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1. Prepare other members of the family
There are small measures you can take to make homecoming a joyful, stress-free experience for everyone.
If you have small children, teach them how to be gentle with puppies.
Use a stuffed animal to demonstrate how to pet and hold a puppy properly. For adult dogs, be sure your child knows not to put his face too close to the dog’s face or to scream or startle the dog
If you have other pets, ask the current pet parent or animal welfare agency if you can have something with the new dog’s scent on it like a towel or blanket to familiarize your pets with the new pet scent
When making introductions between pets, consider leaving the new arrival in his carrier for a few minutes and allow your other pets to safely check him out
Always supervise your pets’ interactions until you are sure they will get along
All pets should be supervised while they explore their new surrounding
2. Choose the right food
This may sound like a no-brainer, but choosing the right food for your new dog is essential to his health and well-being as well as your long-term relationship.
Puppies and kittens need energy to grow and some, depending on breed, may need more than others. Be sure to choose a premium puppy food with high-quality protein from real meat and easily digestible grains. For adult dogs, choose a premium adult formula with quality ingredients to keep them healthy and active.
If your pet has unique health needs such as weight, sensitive skin, digestion or oral issues, you will want to choose a food that supports those specific needs. Some of the needs may not be apparent at first, so ask the animal welfare agency or previous pet parent if they are aware of any health issues. Also consult your veterinarian.
Senior pets may require fewer calories and less fat. Choose a premium senior formula that is rich in fiber and contains probiotics to help support healthy digestion.
For more on feeding the right nutrition, visit our online food center.
Expert tip: If you plan to feed your new dog a different formula than what he was eating previously, transition him to his new diet gradually to avoid stomach upset. See tips on changing your pet’s diet.
3. Litter box training
Most kittens and cats will learn quickly that the litter box is where they should eliminate.
Show your cat where the litter box is and place her in it. She instinctively will scratch and sniff around. Praise her if she eliminates, but if she doesn’t, don’t worry, more than likely she gets it.
If you see her starting to sniff or scratch an area as if she is going to eliminate, quickly place her in the litter box.
If you’ve shown your cat the litter box and she eliminates outside the box, consult your vet to rule out any medical causes, then follow these tips:
Confine your cat to a small room with food and water at one end and a litter box at the other
Remove any bedding, carpets, mats or other items your cat may prefer to eliminate on
When she consistently uses the box, gradually give her more freedom in the house
Other litter box tips
Cats can be particular about the litter they’re using. To know which litter your cat prefers, try several different types at a time
Keep the litter box clean by scooping as needed
Wash the box with soap and water weekly
4. Prep for potty-training
Potty-training is essential to a happy relationship and the key to success for both puppies and adults is consistency. Set times to take your puppy or dog outside to eliminate, follow a daily feeding schedule and pick up food bowls between meals. Don’t deprive your dog of water as this can lead to dehydration.
As a general rule, puppies should be taken outside:
First thing in the morning
10-20 minutes after a meal
Before bedtime
At least once during the night until he is 4-5 months old
Adult dogs should be taken outside:
At least four times a day
First thing in the morning
Before bedtime
Expert tip: Keep a pet-specific stain & odor remover on hand for accidents.
You may want to consider crate training your puppy or dog to help prevent accidents, especially when you are away from home. Dogs generally do not eliminate in the same area where they sleep or relax. If crate training is not for you, consider confining your dog or puppy to a certain room or area of your home with a pet gate or playpen. Read more crate-training tips in our Pet Parent Resource Center and ask a PetSmart Trainer about enrolling in a Potty-Training class.
5. Encourage good chewing habits
Dogs love to chew. Puppies chew when they are teething. Adult and senior dogs chew to relieve boredom and stress. But inappropriate chewing at any age can be destructive – even dangerous – and can put a real dent on your relationship. To encourage proper chewing habits:
Have plenty of chew toys on hand and switch them out every other week to keep his interest
Choose chews and toys appropriate for his size
Try enrichment toys like treat-dispensing or puzzle toys to challenge and stimulate him
Always supervise your puppy or dog with any chew or toy
6. Keep their bodies and minds active
Both dogs and cats love to play. Play provides exercise, an outlet for stress, socialization, mental enrichment and it can help prevent inappropriate behaviors.
Be sure there are plenty of toys on hand to keep them active and mentally challenged
Rotate their toys every two weeks to keep them interested
Try a variety of toys like plush, squeaking, puzzle or fetch toys
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