There are many things you need to know to prepare to bring your new pet home. Whether it is puppy supplies, food, training tips, socialization, yes there are quite a few areas to cover. This is not an exhaustive list but it does contain most things you need to buy, as well as behaviors and tips to keep your puppy healthy and make your puppy feel at home.
Puppy Crate: There are many types out there but we like the black metal crates that have spaces so you can see your pet and they can see you. Petco and Petsmart have some good ones. Since most puppies (depending on size) are small when you pick them up, you can start with a 32″ crate for a mini, up to a 36″ crate for a larger dog. Make sure you get a crate with a divider, that way they only use the amount of space they need at first, then move the divider as they grow. Also, get a pet bed that will fit the size of your crate.
Leash and collar: This one is easy, buy the size collar that will fit your pet for a couple months. A small mini will only need at first an x-small collar and a small leash. If your puppy will get over 60 pounds, start with a small to medium collar, and a longer leash.
Puppy Toys: Make sure and get toys that will not be dangerous for your puppy at play. A lot of toys are filled with cotton and are very easy to tear or are simply not safe for a puppy. Most puppies can tear right into these and ingest the cotton and even the outside cloth which can be harmful to a puppy. Try to find the harder, sturdier toys, Kong makes some very good ones and you can get them at most stores including Target.
Socialization: Your puppy will come to you well socialized, loved and cared for. Obviously though once he/she goes to a different environment they need time to get used to their new home and family. Do not crowd your puppy at first as this will only overwhelm him/her. One of the first things to do when you bring your pup home (besides food and water of course) is to get horizontal on the floor with them, one person at a time. This way you do not seem like a towering giant but instead more like their size so they can look eye to eye with you and they will warm up. Lots of cuddling and holding is also important but be gentle and do not let too many people crowd the puppy the first few days. Introduce outside family members and friends slowly, preferably one at a time. If you have toddlers or younger teens at home, please supervise them in the beginning weeks. In their excitement to play with the puppy they can pull at the pup or be too aggressive and this can scare your new pet potentially resulting in nipping, barking or hiding from you. Remember the whole idea is to be calm and gentle at all times to make them feel at home.
Puppy Food: There are many good puppy food brands out there. We will typically give you information in your puppy packet that includes recommended foods. We do from time to time change the food we provide. One important note; if you ever feed raw patties do not combine raw with kibble. Also make sure the raw patties are kept in the freezer and fed cold or it can cause severe bacterial overgrowth, salmonella, diarrhea and food poisoning. Kibble must be given by itself. Another no-no is to give cooked or table food to your pet. This is not only not recommended, but can cause serious long term health issues in your pet. Also, there is a long list of “human” foods that can be toxic, cause seizures and other injuries to your pet, liver or kidney failure and even be fatal for your puppy. Here is a list of most of the foods (and non-foods) that are dangerous and potentially fatal to your puppy:
List of Dangerous/ deadly foods (and non-foods) your puppy should never ingest:
This is not an extensive list but here are some things to avoid at all costs:
raisins
grapes
potatoes
foods (such as candy, gum, baked goods) containing xylitol sweeteners
onions
garlic
chives
chocolate
dairy
coffee/tea
avocados
macadamia and other types of nuts
corn on the cob
alcohol
some fruits
cooked or raw bones,
eggs
yeast dough
salty snacks
pine cones
poop from wild animals including deer
Training: Setting up a training program for your new puppy as soon as they come home is a must. Obedience training and starting potty training is very important in the first weeks they are in their new environment. It is recommended that a professional training class (Petco or Petsmart have some) is done and further reinforced at home. Postiive reinforcement is always the best way. Using a clicker and a treat for example can help them go potty outside in a designated area. Use this method a few times and before you know it they will be going out to potty with no problem. Sometimes however, you have to get their attention. Puppies will nip sometimes, do not let them. If they nip at you make sure and yell as loud as you can “OUCH” once or twice and startle them, this will let them know that is not a behavior you want from them.
Routine: Puppies should start getting into a routine as soon as possible. That includes sleeping. Puppies love their crate and will sleep in there. Put a nice soft bed for them and they want nothing better. Some people want them (in their crate) in their bedroom. Just remember that once you start that, it is very hard to stop or move them later. It is best that wherever their crate is the first night (kitchen, den, bedroom) that is where they will stay.
The first night and week: The first night and next few days, start their routine. Feed twice a day the same time every day. Young puppies cannot hold it for too long so take them outside every couple hours in the beginning till gradually they will be going out only a few times a day. Do not feed them or give water past 7pm and take them out to potty for the last time at night by 8 or 9pm. If your new puppy whines and cries the first night, they want attention, do not take them out or you will be creating a bad habit that cannot be stopped, and be prepared to do that every night which is not what you want. As long as they have had water and food, resist the urge if they whine to go and let them out.