If you are a first time dog owner, you will find puppies are a joy. They love to play, cuddle, and give and receive love unconditionally. Being a first time dog owner is about more than all things cute and cuddly though. It is a big responsibility. It is important that you prepare yourself and your home by having all the supplies on-hand before you arrive home with your new puppy.
Use the following puppy supply list for first time dog owners to ensure you have everything you need when you arrive home with the puppy.
Puppy Supply Checklist for First-time Dog Owners
Plan ahead by preparing the following items/services right away.
Veterinarian – Get referrals from friends and find a good Vet in your area. Schedule a full puppy wellness visit for your new puppy right away. Your puppy will need to finish his/her vaccinations and get started on a heart worm regime.
Collar – Measure puppy’s neck size to be sure that you have the right size. You don’t want him/her slipping their collar and running off.
ID tag – This is a tag that includes the puppy’s name, as well as your name and number or address. Many people are willing to help a puppy find its way home if they know where home is.
Leash – Avoid losing your new puppy in the first place by placing him on a leash every time you take the puppy outside.
Crate – If you plan to crate train your new puppy, to stay inside at home while you are away or sleep in a crate it is best to start right away. The best option is a wire metal crate with a divider. You can adjust the amount of room as your puppy grows.
Bedding – You can buy dog beds that will fit inside of the crate, but until the puppy is fully trained you may want to use a baby blanket or old towels. They are easy to wash and re-use. Once puppy is trained, you can use the crate bed.
Food – It’s a good idea to use the same kind of puppy chow that the breeder has puppy on for the first week. If you decide to switch after that, you should mix it half and half for a few days to avoid upsetting puppy’s tummy.
Food and water bowls – Stainless steel bowls are a good choice and are easy to wash.
Treats– Treats are an essential tool in training your new puppy. You’ll want to have small treats available (ie. miniature milk bones – the all natural flaky kind). For variety you can also use cheese or hot dogs cut into small pieces.
Puppy training pads – It will take some time to housebreak your puppy. Puppy pee pads, as they are sometimes called, are scented to encourage puppies to potty there instead of on your floors.
Gentle puppy shampoo – Dogs can get dirty quickly, puppies too. Don’t bathe your dog too often, but it is helpful to keep a puppy shampoo on-hand. Be sure it is puppy shampoo as human shampoo can strip their coats and leave them dry and brittle.
Flea and tick prevention – Discuss, with your Vet, which kind to use on your puppy and then have it on hand to treat as recommended.
Grooming Tools – Brush, comb, dog nail clippers, styptic powder and dental products recommended by your Vet.
Puppy toys – Buying toys for your new puppy is usually fun and easy. Make sure that toys are high quality and durable. Cheap puppy toys that can be easily torn apart not only make a mess, but can be ingested by your puppy causing serious problems. Kongs are a great choice as they can be stuffed with treats and puppies love them. Squeaky toys are a favorite among our Whoodle puppies. Whether you provide puppy toys or not, make sure electrical cords, plants, and other items your new puppy should not chew on are put away.
Pooper Scooper & Pick-up bags – Clean up after your pup where ever you go!
This list should help you avoid the pitfalls of some first time dog owners. Your transition to dog ownership will be easier and your new puppy will more readily adjust to his or her new home.