Every new arrival to your family means that some changes will inevitably occur and that’s not exclusively reserved for a new baby or perhaps a senior family member who needs to move in with you. The better you prepare for the changes, the fewer problems you’ll have adapting to them and having a puppy is no exception to the rule.
It would be unwise and unrealistic to simply bring a puppy home and expect everything to run smoothly. Every addition of that kind brings about some new obligations, changes to your daily routine and many potential problems. So, what is it that we need to do to make our home ready for the arrival of a puppy?
Equipment and supplies
Before your family welcomes the new member, you need to make sure you have all the stuff they need to feel comfortable. That includes things such as a tether for restraining your dog for a short period, a collar and a leash for the walks you’re going to take, some treats and toys to keep them occupied.
You’ll also need some balls or fetch toys that you can use to keep your dog fit and active from the earliest age, as well as grooming tools, such as a comb and brush, shampoo and conditioner, scissors and toothbrushes. If you start using these tools on your puppy early and give your puppy a treat, it will create a positive association with the task and you’ll be able to perform it quite easily.
Finally, your puppy will need some place where they can retreat and sleep. Designate an area which is not so busy, but where your puppy will be able to see what’s going on without being disturbed. You can now choose from thousands of different dog beds and mats and it might be a good idea to buy one you can also use when your puppy is fully-grown.
Finding service providers in the area
If you’ve never had a dog, you need to understand the importance of finding the right support for raising your puppy to be healthy and well-behaved. The first on the list is a reliable vet in the area where you live. You should pay them a visit and ask any questions you might have about having a puppy for the first time.
Also, you might want to inquire about a training instructor and a groomer close to your home, so that you don’t have to travel a lot to use their services. This is where you should look for reputable service providers, preferably recommended by someone you trust. Finally, you might be needing to leave your dog a boarding kennel at some point, so it makes sense to know which ones are available in the area. Visit the facility and see the conditions in which your dog will be kept, rather than rely on the photos posted online.
Rules and routines
These will have to change with the arrival of your new friend and the changes will affect everyone living in your home. A puppy will experiment with different approaches and behaviours as a part of the learning process and all of you should be consistent when it comes to enforcing rules. 
For example, if you agree that the puppy should not be allowed to jump on the sofa or your bed, then no family member should allow it. Show them the nice, easy-to-maintain rug where they can sleep instead.
Additionally, each family member needs to know what their obligations related to the puppy are, so that you avoid problematic situations. Basically, if you manage to keep your puppy out of trouble as much as possible, you’re likely to have fewer problems and it’ll develop good habits much more quickly.
Just like children develop most of their habits very early, the first few months of your puppy’s life with you will determine the relationship you’ll enjoy for many years to come. That’s why it’s important to be ready for their arrival, dedicate your time and effort to train them and spend as much time with them as possible. It might prove to be one of the best investments you’ve ever made.