You are getting a puppy! Wow, is there anything more exciting than preparing to bring home a brand-new fur baby? Having recently brought a puppy home ourselves, our puppy Mascot Quinn who is a chocolate Newfoundland, we can say firsthand that it is pretty darn special! You have worked diligently to research and choose the perfect dog for your life and the time has come to prepare for their arrival. If you are still in your search for the perfect pup check out our blog Choosing the Right Puppy (Dog) for Youhttps://jacpetsit.com/choose-the-right-puppy/. Much like raising a child, when it comes to puppies and dogs everyone has their own pet parenting style. In some cases, throwing an elaborate “puppy shower” before the furry bundle of joy arrives may be necessary. Others may toss the list of essentials in their Chewy.com cart and call it a day. Whatever your style may be, there are 10 universal must haves for everyone. These top 10 essentials will help to create as seamless a transition as possible for you and your new pup.
Download our printable Prepping for a Puppy Checklist to make sure you don’t leave anything out!
Top 10 Essentials
- Collar (with ID tags) and Leash
It’s time to pick up your new puppy. Don’t forget the leash and collar! Often shelter dogs will not be given to you with a collar. Make sure you come prepared with both a collar and a leash, better safe than sorry. You will also want the collar and leash when you get home to keep your puppy close and safe. Always keep an ID tag on your pet’s collar starting the moment they are in your care. There may be 1,000 reasons your dog will never be out of your sight, but it only takes 1 unexpected situation to change all of that. Avoid disaster, ID your dog with accurate contact information. Always include your canine’s name and a current phone number.
- Food
To start, you will need to find out what food your new puppy/dog has been eating prior to coming home with you. Whatever the breeder/shelter has been feeding them is what you will have to start with. Don’t worry, they do not have to stay on that food forever. Dogs have extremely sensitive systems and switching their food abruptly can cause unnecessary stomach issues. When you are ready to start transitioning your pup to a different food here are the steps you should take.
How to transition your dog’s food:
- Give ¾ original food with ¼ new food. Do this for 4-5 days and evaluate how they are reacting, bowel movements, etc.
- Next give ½ original food with ½ new food. Repeat another 4-5 days evaluating their systems reaction.
- Decrease to ¼ original food with ¾ new food. Continue evaluating their reaction at these rates for 4-5 days.
- Finally, if their system is stable and they are not having poor reactions throughout this transition you are ready to give them 100% of their new food. Continue to keep an eye on them for a few days to ensure they are not having a negative reaction.
- Airtight storage container (for dog food)
To make your dog food purchases last and remain as enticing to your pooch as possible this is an absolute must! Keep your pup’s food fresh and pest free with an airtight storage container.
- Food and Water dishes
Consider the size of your dog and purchase dishes accordingly. If your dog is an extra-large breed be sure to get a height-appropriate dish/stand for them. Likewise, for a small breed, an equally small, low to the ground dish will be perfect.
- Dog bed
A dog’s bed is a special space that they will have all to themselves. Think about where your pet will sleep in your home. Consider a bed that is washable, easy to move, and that you do not mind looking at every day.
- Crate
Used correctly, a crate is a wonderful, safe place for your dog. During times of being home alone, perhaps during a thunderstorm, and even through the night, a crate becomes a “safe room” for your pet. Utilizing a crate for training is also a wonderful way to separate the dog from activities happening in the home that may not be dog friendly. We all need our “own space” at times, including the dog. Be sure to get a crate that is the right size for your growing dog – they don’t stay puppies forever!
- Toys
You do not have to go too crazy in the toy department right away but it sure is a fun way to spend our money isn’t it? Doting on our sweet Quinn with all the fun and festive toys his little heart can handle is probably #1 on the list of “Ways I like to spend my money”. Here are a few types of toys to consider when making your purchase.
- Fetch toys: Tennis balls are a great example. Fetch is an excellent game for dogs both physically and mentally.
- Chew Toys/Bones/Firm rubber toys: Kong and antlers are wonderfully durable options. They are also excellent tools for teething puppies and keeping older dogs’ teeth clean.
- Rope toys: Great interactive toy both with humans and other dogs.
- House-training pads (Minimum 2 pkgs.)
You can start the potty-training process between 12-16 weeks. Even if you are getting a dog that has been previously potty trained it is a good idea to have a small stock of training pads. Anytime a dog is brought into a new living environment there may be a period of adjustment as they learn the “rules” of their new home, which includes using the bathroom outside. Expect the unexpected with a new pup in your home, puppy and older dog alike.
- Pet safe house cleaners
Our dogs lay on the floor, lick the walls and their paws, some even drink from the toilet bowl. Pet safe cleaners are a must in any home with a dog. Puracy Multi-Surface Cleaner is one of many pawesome pet safe brands.
- Brush/de-shedding tool
All dogs need to be brushed, some more than others. There are literally hundreds of brushes for dogs on the market from the FURminator to the Safari Combo Brush. Purchase a brush that is best suited for your pup’s coat.
Start Simple
Keeping it simple to start allows you to ebb, flow, and grow right alongside your pet. As your puppy grows and their personality develops you can always add toys, treats, training aids and other life enhancing items that your pet will love! Start with these 10 essentials and you will be ready to start a wonderful life with your new fur baby. Watch this space for more upcoming tips for your puppy as he or she grows.
Download our printable Prepping for a Puppy Checklist to check off each essential item one at a time!
Have a new puppy or dog already?
Just Around the Corner offers a wide variety of dog walking and pet care options for you and your furry family member. We all know how difficult it can be to leave our dog home alone while we are at work. JAC is here to help. Set up a Meet and Greet with one of our pet care professionals. Choose from a variety of visits, walks, and hiking options that will best suit your dog and… VOILA! Instant peace of mind while you work, go out to dinner, or day trip to the Cape. Life is meant to be lived. Do not miss out on the fun while giving your pet the gift of JAC! It is a WIN-WIN! Call or text: 508-245-1389 to set up a meet and greet TODAY.
Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
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