What Things Will You Need for a New Puppy?

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time. However, the first few days or weeks will be a transitional period where the puppy will need to get used to his new surroundings, and you will need to get used to having a baby around. Before you bring your new puppy home, pick up some basic supplies that the puppy will need. Doing this in advance will make the transition less stressful for both you and your puppy.

  1. Crate

    • Crate training your new puppy will help with potty training, as well as provide a safe a private place for your pup to hang out when he is feeling overwhelmed. Pick a crate large enough for your puppy to grow into, and partition enough room for him to get up and move around. Don't give him too much space or he will potty in his crate.

    Bedding

    • Get some soft bedding to line the crate. If you use a blanket, make sure it's one you won't mind getting chewed. Try to make the crate as comfortable as possible for your new puppy as it will soon become her den.

    Bowls

    • Set up the food and water bowls in the same room as the dog crate. Show your puppy where the food and water bowls are located so he will not have to hunt for them.

    Food

    • Choose a food designed for puppies. Puppy food has more calories, which helps them grow. Start him on a meal schedule to get him into a routine, as dogs thrive on routine. Feed your puppy three times daily until he is six months old, and twice daily after six months. Read the puppy food bag as a guideline for the amount, but remember that it will differ from puppy to puppy.

    Treats

    • Food treats are a great training tool. It's never too soon to start training your pup. Giving treats for desired behaviors and withholding treats for unwanted behaviors will help your puppy to learn the rules of the household.

    Chew Toys

    • Teething puppies, much like teething babies, need toys to chew to relieve the pain. Look for toys designed especially for teething puppies, such as those you can freeze, to bring relief as your pup chews.

    Collar and Leash

    • Buy a collar that fits your puppy's neck comfortably. Choose a leash made of a versatile material such as leather, since leather leashes have a longer lifespan than fabric ones. Get your puppy used to the collar and leash by giving him treats while he sniffs them. Gently put the collar around his neck. If he remains calm, treat him; if not, remove it and go back a step. Once he is comfortable with the collar, attach the leash and let him get used to it.

    Poop Bags

    • Invest in some bags designed for picking up dog poop, or save grocery bags and use them to pick up after your puppy. You may need to double up if using grocery bags, as they are thinner and more likely to tear.

    Comforts

    • When puppies are brought into a new home they will likely be lonely at night because they are used to being with their mother and littermates. Place a warm, hot water bottle or a ticking clock under the blankets in her crate. The hot water bottle will feel like the warm body of another dog, and the ticking clock will remind her of her mother's heartbeat. Keeping the crate in your bedroom can also curb loneliness.

    Grooming Tools

    • Depending on the breed of your puppy, you might need a brush, nail clippers, fur trimmers, ear wipes or puppy shampoo. Get your pup used to all his grooming tools by treating him for calm behavior while around them.