New Puppy Checklist: Prepare for that new family member

Puppies are cute, cuddly, and energetic! They bring love and joy to any family and they keep life interesting. But with so much cuteness, comes a lot of responsibility. The decision to bring home a new puppy should be more than simply picking out a dog. Careful consideration is required when finding a breed that is right for you. Extensive preparations must be made to "puppy-proof" your house and make sure you have the essential puppy supplies. The work doesn't end when bring the puppy into your loving home. There are still some things you must know about providing care for your puppy.

Cuteness overload :)

1. Choose the right breed for your lifestyle

It is very important to get a breed that will fit your lifestyle. For example, you won't want to get a working dog (i.e. Australian Shepherd) if you live in a small apartment and work a typical 9 to 5 job with very little spare time. If you live a busy or sedentary lifestyle, get a dog that would be great just playing in the living room and that doesn't need a lot of exercise.

For more information about all breeds, visit the American Kennel Club Breed Information Website.

When deciding on what breed of dog to adopt, take into consideration:

• Your lifestyle: what type of things you do for fun, exercise, etc.

• Your spare time: how much time you can spend with your dog

• Your living space: the room you have in your home for large or small breeds

• Your mannerisms and habits: if you are active, you can get an active breed

• Your financial situation: some breeds are more expensive than others

• Your allergies: some breeds shed more than others and contribute to allergies

• Breed grooming requirements: some require none while others will require regular grooming

Exposed cleaning supplies can harm your puppy

2. Puppy-proofing your home to prepare for your new puppy

There are many things around a typical household that can be dangerous for a new puppy. Here is a checklist of basics to prepare your home for your new puppy:

• Make sure all food is stored high and in secure containers where the puppy could not accidentally get into it.

• Keep medications in a high cabinet and pick up any stray pills that may drop on the floor

• Move cleaning supplies and chemicals to a high place and secure them. (After you have your dog, clean up spills IMMEDIATELY)

• Make sure all other chewable material is stored away where your dog can't get to them. (i.e. batteries, shoes, and plants)

• Store or cover all electric cords where your puppy will not be able to chew on them

• Ensure to put away all sharp objects in a secure location where they are of no risk to your new puppy.

All the toys out = puppy heaven

3. Essential Supplies to prepare for your puppy

Just like preparing to bring home a baby, there are supplies you must have before you bring your puppy home for the first time:

• Puppy food/Container: It is very important to make sure that your puppy has food designed specifically for puppies. This food will have the nutrients required for your puppy's growth and development. You will typically feed this food until your puppy is 12 months old. The amount of food will be specified by weight on the bag. Split that amount (measure with a measuring cup) between 2 or 3 meals a day. Additionally, if you get a sealed container for food, it will be easier to store and the food will stay fresh.

• Puppy treats: These are great for rewarding good behavior and training. Puppies that are motivated with treats can make training more simple and veterinary visits less stressful.

• Toys and Chews: Puppies have very high energy. If they get bored, they could become destructive to your home and belongings. Make sure that your puppy will have plenty entertainment with a variety of toys. Chews, such as bully sticks or chew toys, can offer great entertainment, a little treat, protect your house, and do a little bit of teeth cleaning.

• Bed & Crate: It is good for your puppy to have a soft place to relax. Often people keep a bed in the family common area so your puppy can spend time with your family in their own space and they keep one in the crate they buy for their dog. Crates are great places for your dogs to sleep and retreat from the world. Crate training your dog could relax them while you are away and help them to have a safe place when they need a break. It is also a good place for them to go when you need to have a break as well.

Road Trip!

• Travel Pet Carrier: If you are traveling alone with your puppy, a pet carrier is very useful. This will make sure that your puppy doesn't cause any trouble in your car while you are occupied watching the road. It is also a great way to make your puppy feel safe while simultaneously keeping your car clean in case your puppy has an accident.

• Collar/Harness w/ ID Tag and leash: From day one, your puppy should have a collar/harness and an ID tag. This will ensure that if they get loose, someone could find them and have your contact information to get your new family addition home again. Having a harness and leash will be essential for walks and outdoor activities. If you are working on recall training (where you call the dog's name and they come to you) a longer leash could be very useful, anywhere from 10-30ft long. Either way, a puppy is always untrained and at very high risk of wandering off if they are off leash.

• Waste collecting bags: Also known as poop baggies, these are great for picking up your puppy's messes. Many come on a roll and you can purchase a dispenser for your walks. All you have to do is put your hand in the bag, use it to pick up poop, invert it, and tie it off. Then drop it in the next garbage can. Always pick up your dog's messes. ESPECIALLY if it is on property that is not your own.

• Food & Water Bowls: These speak for themselves. Your dog is going to need to eat out of something. Having these will not only designate your dog's place, but it can be cute and convenient.

• Pet Safe Cleaning Products: Puppies are VERY messy. You are going to have to clean up messes you didn't even know a dog could make. It's amazing how something so cute can create a mess so big. That's why it is essential to have cleaning products such as pet stain & odor remover (for carpet and hard floor), vacuum cleaner (with pet hair extensions), lint rollers, carpet treatment, etc. These will all be very useful with any mess your puppy makes.

Uh oh... bath time...

• Grooming Materials: Each breed requires different grooming routines. Some will only need a brushing and a bath every month and others will need to go to a groomer every other week. Some basic supplies that every dog owner should have include: Shampoo, conditioner, brush, nail trimmer, dog toothbrush & toothpaste, and baby wipes. Talk to your vet about grooming your dog to learn how often and what products you should be using.

• Potty Training Pads or other training tools: Potty training pads, clickers, long leashes, treats, gentle leader, etc. These are useful tools to train any puppy to do the basics. For more information, ask your veterinarian for training tips or if they know of any trainers in your area.

• Puppy Gate: This will help keep your puppy in a managed part of the home where they will not be able to get into unsupervised trouble.

• No Chew spray (optional): Puppies chew on anything and everything. These sprays are meant to make things taste bad so your puppy won't want to chew on them. Eventually, your puppy will learn to not chew that item without the spray on it.

• Rags/Towels/Blankets: These will have many uses when it comes to your new puppy. Keep them everywhere. They will be useful to clean up messes in your home and your car, they can be used during grooming, they can offer comfort, etc.

• Veterinarian Contact/Appointment: THIS IS ESSENTIAL. Make an appointment to visit the vet to evaluate your new puppy. This appointment will tell you any health concerns that you should be aware of, give an opportunity to get heart worm and flea&tick preventative medication, as well as start your puppy vaccine series.

Keep your puppy happy and healthy

4. What to do, now that your new puppy is at home

Bringing your puppy home prepared is only the first part of creating a happy and healthy home for your puppy. Now, you must know how to take care of it. Here is a brief list of things you must do to keep your puppy happy and healthy now that they're at home:

• Training and exercise: Training and exercise will help keep your new puppy healthy, happy, and entertained. This website has great information and tips surrounding training your new puppy.

• Veterinarian appointments: Veterinarian appointments are essential to keeping your dog healthy and happy

• Vaccinations: Vaccinations will protect your dog against dangerous and problematic diseases in your area.

• Medications/Preventatives: Heart worm and flea & tick preventative is great to have for your dogs. Especially if they spend any time outside.

• Emergency Fund: Having a dog is expensive. Make sure you have enough funds saved in case of emergencies and veterinary appointments as well as keeping up on the essentials such as food.

• Grooming: Make sure you are aware of the grooming requirements for your dog. If you are unsure, ask your veterinarian.

• Socializing your puppy: Socializing is important. In order to have a dog that is not afraid or aggressive toward other people or other dogs, it is essential to socialize them with friendly and calm people and dogs while they are young. Teach them how to greet, interact with, and behave around new people and animals. Make sure interactions are positive. If they are negative, your dog will become afraid and reinforce aggressive or fearful behavior. Give them lots of praise and treats/rewards for good behavior.

Lots of lovin'

While taking care of a new puppy can be very hard work, a new dog will bring lots of joy into your life. They love so much and keep life interesting with their fun quirks and hilarious mannerisms. If you take care of them and give them lots of love, dogs will be a welcome and loving part of your special family.