Puppy Checklist: Everything You Need For Your Puppy
Bringing home a new puppy is the happiest moment for most people. Although not many people know exactly what they need to do or buy to make their furry friend feel right at home.
Raising a puppy is hard-work and takes a lot of patience to get to the loyal companion that you've dreamed of, but thankfully with the right supplies it makes the whole process much easier!
Here's a brief list of what you should be getting your companion to get them accommodated in the first days at home:
1) Puppy food!
As simple as that may sound, puppy food is the most important. Having a proper nutrition is key to healthy growth. Specially formulated food for puppies is easily digestible and perfect for tiny tummies. It's better if it's breed formulated food!
2) Bowls for Water & Food
Special bowls for water and food are always good to have. They should be washed regularly.
3) Puppy Crate or Pen
Setting up a pen with all necessary things inside like a smaller crate or bed, puppy pads and water bowl or even only just a puppy crate to sleep in, is always a good idea.Ā It confines them to a smaller place so if they do have accidents whilst potty training, it's easier for you to clean up and also sets the dogs up for success to potty in their designated area, be it a puppy pad or a special place that you've trained them to go to.Ā It also provides them with their own place so if they feel overwhelmed that could be their relaxing area. Although a puppy may not take to a crate or pen that quickly, always associate that place with a good thing (like a treat or meals in there) and take a trainer's advice on how to introduce it properly.Ā Special pet cleaning productsĀ are always recommended as they are safe to use around pets and get rid of the odour.
4) Collar, Leash, Harness, Poo Bag Holder & ID Tag
When your puppy is ready to take on the world and go for walks, it's time to start introducing the walking gear! A harness connected with a leashĀ is always recommended to start with as it doesn't put as much strain on the puppy's growing neck as a collar does, but take a dog trainer's advice if you feel a harness isn't right for your puppy. Poo bags dispensers can be attached easily to the leash, ensuring you have it with you outside at all times. A collar can be used to hang their engraved ID Tags with your mobile number onto, so in case your puppy ever goes missing it's much easier for people to contact you directly if they've found them.
5) Puppy Toys & Treats
Your puppy will be a bundle of energy, so make them drain that in a proper manner.Ā ļ»æPuppy toys are a must, even more so chewing ones for the teething days! There's all sorts of toys out there, from plush to interactive ones so choose your puppy's favourites! Treats are always good for training but always feed in moderation to avoid tummy issues.
6) Comfortable Bed
Your puppy will want a cosy place to snooze in, so providing them with an appropriate place to sleep will make them very happy! If your dog is a chewer and can't use a traditional plush bed, there's all sorts of very resistant beds ranging from plastic ones with a plush insert to elevated beds that make it harder to chew through.
7) Flea & Tick Prevention
Flea & Tick prevention is very important but also very easy to use if you choose to do it at home. Simply buy a box of flea and tick prevention pipettes, apply to clean fur referring to the instructions on the box and you're good to go for however long the box says!
And last but not least...
8) Lots of Patience
It's very easy to get frustrated with a new puppy. They yelp through the night, need many, many potty brakes, can have multiple accidents in the house and may destroy a shoe or a cushion every now and again. But lashing out at him or getting mad will not get your puppy anywhere, it will only instil fear and he will keep doing the same things but hidden. So always be calm, have patience and just know your puppy will never do those things out of spite. These are typical puppy things and with consistency in training, adequate mental and physical stimulation and with age, they will grow to be the perfect little companion.Ā
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