25/06/2026
🐾🎒Schools Out... Let's Get a Dog?🎒🐾
With the school holidays quickly approaching, many families will start thinking about welcoming a new furry family member into their home. ❤️
Bringing home a puppy or rescue can be incredibly rewarding, but it is so important to remember that a dog is a long-term commitment that lasts a lifetime.
If you're thinking about adding a four-legged friend to the family, here are a few tips to help set everyone up for success:
🐾 Research breeds and personalities to find the right fit for your family's lifestyle. If going to a rescue be honest about lifestyle to ensure you will be getting the right dog for your family and individual needs
🐾 Make your home dog safe. Think about the fact that they will chew, wee, poo, shred, dig, eat, get through gaps and jump on surfaces
🐾 Establish routine and boundaries with all your family early. Dogs thrive on consistency, especially when it comes to feeding, exercise and rest
🐾 Give your new dog a safe quiet space where they can relax and decompress (dogs only space, no children or visitors). If a puppy I recommend giving a blanket or toy over to breeder for the mum and siblings to be around so they have something that smells familiar for comfort. If a rescue ask if they have a favourite toy or blanket for comfort while there and if you can have it
🐾 Teach children how to interact respectfully with dogs, teach them about the body language of dogs (teach yourself some new knowledge too) and get them involved with helping to care for their new family member with adult supervision
🐾 Focus on positive training from day one. Reward the behaviours you want to see and keep sessions short, fun and consistent
🐾 Socialise carefully. Introduce new people, places and experiences gradually to help build confidence.
You can do this by:
1. Carrying them around when out and about (arms, bag, sling, stroller)
2. YouTube videos (fireworks, traffic, household sounds, thunderstorms) start on a low volume then increase over time
3. Watching traffic from windows, garden or car
4. Slow introductions to anything new whether this is people, dogs, objects, textures. Do not be afraid to say "no" to people and to ask for space
Remember to allow them to approach and respond at the pups own pace, watch your pup to see how the are reacting in the situation (if anxious or stressed do not carry on or push them, leave it there and try again another time). Quality is far more important than quantity, so stick to the 3 second rule for interactions (say hello for 3 seconds then call away, prevents being overwhelmed).
⚠️ Safety Reminder ⚠️
A new home can feel overwhelming for puppies and rescue dogs. Make it as positive as possible, offer them a safe place for them and give them plenty of fun enrichment. These things take time so respect them and their space, they will tell you with their body how they are feeling so please respond appropriately to what they are telling you.
💤 Remember tired isn't always enough. Dogs need mental enrichment too! Sniffing walks, puzzle toys & feeders, training games, exploring new places, slow feeders and scent work are fantastic ways to keep their minds busy.
Whether you're welcoming a new puppy, adopting a rescue or simply need a helping hand during the holidays, Mucky Muddy Pups is here to help. 💗
Offering:
🐾 Dog Walking
🏡 Home Visits
🛏 Pet Sitting & Overnight Care
📩 Message to book your free meet and greet today 💗 Mucky Muddy Pups or 07450 979951 📞
Booking Forms📝💗
https://forms.gle/XH5psYdNEwrtU6hF9
Because it's never just a walk... it's an enriching adventure your dog will love with someone they know and trust 💗
Attached are some tools to help you on your journey with your new best friend 💗
🐾 A basic family checklist
🐾 Respect Poster from The Family Dog (https://www.thefamilydog.com/)
🐾 Doggie Language by Lili Chin. I highly recommend her book 'Doggie Language' if you want to learn more about what your pup is saying to you
