Preparing For A Puppy

You've decided on a puppy! 

It's time to think about names, but that's not all...

You'll want to purchase 

  • Food and water bowls (non plastic)   
  • Collar and leash 
  • Waste bags and dispenser 
  • A portable pet carrier, car seat or basket 
  • Bed or blanket 
  • Tearless shampoo & conditioner 
  • Brush and/or comb, and nail scissors 
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste (do not use human) 
  • Toys 
  • Chews for teething 
  • Food and treats  
  • 24" Dog Crate 
     

 

 

We recommend using a crate for sleeping and to make potty training easier as your puppy has become accustomed to already.  Puppies sleep a lot (up to 19 hours a day!), and at first it won't be overnight (until about 16 weeks of age).

View our guide on how to begin crate training here!

Think about a schedule.  Set a routine for mealtimes as well as times for walks and elimination.  You are your pet's best friend, so it's important that you make time for him or her and keep to your routine.  Elimination will be immediately upon waking, after breakfast, after work, after dinner and again before bedtime.  If you're able, a midday wee break is great too.   Meals should be two or three times a day at 8 weeks until adulthood (12 mo.) when you can feed once nightly.

 

 

If your puppy is 8 weeks old you may be getting up about every 4 hours in the night as well.  It's best to set an alarm and just do it rather than wait for puppies to cry.  Then gradually increase that by 1 hour per week (10 min per day) until it's a full 8 hour period your puppy is sleeping by 16 weeks of age.

Prep your home. Take a look around and be sure to dog-proof everything.  Tuck loose cords away or tape them down.  Pack up breakables or temporarily move them to higher ground.   Move or remove any household plants which are poisonous like aloe vera, devil's ivy, jade, elephant ear and dumb cane.

We do not recommend your pup wearing a collar in the house; especially if you'll be away.  These can get caught in crate wires, air vents, clang against metal bowls and are best left attached to the leash and kept near the door until your pup is older.  Collars are prone to cause matting as well so it's best to think of this as his outdoor wear at first. 

 

Pick Me!

 

Select a Veterinarian

  • Read reviews.
  • Do they have dental services?
  • Ask the cost of a spay/neuter and office fees.
  • Ask a pet owner friend who they use.
  • What are their Office Hours?
  • How busy are they?
  • What about emergencies?

Talk to children in the home about how to act around a puppy.  Introduce your kids to a friend's dog first if needed.  Teach your child responsibility before getting the dog.  If they're old enough, give them a chore like measuring out the food or picking up dog toys.  Teach your children empathy so they may understand how frightened a puppy may be in a new environment or when a child runs up to them.  Teach them that dogs have feelings too. Teach them how a puppy communicates; barks, growls in fear or in play, moves away or runs up and what these things mean to the dog.  And teach them that a dog needs his own safe space!  The dog's bed or crate should be off limits to children.  Watch videos with your children and never leave them alone with a puppy.  

In the end, know that it's your responsibility to supervise your children around your puppy.  This is a good time to be reminded too that puppies need naps.  Similar to how a toddler will get cranky and make you aware he or she needs a nap; you may experience the same thing with your puppy.  If you notice constant nipping or acting wild then it may be a sign that your pup has been up too long and needs some quiet time.   Teach children that the dog is not a toy, but is a new baby in the home.