Bringing a new puppy home is a thrilling happy experience. This handy puppy checklist brings together all the essential puppy information you need. You’ll find out how to make them feel instantly at home when they first arrive. But if you don’t have everything in place upon its arrival, the experience can turn from happy to harrowing.
Before you bring your new puppy home for the first time, you’ll want to make sure your home is stocked with all the essentials they’ll need to make the adjustment to their new life and become part of the family. New dog owners should realize that a puppy requires a lot of care and attention. It’s best to make a shopping list and head to a pet store before you bring your new puppy home.
Finding the perfect products or perfect checklist is always confusing. There are aisles of premium foods and treats, so many toys of different shape and size, and with plenty of crate options. You will miss out on a lot of essentials, so let’s begin with the items to make your pup’s homecoming a smooth one.
1 . An appropriate-sized crate
Puppies need a room, a place for himself where he feels secure. If you living in an apartment, you don’t have a choice. Crate plays a major role in in-house training. A crate is needed when you are at work and you have to leave them unattended for long hours. Read the article on how to choose crate appropriate to the size and which one suits your needs.
When choosing a crate or carrier, make sure that your pup can stand up, lie down, turn around, and stretch inside. Also, the mesh should be small enough for them not to get their mouth caught. You might also consider getting an oversized crate with an adjustable divider panel so that you can slowly expand the room your dog has as she grows and also begins to understand that she shouldn’t do her business in the crate.
2 . Wire playpen
Exercise pens are a set of portable wire panels that confine your pup to a specific area. You can adjust them to fit just about any space. They can also be used to block doorways to rooms you’d like to keep off-limits. Gates are also essential for blocking staircases. Choosing a gate that’s durable and made of a material other than wood. Make sure no openings on the gate are large enough for the dog to stick her head through—she can wind up getting stuck or strangled.
3 . Collar and a leash
You’ll definitely need a collar and leash for those daily walks with your new best friend. A Collar holds your pup’s dog license and identification tag which holds your name and address. The leash is attached to a collar, which you will need to walk your pup.
Choose a collar that suits the size, age and breed of your puppy, and make sure it fits snugly enough not to slip over their head but is loose enough for you to slip a couple of fingers underneath. As your pup gets older, you can expect to buy several collars as she outgrows them.
The leash should be nylon, leather, or rubber, and be somewhat chew-proof. For the initial leash, choose one that’s four to six feet long—ideally nylon because they are the least expensive.
4 . Puppy Food and water bowls
preferably those that sit directly on the floor and will not tip over. Puppies need to eat about three times a day and require a bowl of fresh water nearby most of the time. Stainless steel bowls are the best choice because they are virtually indestructible. They’re strong, easy to clean and sanitize, and usually too cumbersome for a puppy to carry in his mouth.
5 . Food and treats
Puppy food is designed specifically for the nutritional needs of young and still growing dogs, with twice the daily nutritional requirements that a mature dog needs. Puppies are growing and developing rapidly — in their bones, muscles, joints, internal organs and immune system, to name but a few of the developmental needs that are being met by nutrition.
The best option is usually to feed your puppy a combined diet of dry kibble with moist dog food. You may either mix them together or vary them from meal to meal.
Do not go with expensive moist food. The downside is its expensive and spoils more rapidly if not stored properly and contains fewer nutrients.
6 . Chew Toys
Why chew toys when you have your shoes, socks, furniture, and pillows. Wait a minute do you care those more, then get chew toys. Puppies spare nothing when it comes to chewing. Start with a multipack of puppy bones, squeak toys, furry toys, and rubber balls. Rope and tug toys which help to floss teeth while it plays.
Caution: If puppy destroys the toy, please replace a durable one and remove the damaged. Toys are usually made of plastic, rubber or synthetic so better not get ingested accidentally.
7 . Poo bags
The law requires you to clear up after your dog in public areas, so always ensure you have a ready supply of poo bags. If you don’t you could face a significant fine.
I recommend AmazonBasics Dog Waste Bags with Dispenser and Leash Clip. It comes with 900 counts of poop bags. it even comes with a leash clip and dispenser so you never have to fish through a street trash can to find something to pick up poops with.
8 . STAIN & ODOR REMOVER
An indoor accident is common with puppies. It should be cleaned within seconds, when possible. The enzyme cleaner eliminates orders that only your dog can smell, reducing any reminder that he’s gone potty in any particular part of your house. Dogs love “going” where they’ve “gone” before, so using enzyme cleaner is the best solution.
I recommend Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover Carpet Shampoo.
9 . Grooming tools
Grooming is a zen experience for most of the pet lovers. But not initially. You will have to train the puppy to behave during the process.
Puppies need their toenails trimming once in a while else your play time will be full of bruises.
Gum disease is common in older dogs and can lead to health problems, so get your puppy used to having their teeth cleaned with special non-foaming canine toothpaste and a rubber thimble.
His ears need to be cleaned and teeth to be brushed.
Regular combing is required. Select Combs based on your puppy’s breed and coat.
Bathe for puppies once in 2 weeks is recommended.
- Comb
- Cotton balls
- Nail clippers
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothbrush and dog toothpaste
- Towels
10 . Dog Bed
First night at the new place, she needs to feel comfortable and secure. There are tons of beds to choose from, but I would suggest holding this for a while. Wait until she is don’t with house training. Many dogs during their first several months, they will chew their bed. In the meantime, you can make your dog’s crate cozy with old towels or blankets or some old t-shirts.
11 . Medicines and implements for flea, tick and parasite controls
I would strongly suggest combing your puppies after every walk and also removing ticks as often as you find it is a lot better than below options for an infestation of ticks. Using chemicals on your puppies should be your last option. If the infestation is more, please consult the VET. check out tips and tricks on How to Get Rid of Ticks or Fleas on Dogs fast.
12 . Bitter Apple Spray
If your puppy is very keen on biting everything on its way, then there is a simple solution. Use Bitter apple spray. It’s scentless for humans, but tastes nasty to dogs, and keeps their curious mouths away. Also eliminates hot spots to stop pets from licking, gnawing, and chewing fur, wounds, and bandages.
I recommend Grannick’s Bitter Apple because is non-toxic and safe.
13 . Treat Jar
Why do I need a treat jar? Well, it solves two things, one it keeps treat handy and second it keeps them fresh. Below recommended treat jar, looks awesome and can be kept anywhere in the house for easy access.
I recommend Harmony Good Dog Ceramic Dog Treat Jar because it is Strong & sturdy ceramic paired with a modern bamboo lid and also Keeps treats fresh longer.
14. Puppy toy bin
Store all your puppy toys in one place. Also, you can store puppy blankets and puppy accessories. Fits any decor.
I recommend this puppy bin.
It’s time to collect all or most of the above essentials to invite your dear friend home. Spend as much time as you get to play with your pup.
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