Essential Tips and Must-Have Products
Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience and we want you to make the most of these new memories. When bringing your new little bundle of joy, there are a few challenges and responsibilities to ensure you and your little furball are ready for your home. Proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Here’s a guide to help you welcome your puppy and a list of essential products you'll need.
Preparing Your Home
Before your puppy arrives, it's important to make your home safe and comfortable for them. Below we have a few of our suggested tips and tricks to make your house a home:
1. Puppy-Proof Your Home
- Remove any hazardous items like electrical cords, household cleaners, and small objects that can be swallowed.
- Secure areas that are off-limits with baby gates.
- Some things may not seem like a big deal but try and imagine if you were new to your home which things would be a problem if you got into them.
2. Set Up a Safe Space
- Designate a quiet area in your home where your puppy can relax and feel secure. This could be a crate or a specific room.
- Some people feel that crate training can make you feel less connected to your new puppy; however, many dog breeds appreciate having that safe space and will do better physically and emotionally if you provide a crate and offer crate training.
- If you are introducing your new puppy to an older dog you may need to spend extra time with your dog and create opportunities for the dogs to be separated to avoid aggression.
3. Create a Routine
- Puppies thrive on routine. Establish feeding, potty, and playtime schedules to help them adjust to their new environment.
Essential Products for Your New Puppy
1. Crate
- A crate provides a safe space for your puppy and aids in house training. Choose a crate that is appropriately sized, allowing your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Make sure to upsize the crate as your pup grows.
2. Bed
- A soft, comfortable bed is essential for your puppy's rest. Make sure it fits inside the crate if you're using one. We also provide our puppies with a blanket!
3. Food and Water Bowls
- Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are durable and easy to clean. Opt for non-slip bases to prevent spills. We do free feeding with our pups so we provide a regular bowl with dry food at all times and then have separate bowls for each dog when it comes to special meals and treats.
4. High-Quality Puppy Food
- It is best practice to ask the breeder what food the puppy is currently on as switching food can upset a puppy's tummy. Consult your veterinarian to choose a nutritious puppy food that meets your dog's specific needs at their first appointment and slowly transition your furbaby to the suggested food at a rate that will not make them sick.
5. Collar and Leash
- A comfortable collar and a sturdy leash are essential for walks and outings. Ensure the collar has an ID tag with your contact information. We like to start all our puppies out with a durable halter that prevents choking for puppies to get a feel for what it is like to walk on a leash.
6. Toys
- Puppies love to play and chew. Provide a variety of toys to keep them entertained and to help with teething. Look for durable, non-toxic toys designed for puppies.
7. Grooming Supplies
- Basic grooming tools like a brush, nail clippers, and puppy-safe shampoo are necessary to keep your puppy clean and healthy. Make sure to start grooming early but don't hurt your new friend. If you brush and bathe daily and try to make it fun there will be less destructive behavior as they get older. We also practice touching our puppy's paws regularly to prepare puppies for their nails to be trimmed.
8. Training Pads
- Training pads can be useful for house training, especially if you live in an apartment or during inclement weather.
9. Treats
- Healthy treats are great for training and rewarding good behavior. Use them sparingly to avoid overfeeding.
10. Puppy Gates
- Gates help to restrict access to certain areas of your home, ensuring your puppy stays safe.
11. Cleaning Supplies
- Accidents happen, so have enzymatic cleaners on hand to quickly and effectively clean up messes.
Additional Tips for New Puppy Owners
1. Veterinarian Visit
- Schedule a vet appointment soon after bringing your puppy home for a general health check, vaccinations, and advice on parasite prevention.
2. Socialization
- Introduce your puppy to a variety of people, animals, and environments to help them become well-adjusted adults.
3. Training
- Start basic training early. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key. Consider enrolling in a puppy training class for additional support.
4. Patience and Love
- Remember, your puppy is learning and adjusting to a new world. Patience, love, and gentle guidance will help them grow into a well-behaved and happy dog.
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a heartwarming experience filled with moments of joy and laughter. By preparing your home and gathering essential products, you can ensure a smooth transition for your new furry friend. With time, patience, and love, your puppy will become a cherished member of your family. Enjoy the journey and the countless memories you'll create together!