Oooohhh… how exciting! You are bringing home a new pet to join your family. We are so excited for you. But, we have a question to ask, especially for first-time pet-owners—do you know what to do to indoctrinate your new pet into your home? It’s about a lot more than sneaking those squishy snuggles, taking your pup out for a w-a-l-k, and making sure they get food and water.
In this article, your friends here at Easy Scoops want to help make bringing home your new pet easy and squeezy. Read on for some of the tricks that have worked for us that we’re pretty sure we’ll make the process a bit easier for you, too.
Bringing Home Your New Pet
Let’s start with some of the basics. First, bringing home a new pet is totally cool. And your family is going to be excited and ready to take on the adventure. But, whether your pet is adopted from the local animal shelter or is a wee little pup, there are some ground rules that might help your entire family. So before we get into those tips and tricks, let’s cover off on those most important ground rules.
- Pets are living, breathing beings: Remind everyone that your new pet isn’t a toy or accessory, but a member of the family who will need love, patience, and respect.
- They are animals, not humans: Pets have different ways of communicating and behaving, and it’s important to understand their needs and boundaries.
- Have a family conversation about care: Decide as a family who will take on specific responsibilities like feeding, walking, and cleaning up after your pet. It’s okay to share these duties, but make sure everyone knows their role.
- Treat your pet with kindness: Emphasize gentle handling, especially with younger children. Teach them to approach and interact with the pet in a calm and safe way.
- Establish family rules for the pet: Discuss where the pet will sleep, where they can and can’t go in the house, and any other household rules, so everyone is on the same page from the start.
With these groundrules in place and everyone in the family on the same page, you’re ready to tackle these tips and tricks that we’re about to share next.
- Prepare Your Home in Advance
Just like you want to have those family conversations, you want to do some puppy (or pet-proofing), of your home. Think of it like baby-proofing but with more fur and chewing involved. Hide those shoes, tuck away cords, and maybe keep that favorite throw pillow out of reach—because anything that can be nibbled on will be nibbled on! A few small adjustments now will save you from some unexpected surprises later. And trust us, your furniture will thank you.
- Introduce Your Pet to the Family
The last thing we suggest you do when you bring your pet home for the first time is to simply set them free and call out “welcome home!” at the top of your lungs. Remember that your pet may have just left the only family he or she has ever known. Your home is unfamiliar, as are you.
Slow and steady wins the race here. Introduce your new pet to family members one at a time in a calm space. As for meeting any existing pets—think of it like a first date, short and sweet with a little distance. And don’t forget to set some ground rules, especially with young kids. A little structure helps your pet feel safe, and your couch might survive another day!
- Get the Routine in Place ASAP
Just like kids—and let’s be honest, a lot of adults—pets thrive on routine. Getting that routine going early helps your pet feel safe and settled. Stick to consistent feeding times to reduce anxiety and build trust.
Potty breaks? Yep, those need to be on a regular schedule too, especially to avoid any accidents. And don’t forget playtime! Structured play helps prevent behavioral issues and strengthens your bond.
But remember, puppies sleep a lot—like 18-20 hours a day—and new cats are no different. So, don’t overwhelm them or expect too much too soon. Let them rest!
- Potty Training and CleanUp
Even with the best-planned routine, accidents will and do happen. Most puppies, in particular, will have multiple accidents a day as they learn the rules of your home. Even older dogs that you have brought into your family might have accidents due to anxiety, a change in routine, etc.
Consistency is key. Set up a schedule—remember that routine we mentioned before—for potty breaks and reward your pet for going in the right spot. When accidents do happen (and they will!), stay calm and use a gentle approach to correct the behavior. Keep some pet-safe cleaning products handy to tackle messes quickly.
Speaking of clean, it’s super important to keep your yard free of waste—not just for your pet’s health, but for yours too. That’s where Easy Scoops comes in, ready to take that chore off your hands!
- Handling Anxiety and Undesirable Behaviors
Animals have some unusual habits that can be, quite frankly, frustrating for pet owners. Chewing on your shoes. Pooping in your shoes. Hiding in corners. You name it. For pets struggling with separation anxiety, crate training and calming products like pheromone sprays or comfy blankets can help them adjust to being alone.
If chewing is an issue, offer plenty of chew toys to redirect that energy. And remember, positive reinforcement works wonders—reward good behavior and avoid punishment to build trust. A little patience goes a long way in creating a happy, well-behaved pet!
- Keeping Your Pet Happy and Healthy
Just as you prioritize your health, you need to help your pet prioritize theirs. This means a visit to the vet within the first few days for a check-up, vaccinations, and to get a record in their system. For dogs, common vaccinations include rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Cats typically need vaccines for rabies, feline distemper, and feline leukemia.
Don’t forget about microchipping and ID tags! These are key in helping your pet find their way home if they ever get lost, offering peace of mind for you and safety for them.
- Sign Up for a Poop PickUp Service
Last but not least, sign up for a service that will come pick up your dog poop in the yard for you. Let’s face it—between regular pet waste removal, keeping up with your pet’s health, and avoiding water contamination in your yard, the last thing you want to deal with is scooping poop. Plus, with all the cuddles, walks, and playtime, who has time for that? Save yourself the hassle and let the pros handle it. Your lawn (and your nose) will thank you!
Easy Scoops is Your Neighborhood Pet Waste Removal Service
Does that last point sound intriguing to you? We sure thought it would! We’re in the business of pet poo, so you don’t have to be. Sign up with your local Easy Scoops today.
And, if you know of any entrepreneurs in your area that would be interested in a franchise opportunity with Easy Scoops, send them our way! We’re always on the lookout for pet lovers who appreciate a clean and fresh yard as much as we do!0
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