Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting moment for any family. The first day you bring home your new little addition, is a day no one will forget.
However, before you get to that point, there are some things you need to do first to be ready for your new arrival.
Here we will look at the key essentials you need to have before your pup comes home. This will help you feel, more prepared and organised and ensure a smooth settling-in period for your new pet.
1. ID and Tags
The fear of losing your prize puppy will make every dog lover feel anxious. To help protect against this make sure your puppy has an ID tag attached to his collar. It should include both his name and yours, as well as your address and phone number. It is a quick and effective first port of call that can help you become reunited if your dog was to become lost for any reason.
Other options include lab-grown diamonds which are becoming more popular, with some people choosing to avoid using an identification tag. Alternatively, microchips and tattoos can also be used and have also grown in popularity.
Microchips are tiny capsules containing unique registration numbers implanted by veterinarians without surgery and are increasingly common. The World Council of Dog Owners will start tracking your dog’s microchip number and upload it to a central database that may be accessed by animal shelters, veterinarian offices, and humane organizations across the world. The chip will connect your puppy to you no matter where he goes.
Why do you need to microchip your dog? Many dog owners today use them as well as ID tags, just in case their puppy’s collar gets lost. The microchip is a good idea if your puppy strays while you’re travelling or if you have recently relocated.
Regardless of the technique you choose, make sure your puppy’s contact information is up to date.
2. Crate and Sleeping Bed
Your puppy will need a warm, comfortable sleeping area. Crates are ideal since they provide a “den” for your dog when you’re not around.
There are two different styles to choose from including portable plastic crates with handles or wire crates.
Whichever crate you use, it should be big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It should also have adequate ventilation. If you’re buying an adult-sized crate, make sure to pick one with divisions or a cardboard box in the back so it’s more comfortable for your growing dog.
For puppies, try and get a smaller crate that makes them feel secure and at ease.
Give your puppy a safe chew toy to chew while he’s confined. Because they may induce him to need to go potty and he will have no alternative but to do so in his cage, food and water should not be left inside. Also, remove your dog’s collar while he is crated to avoid causing choking danger.
The location of the crate in your house should be simple to clean and free of drafts. Place it near a hub of family activity, such as the family room or kitchen, so that your puppy feels welcome. Your home is also your puppy’s home; do everything you can to make him feel at ease.
Make the crate’s permanent residence after you’ve chosen a location for it. To get your puppy used to his new surroundings, put a little kibble or puppy food in the crate and then push him inside as you give him the command “kennel.” Close the crate door, wait for your puppy to be calm if he isn’t already, praise him, and then release him. Make a habit of rewarding your dog every time he goes inside his crate for a long period.
Your dog should sleep in his crate every night from the day he enters your house.
The most important aspect of crate training is to employ it in a positive light at all times—never as a punishment. When you’re too preoccupied or have to travel, put your puppy in his crate with the correct chew toy. Always give him a chance to go before putting him in the cage.
If you can’t crate your puppy, an exercise pen is advised.
3. Water Bowls
Puppies require a good deal of activity, so a water bowl is a must to help keep them hydrated. Only choose bowls that are unlikely to fall over. You’ll also need to wash them frequently, so ensure that they’re easy to clean. Plastic allergies are common among dogs, therefore twin stainless steel bowls in a holder make sense. You might want to start with smaller bowls and upgrade to larger ones as your puppy grows. This will prevent him from falling into his water when he tries to get to his water.
4. Puppy Food
Your puppy’s first year is essential to his growth. To promote strong bones and teeth, proper development of body systems, and a dense, glossy coat, your puppy requires specific nutrition during this stage.
At certain phases of their growth and development, puppies may require up to twice the daily nutrition requirement of adult dogs. The average puppy requires nearly three times as much energy (calories) per pound of body weight at between six and eight weeks old as an adult dog.
With 100% comprehensive and balanced puppy food, you can give your puppy a good head start.
5. Collar
The collar is essential since it provides a location to hang his identification tag and leash. There are many different kinds of collars available. If you’re buying a buckle or snap-closure collar, make sure it’s made of lightweight nylon or leather for comfort’s sake. It might take some time for your puppy to get used to wearing it, but don’t be discouraged if he is uncomfortable or attempts to scratch it off when you first put it on.
At all times, your puppy should be wearing his collar and an ID tag. He’s also getting bigger quickly, so make sure you check the size of the collar now and then to ensure it is fitting properly.
6. Leash
Your puppy’s leash is a valuable training tool for trips outside. There are several designs, materials, and lengths to select from, but a six-foot one should be suitable for his age (until he grows bigger, of course).
7. Grooming Supplies
Make sure you get grooming supplies that are appropriate for your puppy’s coat to keep him looking as cute as he did when you brought him home.
Use a brush with natural bristles, a rubber currycomb, or a hand mitt for shorthaired dogs. For longhaired dogs, you’ll need a strong wide-toothed metal comb and possibly a mat splitter. If your dog has any of the following hair types, be sure to get him a flea comb and start maintaining his coat as soon as possible: No matter what type of hair your dog has, make sure he has a flea comb and establishes an ongoing grooming regimen as early as feasibly possible.
8. Stain and Scent Remover
Stain and scent remover is a helpful resource against those little puppy accidents in the house. They remove stains and help to keep unpleasant scents away. The good ones also have a smell remover for your pup’s nose. It’s worth noting that many of the popular odour removers that aren’t sold in the pet department or at a pet shop only cover up odours for people, not dogs. Don’t be shocked if your dog continues to relieve himself at the same spot after using one to clean up following his puppyhood. He’s simply trying to claim his area.
9. Toys
Puppies naturally love to play, it helps them to learn about their world and practise their doggy skills. When they are so young they require a variety of playthings. Teething toys that are puppy-safe are ideal for exercising your puppy’s excess energy and stimulating his development.
There are a variety of chew toys on the market, including nylon chews and hard rubber balls. However, in general, if a toy is too small to fit entirely inside a dog’s mouth, it’s probably too small – instead, choose one that won’t cause choking. Remember that a toy that is the correct size now may become an issue as your puppy grows older.
Some toys may be dangerous. To keep his playtime as safe as possible, avoid giving your dog any of the following:
- Anything made of soft rubber, fur, wool, sponge, or plastic that he might choke on or swallow.
- Anything with hard, sharp points or attachments (e.g., squeakers that can break off and be digested).
- Shoes, socks, or other personal belongings – may give him the impression that it’s permissible to gnaw on your other personal things as well.
Now you have your house fully stocked with essential puppy items, you are ready to bring your new furry family member home, enjoy those puppy snuggles and make those lasting memories with your new pup.