New Puppy Checklist – Are You Ready For Your Puppy?

What do you need for your new puppy? Here are 6 must haves for your new puppy checklist!

It’s very exciting when you’ve made the decision to welcome a new addition to your family! The arrival of a new puppy is not something that should be taken lightly, but once you have considered the pros and cons it’s time to check that you are ready to welcome a puppy into your home!

Here are 6 things you should have on your new puppy checklist:

1. A comfy dog bed

Your new puppy will definitely feel a little strange when you first bring them home. They will have left their mother and siblings behind and will need to learn to adjust to new surroundings and new parents! You’ll want your new puppy to feel at home as quickly as possible and a new comfy dog bed will help do just that.

Give a little thought about your puppy’s needs. Are they going to grow into a larger dog or have you chosen a smaller breed? Where will your pup sleep – cuddled up at your feet or in a crate in their main doggy area? Is the bed the right size for them to curl up on and also let them stretch out?

Whatever you decide, your pet’s bed should help them feel comfortable and cozy from the start – don’t buy a huge bed that they need to grow into, as they may feel lost in a big space. Remember they are used to snuggling up with their mother and having siblings around to cuddle into. If possible, plan ahead and get a blanket that your puppy's mother can sleep with for a little while before you bring your pup home – this will give your puppy something with their mother's smell and help make your puppy feel secure.

2. A collar and lead

The most common collars used for puppies under 6 months are flat or breakaway collars that have an adjustable length and are easily fitted with a snap buckle. However, remember to take into account the size of your pup and the shape of their head. If your puppy can slip out of their collar when walking, a Martingale collar may be more suitable as they tighten when the dog pulls.

It’s important to always remember to remove your puppy’s collar if they are being left alone for any period of time to avoid any risk that they may get caught up and be unable to free themselves.

As your pup gets older, you may have to progress to different types of collars, such as a harness collar or a halter. In the end, it will come down to whatever works best for your dog's breed. Note that the use of a choke chain is becoming less recommended, as these can have adverse health issues for your pup, so are best avoided.

3. Food and drink

Puppies, like human babies, have delicate constitutions so it’s best to stick to one type of puppy food. These can be a completely dry food, semi-moist or canned puppy dog food, or you can even cook your own dog food. A reputable breeder will be able to recommend which type of food is considered best for your puppy, but whichever you choose, it should be easily digestible for your pup and produce dark brown, firm, formed stools.

Don’t leave uneaten food around for too long and if you decide to try a different food, introduce it gradually over a period of time to avoid tummy upsets. If you’ve tried a few different types of food and your puppy is still having an adverse reaction (soft or light stools or diarrhea), then you should consult your veterinarian for advice.

Remember: a bowl of water must always be available for your puppy at all times. Place water bowls in all your pup’s favourite places to ensure that they won’t be thirsty.

4. A safe haven

Every pup deserves their own safe space and there are a few ways you can ensure your new puppy feels comfortable in their haven and wants to spend time there:

• Their own space: Although pups like company and may follow you around the house, they will also like to have a place they can call their own and feel safe and secure. A crate or pen works well and these should always be accessible to them, with comfy blankets and some toys so that they can retreat to this space if they feel stressed or tired.
• Rewards & treats: Everyone likes to have fun and get a treat! Puppies are no different, so why not train your puppy and at the same time give them a treat! Research shows that positive reward-based training techniques are much more effective. For example, if your pup associates getting a treat with going into their crate or bed on command, they are more likely to obey. If you are out walking your pup and they return to you on a call, remember to give them a treat and praise them. However, remember – don’t give out mixed messages. Only give treats as a reward, never as a bribe!
• Using an ADAPTIL Junior Collar can also help your puppy’s transition as it gives out ‘comforting messages’ that will make them feel more relaxed and at home.

5. Toilet training supplies

Accidents will happen so it's best to be prepared! While your puppy is being toilet trained, you may want to consider limiting your puppy to a specific area of your home so that you can ‘contain’ any mishaps. There are many products that will help protect or deodorize an area, but the best way to toilet train your puppy is to ensure you provide plenty of toilet breaks to help your puppy associate going outside with going to the toilet. Be sure to have poop scoops and poop bags ready to help you clean up after them!

6. Other considerations

• Locate a nearby veterinarian and register your puppy with them as soon as you can – this will make it easier if an emergency arises.
• Get an ID tag attached to puppy's collar or have them micro-chipped as soon as you can.
• Keep your puppy secure by blocking any exit routes in your house or yard. Puppies are small, can be determined and may be able to get through a hole in a fence that you thought too small!
• Use an ADAPTIL Junior Collar to help your puppy adapt to their environment and feel reassured and comforted. The collar sends “comforting messages” to help your pup feel the same comfort with your family as they did with their mother, so they’ll feel more confident settling into their new home.

Puppies, like humans, come in all shapes and sizes and one solution may not fit all. But with a little research and following these basic guidelines, you will be well prepared for your new family addition!