, and lessen the burden on him.
We had found a local puppy training course that met once a week so we could engage with her in a meaningful way that would contribute to her long-term growth.
We decided to give her at home baths the first month or two and had graduated from puppy training. She was then introduced to a fantastic local facility that offers boarding, dog daycare where she could have supervised socialization and get groomed by a professional.
There are countless aspects of becoming a pet parent that are SO rewarding! In addition to the above steps, patience and flexibility are essential.
Remember you’re a new, big, scary face to this little pup, and in time they’ll see that same face as their very best friend.
How about you? Do you have a dog? If so, what was one key part of prepping your place to bring him or her home? If you don’t, what are you most looking forward to about becoming a dog parent?
