Congratulations! You’ve decided to adopt a new puppy! Bringing a puppy into your home is akin to welcoming a newborn child. Expect some sleepless nights, messes to clean, and occasional frustrations with damaged items. But don’t worry, I’m here to share some secrets to help reduce (not eliminate) some of your challenges.
Preparing for Your Puppy
Before bringing home your new puppy, let’s start with what you need to have on hand:
Leash and Harness: These are at the top of the list. You’ll want them available when you pick up your puppy, as they will help train and keep your puppy safe.
Nutrition
Good nutrition is crucial for your puppy’s physical and mental development. Start with high-quality puppy food and avoid supermarket brands. We feed our dogs and puppies Royal Canin® because they produce appropriately sized kibble and formulations specific to your breed and their stage of life. Additionally, buy appropriately sized feeding bowls with broad, heavy bottoms to avoid slipping and spilling. There are other high-quality dog foods on the market, so do your research to ensure good nutrition for your puppy.
Safe Sleeping Space
Puppies need a safe, quiet place to sleep. Dogs generally don’t like to potty where they sleep if they can help it. We recommend purchasing a crate and starting crate training as soon as you bring your puppy home. The crate offers a place to rest and retreat if your puppy feels stressed or tired. It also helps prevent common mishaps such as chewed-up socks, shoes, or potty accidents. Plus, it provides a secure place for your puppy when you cannot watch them closely.
Comfort for the Lonely Puppy
Your puppy has just been separated from its mom and littermates and will likely feel lonely. Purchasing a toy animal for the baby to sleep alongside can provide comfort, help with sleep, and reduce whining or barking. Snuggle Puppy® offers a plush dog with a heartbeat to mimic a littermate or mother. An optional addition is a heating pad for extra comfort and calming.
Safe Play Area
A safe outdoor play area is essential. Puppies don’t always listen well and can run into danger unexpectedly. Fencing your yard or a portion of it can ensure safety. A portable plastic/PVC fenced area may work well for smaller dogs and can also help indoors to restrict wandering.
Chew Toys
Young dogs need to chew, and it’s important to control what they chew. Have a variety of chew toys available and determine your puppy’s favorite. Use the toy as a training aid by replacing forbidden items with the chew toy. Other important toys include a ball, a tug toy, and an interactive toy.
Puppy Toys
Puppy toys serve many purposes, including burning off energy and preventing boredom. Chew toys, a ball to chase, and a tug toy are all helpful. Consider interactive toys like those from Outward Hound® and snuffle feeding mats, which can make feeding time more engaging.
Be Prepared for Messes
Puppies will have accidents and create messes. Have plenty of paper towels, cleaner, and patience on hand.
Training and Socialization
Buy your puppy some treats for training. Combined with positive affirmation, treats are a great way to start. We recommend the Puppy Culture® program for the best outcomes. Puppy classes can also solidify training and socialization.
Additionally, consider a training clicker and a good puppy training book. Books should cover potty training, crate training, socializing, and obedience. Choose a training plan and be ready to implement it when you bring your puppy home.
Preparing for Your New Puppy: Shopping List
Leash
Harness
High-Quality Puppy Food (e.g., Royal Canin)
Weighted Wide Food and Water Dishes
Crate
Crate Pad
Heating Pad*
Plush Sleeping Toy (e.g., Snuggle Puppy®)
Ball
Tug Toy
Chewing Toy
Interactive Toy
Paper Towels
Cleaning Solution for Puppy Messes
Puppy Treats
Training Clicker
Puppy Culture® Books, DVDs, VOD
Puppy Training and Socialization Books
Puppy Fence
By following these tips and being well-prepared, you can ensure a smooth transition for your new furry friend and enjoy the journey of raising a happy, healthy puppy. 🐾
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