What Do You Need for a New Puppy?

Puppies can be very exciting to have, but they entail a lot of responsibility that takes scheduling and the right supplies. Generally when you get a puppy, she is being weaned from all of her comforts and security such as her mother, siblings and surroundings. As the new owner, you need to take this into consideration as you begin caring for her.

  1. Food

    • Puppies need to be fed a good quality puppy chow when they are weaned away from their mothers. Most breeders and kennels will start feeding pups a puppy chow as they get bigger, to help the mother recuperate. Ask the place you are getting your puppy from what they are feeding him, so that you can get the same or something similar. A puppy has a sensitive stomach, so you want to keep things as familiar as possible.

    Collar and Leash

    • Get a collar that will have a lot of room for your puppy to grow into but is also snug enough to stay on the pup. Sometimes owners find that a harness is easier to start training a young dog to walk with because it is not as severe as having something around the pup's neck but it fits around her body. To start off, a short, six-foot leash will work best. Make sure it is thick enough for you to grip.

    Living Space

    • Puppies need to stay in confined areas to learn about potty training. In general, a puppy will not mess in an area that he is living in unless it is an emergency or he panics; it is just instinct for a puppy to do this. A crate is a great confinement area. It becomes the pup's personal space, where he can nap, sleep and relax. Child gates can also be used to create a small space for a puppy.

    Homesick

    • When you go to pick up your puppy, take something like a stuffed animal or a blanket that you can rub on the mother or litter mates. Make this the staple of your puppy's personal space. It will help her cope and give her comfort when she is first weaned away from her family. Many dogs will keep this with them, almost like kids do, well into their adolescent years.

    Toys

    • Get toys for your puppy that are bigger than his mouth. This keeps him from choking. Some toys may have buttons, strings or bells, all of which should be removed before given to the puppy. Like a child, a puppy will swallow them. Kongs, Nylabones and rawhides are suggested toys. Never give a puppy a toy that replicates something you do not want chewed such as a shoe or a sock. It is hard for him to differentiate between your shoe and the shoe you gave him to play with. Always find neutral items.

    Health Records

    • Get your puppy's vaccine records and as much history about her family as you can. Then immediately set up an appointment with your veterinarian to have a physical and to put the vaccines on record. Again, puppies are a lot like kids and will have sickness, accidents and injuries that could require you to take them to the veterinarian. Having a file and records with the veterinarian will help, and possibly will save you some money.