Image via Pexels

Of all the joys of family life, choosing to welcome a dog into your home has to be one of the greatest. There are so many benefits to pet ownership for young children – from teaching them responsibility and compassion to getting them outdoors on walks and even helping them to deal with stress and anxiety. A dog can be a really integral part of family life and add so much to your home and leisure time. There is a lot to look forward to when preparing to welcome your new furry friend, but it’s also important to be well prepared. You want to be able to welcome your new family addition with a smooth transition and minimal stress on both sides, and that takes a little preparation.

Get Your Kit Sorted

Whether you’ve chosen to give a home to a rescue dog or opted to raise a puppy. Once, you know the date that your new companion is coming home, you can start preparing the kit you will need to take care of them. Get the basics sorted – food and water dishes, a cosy dog bed for them to curl up into, a collar, identification tags and a leash so you’re ready to take them for walks, and a stock of high quality dog food suited to their age and condition to give them optimal nutritional support. You may also need a dog crate to give them a sense of comfort and help with training. Other essentials include some toys – especially ones they can chew, as puppies are notorious for chewing up the house. It’s also a good idea to stock up on piles of old towels and rags. This can help in cleaning up accidents, or cleaning your dog after outside play so those muddy paws don’t go all over your house.

Speak To Your Family

Before your new friend comes home, sit down with your family and go over expectations and ground rules. It’s a good idea that everyone is on the same page when it comes to this new member of your family, and there are some basics of dog training that you will need to establish. Understand everything from how often your pet will need to walk from who will take them. Make clear which areas of the house you will not allow the dog, like bedrooms and furniture. Speak to kids about not feeding dogs from the table. Decide which commands you will use to ensure the dog is confident in their training. Go over your new pets routine for feeding, walks and playtime. Set up night time toilet trips that can disturb your sleep.

Find Your Veterinarian

Start looking up recommendations from other local pet owners that you trust for a quality veterinary service in your area. You’ll need to book your new arrival on for some essential shots pretty quickly as well as routine health check-ups and having a point of contact in case of emergency. The right vet can quite literally be a lifesaver in some cases, and is a great resource for advice on dog care and behaviour.