Checklist for puppy
All the things you need to be prepared to bring your puppy home.
Whether you planned for this new adventure or not, getting the right tools will help your sanity & set you up for success. This info is in a convenient ebook that you can download HERE
Food: The most important investment you can make for the healthy & longevity of your pup!
I feed my dogs kibble because it's healthy for them, and convenient for me. I've found a food & supplement company that promises to keep my dogs 100% away from the vet. That's amazing! They only use whole ingredients, real meat, no allergens, and no fillers. That is health in a bite sized-piece!
Whatever food you start your puppy on, read the ingredients and make sure you can identify them as real food. If your pup develops skin issues, allergies, or can't maintain a healthy weight, that is not the right food for them.
Here’s a link to the page on my website where I discuss nutrition and food in more detail. GO HERE.
Bowls: Get separate food & water dishes. They should be non porous bowls that are dishwasher safe, and that won't trap food particles or disease.
Crate: The right sized crate is one that your pup can enter, turn around, and lay down in.I prefer a wire crate that can be sectioned off as puppy grows. Giving puppy too much space in it's crate will encourage it to potty in its crate, which will not help in crate training or potty training.
Other tips: Only place towels/hand towels as bedding in the crate while the pup is learning to potty train. It cuts down on laundry & possible choking hazards.Place the crate closest to the door you want your pup to use for potty training.I place a blanket over the crate at night to signal to puppy that it's night time and I won't see it until the morning.
Collar: I recommend you have a collar on your pup at all times when they are out of their crate.
BEWARE that collars can get stuck on the crate and actually choke your pup. I remove collars on all new puppies until I know their crate manners and temperament.
Nylon collars are a good option, just beware they often cause irritation to puppies and they will scratch at their neck. Don't worry too much, they'll get used to it soon. Unless it's causing a rash or major issues, nylon collars are a just fine.
I don't recommend using a harness, especially in the beginning phases with a new pup. For training purposes, a collar is much more effective for training skills than a harness is.
Leash: I recommend you get a leash that reaches from your pup on the ground at your side to your hand. That is all the length they need in the beginning.
I highly discourage retractable leashes, as they are a training tool and not intended for general use.
Place bed: A place bed is an elevated bed for your pup to hang out on, similar in look to a cot.
The elevation separates it from the floor and distinguishes it as their space. A place bed is one of your most powerful & effective tools for teaching manners while training. They are magic, just get one!
The elevation of the place bed is also going to help in other areas. Your pup will need to be used to standing on an elevated surface when it goes to the vet and the groomer. As these are often stressful situations for your puppy, getting them accustomed to one aspect of this process will help relieve some stress and anxiety.
Toys: Get a variety of toys until you know which toys your pup prefers.
They usually like things that crinkle, or squeek.
Beware of toys with stuffing, beads, or beady eyes. They often tear them apart, and the insides may present a choking hazard.
I recommend getting some bones they can chew on. Puppies prefer hard and soft options, so look at antlers and rope toys.
The next blog in this series of getting ready for your new puppy, is all about beginning training tips and how to get started TODAY using my puppy potty training schedule. Go here
