Once you’ve made a decision to bring a little furry friend home, there’s bound to be a lot of excitement, mixed with a little nervousness, especially if you’re a first-time dog parent. Adding a four-legged member to your family is going to be lots of fun, and your Instagram feed will be shamelessly full of puppy pics, but caring for a pup is no walk in the park either (pun intended), so the anxiety is valid.
We at Puppy Hero are here to help. Not only do we help you find the best breeders in your region and the most adorable pup to bring home, we’re with you when it comes to raising your dog.
To this end, we’ve put together this ultimate checklist for new dog owners. It’s based on professional and personal recommendations from people with tons of experience in bringing up puppies. Keep in mind that every dog is different and will require customized care, depending to a large degree on the breed, but there are some things that are common to every member of the canine world.
So, join us as we walk you through a checklist for puppies. It will help you be prepared to welcome your new puppy home. These are some of the things you need to have on hand before you pick up your new puppy.
You can go for a retractable leash or choose a fixed length one that’s at least 6 feet long. A leash with a with traffic handle (a second handle close to the dog’s collar) is a good choice and helps to control the dog, especially if the breed you’ve chosen tends to be frisky.
Over time, you’ll learn which are your dog’s favorite dog food brands. If you’re planning to give your dog home prepared meals, discuss the appropriate nutrition for your puppy’s age and size with the veterinarian.
New dog parents should know that it’s always a good idea to have more than one poop bag when you go for walks. There are biodegradable and eco-friendly poop bags available so you don’t have to worry about the environmental impact.
Training treats are an important way to teach your puppy how to behave well and respond to commands. But too many treats can lead to obesity in a dog, so it’s a good idea to use a combination of your dog’s regular food and treats during training.
Toys give your dog the mental stimulation she needs. There are tons of great toys for dogs that challenge them and stimulate their senses.
Also, a puppy will chew anything if you let her, especially when she’s shedding her baby teeth. Chews are great way to keep your puppy busy and out of trouble.
Experienced dog parents will tell you that a training crate is a must. It not only gives your puppy a sense of security but also keeps him out of trouble when you’re not at home. The training crate should be big enough for your dog to lie down and turn around comfortably. Crates with dividers are a great option if you’re anticipating using it as your puppy gets bigger.
There are tons of great options for dog beds. Don’t feel pressured into putting a bed in every room though.
A dog can bolt out the door in the blink of an eye. A physical dog tag is vital to help you reunite if your dog should get lost. The tag should have your dog’s name and your phone number.
A brush or glove that’s suitable for your dog’s breed, nail clippers, shampoo, and wipes are the basics. Don’t go overboard buying grooming supplies to start with. Bring home the basics and build up your tray as you go along, based on your dog’s individual needs.
It’s a good idea to scan both the inside and outside of your home for potential dangers like choking hazards or toxic plants before you bring your puppy home. There are all kinds of dog-proofing things available to help you make your home secure for your puppy and to protect your stuff, including toilet seat locks, pet-safe containers, safety gates, anti-scratch tape, electrical cord covers, etc.
You can’t take care of your dog alone. You’re going to need a vet and may need additional help from a dog groomer, a dog walker, a dog trainer, and pet boarding facilities. Also, pet insurance is a no brainer. Other dog parents in your community are a superb resource to find the best people to help raise your puppy and care for your adult dog.
04 April, 2022