Have you recently become a parent to an adorable new puppy? Then you know how exciting and happy this time can be for new puppy parents. However, this time can also be filled with anxiousness to get everything that your new furry friend will need. If you do not have any other pets, this process may be especially overwhelming. Read on to learn a new puppy checklist.
Whether you were just going to the local shelter or pet store to scope out which dogs you might like, or you were ready to adopt your puppy that day, you may end up bringing home a pet that you weren’t expecting. Those puppy dog eyes are hard to say no to. But if you are not prepared for bringing home your new pup then you will need a few things to prepare your home for the little rascal.
The New Puppy Checklist
If you need a checklist to ensure that you are getting all the items that you will need to prepare for your puppy, then read our list below. This will tell you all that you need to know about what products you should start with, and which ones you can wait on. If you already have your pet, but want to double-check that you have everything, give this new puppy checklist a once over so you can rest assured that you are giving your puppy the best!
A Dog Crate
The biggest item that you should have for your new puppy is a dog crate so you can crate train them from day one. Crates can give the dog a space of their own so they begin to feel at home whenever they are in it. Crate training can also help reduce the anxiety that the dog may feel when you leave for work. This is one of the best things that you can do for your puppy when you first get him.
Dog Toys
A new puppy will have plenty of new things to look at and start sniffing as soon as they get inside your home, but you should also have a few dog toys ready for them too. Getting them started playing with plush toys and textured toys can get them started on the teething process early on. Place one or two inside their crate so they fall asleep with some by their side on their first nights when they might not get to sleep as easily.
Bones & Chews
Bringing home a new puppy will eventually lead to something of yours getting chewed up by puppy teeth. Although this is pretty inevitable, you can help curb this habit early on by giving your puppy bones and chews to gnaw on. This will keep them busy on the item you give them, which will have a texture that they will love, and keep them away from your shoes and furniture until they learn better.
Collar & Name Tag
This is important to get right away because a puppy can take off quickly, and end up far down the road before you have time to catch up. If this happens, having a collar and a nametag with your information on it will let neighbors know where to bring them. If they do not have any collar, it may take longer to find them, which could be emotional when you begin to think of the worst-case scenarios of what could happen.
So, get a basic collar and name tag from your local pet store, so your pup will be safely brought back to you. Puppies will grow fast, so they likely outgrow their first one quickly, so do not spend too much time and effort finding the perfect option. You will have to buy a new one down the line anyway.
Leash
Dogs live for their walks, so getting a leash that you can take them around the block on is a key item to purchase. You should have two options to use, one for walks, and another for when you are training them. This will let them know when you are getting down to business and train them to listen intently when you are starting their training time.
Dog Food
You cannot have a puppy without proper food. Getting the right choice for them may take some time, but typically something that is more natural and can easily be soaked in water for a few minutes before feeding will work nicely. Once you find out what the like, you can switch it up.
Speak To A Professional Dog Walking Company
If you live alone and do not have someone who can walk your new puppy while you are at work during the week, then hiring a dog walker may be something to consider. Puppies have lots of energy, and if they do not get the chance to release that energy on walks, they will likely cause more problems at home. If you are interested in finding a reliable dog walker, then contact Local Paw Pals for more information and to schedule their dog walking service.