New Puppy Checklist

New Puppy Checklist

What equipment will I need when I take my new dog home?

Get the supplies and equipment you'll need. Here's a list:

Wire or plastic dog crate 18 x 24 x 21 or similar
Easily washable, hard-to-destroy bedding material, imitation sheepskin works well. Tip-proof, stainless steel food & water dishes.
Adjustable small size puppy collar & lead; I like the soft braided nylon types.
ID Tag with your phone number to wear on the collar
A collection of high quality, safe chews toys: Puppy Nylabones and lots of sturdy stuffed squeak toys.
Grooming supplies: slicker brush, oatmeal shampoo, tooth brush and paste, ear cleaner (links on next page!)
Quality dog food. We use Royal Canin X-Small Puppy. You may change to a different food after one month, if you choose. It is not recommended that you change a puppy’s food in the first week of arrival to your home.
"Bitter Apple", a safe spray-on product to discourage chewing on inappropriate objects.
A wire, wooden or plastic “baby gate” for blocking doorways.
A good book on puppy care & training. Read through them before bringing your puppy home. I have GREAT training videos available on my website under the “Videos” tab.
If puppy will be left for more than 3 hours during the day, I suggest a puppy play pen with puppy pads. Link available on next page.
Puppy Treats - Small Liver treats are the best! Link available at the bottom of this page.

Vets and the Health of Your Pet

Take you pup to your local veterinary clinic within the first week.
The vet will give your new dog a health check - general health, weight, teeth, eyes and coat.
The vet will provide you with advice on: Diet; Grooming; Vaccinations; Pet Health Insurance; Worming and other parasites; Dog training classes and neutering.

Teach your new dog its name

Teach your new dog the basic commands - No, Sit, and Come
Enroll your dog in a training class or puppy socialization class
Teach good traveling behavior in cars - daily short journeys in the car will get your new dog used to traveling and help reduce excitable behavior and travel sickness
Teach your new dog to foul in its own garden and “potty Spot” before taking it for a walk - but remember always to carry a pooper-scooper, or bags - just in case!

Children and dogs are good for each other if the following simple rules are observed:

Show children how to behave towards their new pet - not to touch the dog while it is eating or sleeping and to be gentle and kind to it.
Show the dog how to behave towards children - no jumping up, stealing food or biting.
Do not leave children and dogs alone together - always supervise them. Only responsible children that are capable of controlling their dog should be allowed to exercise the dog without adult supervision.
Children in control of a dog are legally required to "scoop the poop" if their dog fouls in a public place.
Ensure children wash their hands after handling pets, playing outside and prior to eating.

There are many helpful hints on the website on the “Videos” page that will help you prepare to bring your new puppy home.

Thank you and enjoy your new baby!