Bringing Your New Puppy Home - A Guide
The most exciting day in a dog owner's life is when they bring home their new baby for the first time! While exciting, the thoughts of "what do I need to buy" and "what do I need to do" can be a bit overwhelming - especially for first time English Bulldog owners!
Sweetgrass English Bulldogs has put together these awesome guides for English Bulldog puppy care. Not only will it help you give your puppy the best start in life, it will help to avoid future problems as your baby grows and develops.
These guides are broken up by age range: First, what to do when your puppy is a newborn through 8 weeks old (yes, you should be preparing for your puppy’s arrival before they come home!). Next, what to do when your baby is ready for pickup! This happens around 8-12 weeks. After that, we provide training tips on what to do when your puppy is around 12 weeks – 6 months old (SEB calls this age range the “fun time”, because your puppy’s personality is starting to show!). Finally, we provide some things you can build on once your puppy is 6 months old and beyond.
First, let’s start with what to do Before Bringing Your Puppy Home.
BEFORE BRINGING YOUR PUPPY HOME
PUPPY AGE: Newborn - 8 weeks
Before you bring your new English Bulldog puppy home, you'll need to prepare your home for the new arrival. Don’t wait until you’re on the way home with your new baby to get ready for his or her arrival! Try these tips while your puppy is still being raised by the breeder:
1. Provide a dedicated area in your home that your puppy can play without getting into household hazards. Buy some small, soft toys to keep them stimulated. Fill this area with blankets and toys, and puppy pads (if paper training). Don’t forget small food and water bowls!
2. In your dedicated puppy area, provide a crate, hiding place, and/or a comfortable bed. This bed should be in a quiet place in the home and away from any drafts or open windows. This will allow your puppy to rest undisturbed and will help them get comfortable to their new surroundings.
3. Double check the puppy area for household hazards - remove anything poisonous (like live plants) and decorations that can be easily chewed. Remember, your home is totally new to your English Bulldog puppy - anything they see, they will chew!
4. Check with your breeder to see if they plan to send you home with a blanket that your puppy used while they were growing. The blanket from your puppy's first home will provide them with a sense of familiarity and comfort. Put this blanket on their bed or sleeping area for as long as possible after you take the puppy home. If your breeder will not be sending one home, ask them if you can drop off a blanket for your puppy to use while they are there.
5. Research vets in your area and find one that specializes, or has experience with, English Bulldogs. If your breeder is local, they will probably refer you to a vet they use or recommend. Don't be afraid to ask your breeder! If applicable, look into puppy training classes and/or pet insurance.
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