Congratulations on adopting your puppy!
Getting a new dog is an amazing experience but it can also be incredibly overwhelming. What do you need to prepare? Keep reading to find out!
Before you continue pease keep in mind that this article is based on personal experience and shouldn’t be a replacement for a vet or trainer consult. When in doubt, make sure give one of them a call!
The Food
Puppies don’t only play – they need to eat and drink as well! And just like us, they need something to put their food and drinks (i.e. water – they don’t really get much else) in. That’s where bowls come in and lucky for you, there are so many options to choose from! Our favorite? This one is both functional and fun.
Before they reach one year of age, puppies need special care to grow healthy and strong. That means good nutrition is crucial for their development.
If you are a first time dog owner, make sure to provide your puppy with the appropriate diet. At certain times during this important growth period, your puppy may require up to twice the amount of calories as an adult dog does. For example, at six – eight weeks of age, it will need about three times the average adult dog does per pound of body weight.
Another consideration is allergies. Most dog allergies come from food containing chicken, beef or corn. If you think your dog is allergic to the food you are providing, make sure to check with your vet. We had to try a few different types of food before we found one that didn’t make him sick (turns out, he was allergic to beef and corn). Make sure to check the labels before picking up a bag of food and if you find one that doesn’t work, you can always donate the remaining food to a shelter.
The Collar
With a collar, you have a place to hang ID tags and attached a leash. Collars come in different materials and sizes so make sure to choose one that is appropriate for the size of your dog. They may need some time to get used to wearing them, but they should be more comfortable over time. Make sure your puppy’s wearing their collar and an ID tag at all times, and has a new collar to fit as they grow.
The Leash
Choosing the appropriate leash for your puppy can be confusing. Remember to take into consideration their size before making the purchase, as well as the desired length of the leash. There are a number of styles and materials to choose from. If you’re unsure what to get, give this leash and collar combo a try
The Grooming
Use a brush with natural bristles for shorthaired dogs, or a rubber currycomb or hand mitt for different types of dog hair.
You might want to begin brushing your pup’s teeth early to get them used to having their teeth brushed. I would leave the nail trimming for the pros – too close a cut can lead to a lot of blood loss.
The Toys
A puppy might be a cute addition to your family, but it can be hard to keep up with all that puppy energy! Puppy-safe toy chew toys are great for teething and working off excess energy — just make sure not to give your pup anything small enough for them to swallow.
As a new dog owner, you should know some basics. Nylon chews and hard rubber balls make the perfect toy because the latter cannot be pulled apart and put in your dog’s mouth- something that can cause dangerous choking.
You’ll want to avoid objects with sharp edges or attachments since these can lead to shock, puncture wounds, and choking hazards. Check out our toy page for more ideas
The Nap
Wire crates may be the best option for puppies, particularly ones that can be adjusted as they grow. Toy and small canine breeds should be happy with a comfy and warm mini-crate. We watched crate training videos and consulted with a trainer for the best ways to create train our little guy.
We also have a few beds spread around our house for puppy nap time. They also come in handy when training the “place” command. Find some cute beds here.
Maintaining a puppy can seem intimidating for a first-time dog owner, but with the right supplies and knowledge, it’s not as challenging as you may think!