There are millions of animals in need of homes, which is why Swiffer® and Bark have teamed up to help make the barriers to adoption – like the clean-up – less of a challenge. Together, we are providing 10,000 Welcome Home Kits to participating shelters across the country to show how easy it is to get a thorough clean in minutes so more families can experience the love of a first pet. To find a participating shelter near you, click here! Are you already a new pet owner? Share your “Welcome Home” experience with Swiffer and @BarkBox using #ShedHappens.
Wahoo! So you’ve got a furry new member in your family! Along with all of the excitement and puppy kisses, when you welcome a four-legged ruv there are sure to be a few household adjustments for kids and adults. Who’s going to pick up the poop? Or take the dog for a walk first thing in the morning? That’s where pre-puppy prep comes in. Here are a few tips to get you started!
1. Learning About Dogs
Learning about dogs is essential, especially for children who have never had a dog before. Review what dogs can and cannot eat along with a few things a puppy might do. For instance, a dog may destroy the Lego tower if it’s not kept out of paws reach.
2. Review Basic Care and Training Tips
More than half of pet owning parents think cleaning up their pet’s messes is a major source of stress. Remember quick tips like using a Swiffer to collect dog hair is an easy way to deal with pet mess. Other care tips that your kids can help with may include: how many times a day you should walk a dog, how often they eat, how to teach them to sit, and how many treats they can have before they get a tummy ache.
3. Create A List of Dos and Don’ts
General tips for approaching and interacting with dogs are essential for your child’s and your new puppy’s safety. Important advice includes speaking to pups gently, not crawling into cages, and not interrupting meals or sleep time.
4. Review Dog Body Language
Review body language signals your dog may give like growling, tail wagging, and barking. This will help your child understand how your dog is feeling and what message they are trying to convey.
5. Review How to Play
Teach your children how to gently and carefully play with their new puppy. For instance, children shouldn’t put their fingers in their new pup’s mouth or tug on their tail.
6. Plan to Supervise Playtime
It is important to always monitor interactions between your child and dog for your child’s safety, and to also make sure no little feet are using the dog as a step-stool.
7. Establish House Rules
Will any room or furniture be off-limits? Rules should be established and known before the dog arrives in order to minimize confusion while housebreaking.
8. Create a Schedule
Dogs ruv having a routine. Creating a schedule for mealtime, walks, and heading to bed will help you integrate your dog into you and your child’s daily routine.
9. Think Like a Dog
Walk through your house with your family, keeping in mind things a dog may be able to reach or chew. This will help you create a safe puppy environment and teach your kids to keep things they don’t want gobbled out of sight.
10. Bringing Home Your Pup
The day has come! It’s finally time to welcome the snuggle butt into your home. Let your dog sniff around to become acclimated with his new home and approach members of your family on his own to feel more comfortable.
Welcoming a new dog is an exciting time! With patience, training and lots of ruv your dog will begin to feel at home in no time! Share your “Welcome Home” experience with Swiffer and @BarkBox using #ShedHappens.
