What a wonderful experience it is to bring a new puppy home, but if you don’t have everything in place, this experience can turn from wonderful to, “What in the world was I thinking” ? Here are a few suggestions that you might want to consider when you decide to bring this new member of your family to its forever home.
Time for Bed!
Where is your puppy going to sleep? Will you crate train or allow your puppy to sleep openly but in a confined area? Either way, giving puppies a place to call their own from day one is extremely helpful. Not only will your puppy feel safe and secure with their new surroundings but it will help you in the long run too!
There are literally thousands of beds on the market but all pups prefer a soft comfy bed that they can curl up in. Look for one that unzips so you can easily throw it in the wash because one thing is certain, it will get dirty!
Where is your puppy going to sleep? Will you crate train or allow your puppy to sleep openly but in a confined area? Either way, giving puppies a place to call their own from day one is extremely helpful. Not only will your puppy feel safe and secure with their new surroundings but it will help you in the long run too!
There are literally thousands of beds on the market but all pups prefer a soft comfy bed that they can curl up in. Look for one that unzips so you can easily throw it in the wash because one thing is certain, it will get dirty!
Wanta go for a walk?
Puppies grow quickly but they still need a leash and a collar that fit properly. Your pup will grow fast so please know you will be buying more than one collar- always make sure the fit is perfect with two fingers width between the collar and puppy’s skin. You don’t want your pup to pull out of the collar while on a walk because the collar's too big, or pinch their sensitive skin if it’s too tight.
Leashes come in many varieties and there are pros and cons to many of them. While your puppy is learning how to walk with you, opt for a short leash so you can maintain full control.
Puppies grow quickly but they still need a leash and a collar that fit properly. Your pup will grow fast so please know you will be buying more than one collar- always make sure the fit is perfect with two fingers width between the collar and puppy’s skin. You don’t want your pup to pull out of the collar while on a walk because the collar's too big, or pinch their sensitive skin if it’s too tight.
Leashes come in many varieties and there are pros and cons to many of them. While your puppy is learning how to walk with you, opt for a short leash so you can maintain full control.
Bath Time!
Let’s get your puppy used to being groomed. After all it can be a stressful time for all dogs so the sooner they are desensitized to a bath the better.
Buy a great shampoo and conditioner that’s made specifically for a puppy coat. While you’re at it invest in a nice soft brush that is gentle on your pup’s skin and fur. Remember, your puppy is a new baby and should be treated as one. Also, it’s best to leave nail trimming to a professional unless you can be trained in this practice. Introduce your pup to any stressful new situation with lots of treats and hugs for support.
Let’s get your puppy used to being groomed. After all it can be a stressful time for all dogs so the sooner they are desensitized to a bath the better.
Buy a great shampoo and conditioner that’s made specifically for a puppy coat. While you’re at it invest in a nice soft brush that is gentle on your pup’s skin and fur. Remember, your puppy is a new baby and should be treated as one. Also, it’s best to leave nail trimming to a professional unless you can be trained in this practice. Introduce your pup to any stressful new situation with lots of treats and hugs for support.
Chow Time
Your new pup needs two bowls to eat and drink out of. Remember to clean the bowls daily--- you wouldn’t want to eat out of a dirty dish would you? Plus it’s vitally important to supply clean fresh water daily (probably numerous times a day)
Your new pup needs two bowls to eat and drink out of. Remember to clean the bowls daily--- you wouldn’t want to eat out of a dirty dish would you? Plus it’s vitally important to supply clean fresh water daily (probably numerous times a day)
Play Time!
Toys are a must for a new puppy. Trust me if you don’t give them an appropriate outlet for chewing they will chew something you wish they hadn’t! We all like our shoes and for some reason so do puppies!
There are many toys on the market that are perfect for chewers. Rubber teething toys, Puppy Kong, toys with squeakers and tennis balls are a must for a growing pup. Not only will you have fun but toys and playtime is a wonderful way to increase cognitive development in your growing pup.
Toys are a must for a new puppy. Trust me if you don’t give them an appropriate outlet for chewing they will chew something you wish they hadn’t! We all like our shoes and for some reason so do puppies!
There are many toys on the market that are perfect for chewers. Rubber teething toys, Puppy Kong, toys with squeakers and tennis balls are a must for a growing pup. Not only will you have fun but toys and playtime is a wonderful way to increase cognitive development in your growing pup.
Finally, there are many other items of importance that you want to make sure you have sooner than later with your loved one: ID Tag, Doggie Seat Belt, Healthy Food and Healthy Puppy Treats, and Carpet Shampoo because we know there will be accidents!
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Enjoy this free check-list to use as a shopping reminder. Leave us a comment, we'd love to hear from you! Share our blog and Like our FB page!