What Do We Need to Get for Our New Puppy?

Getting a new puppy can be an exciting time for all members of a family. Pets are an excellent way to teach responsibility to children and they can become companions or exercise partners for years to come. However, having a puppy is not all about having fun. There are many tasks that need to be done and supplies that you'll have to have on hand before the puppy comes home to make sure that it will be healthy and comfortable in its new home.

  1. Food

    • One of the most obvious things your new puppy will need is food. Consult your vet and select a dry food specially formulated for puppies. This type of food contains special nutrients that are especially important for a growing dog. Also buy some canned food to add variety to the puppy's diet, or as a back-up in case she doesn't eat the dry food willingly.

    Bowls

    • Buy or gather several bowls for food and water. Make sure that the bowls are low enough to the ground for even a small puppy to reach over the rim of the bowl comfortably. You may also want to use a plastic sheet or pad under the bowls since puppies sometimes don't eat very neatly.

    Pads or Newspapers

    • If you plan to house-train your puppy indoors, have a large supple of pads or newspapers on hand to clean up messes and line the base of a crate. Over time you'll learn how much to plan for accidents, but in the beginning it's best to be prepared with more papers than you might actually need.

    Collar

    • Have a collar ready for your puppy and put it on as soon as you pick him up. Make sure the collar has a name tag or, at the very least, your phone number. This can help greatly in case your puppy is lost, even on the first drive home.

    Leash

    • You'll want to take your puppy for walks very soon after bringing her home, so have a leash on hand as well. The type of leash you select will depend on how you plan to train the dog, so refer to an obedience school or ask your vet.

    Bed

    • Your new puppy may decide to sleep wherever he likes, but having a dog bed will make it easier to start a routine of going to sleep in the same place at the same time each night. Choose a bed that is the right size for your puppy, keeping in mind that he will grow quickly.

    Toys and Treats

    • Coming to a new home can be a stressful experience for some puppies. Toys and treats will not only keep the puppy from chewing furniture, but can also help her relax. Use treats to reward good behavior, as it's never too early to begin some basic obedience training.