Bringing a new member of the family home is always exciting, and when those members are beautiful four-legged friends, you know that your home is about to become a happier place. But, getting a puppy requires a lot of preparation, and if it is the first time you have a dog in the house, there are several things that you should know and be well prepared for. Here is a quick checklist of things to keep in mind.

A pet is not a toy

A lot of people have grown up with stuffed plushies in the shapes of various animals, often dogs. So, when the moment comes and they are introduced to an actual, live animal, play and toys come to mind. But a dog is a living thing, and you can’t just treat it like a toy. It is especially important to teach kids that they should treat dogs like friends, not forcing them to spend time together or play if that is not what they want. Dogs can easily get irritated if someone is forcing them to play or otherwise engage with people. Make sure you respect when your dog wants to be alone. But your pet will want to play often, and you should have appropriate toys for them, or they will find their own – often made of pieces of furniture you really didn’t want them touching.

Be ready for the responsibility

Having a pet is a big responsibility. If you want them to be happy and healthy, you have to keep up with their needs. Consider yourself lucky if you have a secure backyard where your dog can freely run around because otherwise, you will have the added task of walking your dog three to five times per day. You will also have to feed them and refill their bowl with fresh water regularly. If you are not sure whether you will be able to remember all of the tasks, set up alarms, or notes around the house to remind you until you get into the routine. If there are several people in the household, it will be easiest to divide the responsibility, so that nobody feels like they are taking care of the pet alone. Also, understand that pets can be a financial responsibility. If they get sick, they will need to be taken to the vet, and there are regular yearly check-ups that they should be attending.

Prepare your home

Having a pet can be quite a messy task, especially before you train them and get them used to walks and going out. Even after that, accidents can happen. If you keep allowing your dog to climb furniture, then be prepared to have to clean it more often, and maybe change the fabric so it is easier to clean and dries quicker. You will also want a rug that is easy to clean because you will be washing it very often with a pet onboard. Make sure that all the cleaning chemicals or dangerous foods are stored away somewhere where they can’t reach them, for their own safety. If you have a secure yard, you will want to install a doggy door on them, so that they can move freely.

A pet will bring so much joy into your house, and you owe it to them to make their life as comfortable and love-filled as you can. When adopting, make sure you adopt humanely, opting for shelters rather than breeders. Remember that a pet is not a trophy to be shown around, but rather a family member who deserves a big space in your heart.