How to Do Up a Puppy Packet for a New Family

Preparing a new family for owning a puppy may prevent that puppy from ending up in a shelter, abandoned or returned to you. Puppy packets need to address the type of concerns that cause owners to relinquish their dogs. Some common issues include barking, chewing, housebreaking issues, shedding, biting and adult size, according to Pawprints and Purrs Inc. The puppy packet provides a way to educate the new family and help them raise the puppy as a positive part of the household.

Things You'll Need

  • Five folders
  • Large folder or envelope
  • Sire and dam documents (optional)
  • Veterinary records
  • Collar
  • Leash
  • Chew toy
  • Plastic bag
  • Puppy food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Assemble a folder with items related to the puppy. For purebred puppies, include items such as the puppy's pedigree, pictures of the sire and the parents' titles, certifications and health clearances. Write a brief fact sheet including rescue history and known or suspected breeds for a rescue puppy. For all puppies, include items such as adoption or purchase contract, microchip registration, temperament evaluation, pictures of the dam, litter and individual puppy photos.

    • 2

      Provide a complete medical document sheet, recommends the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Include dates and types of heartworm medicine given and other medications administered, any types of parasites found, flea medications and dates, and types and brands of vaccines given. Include recommendations for spay or neuter, a vaccine schedule and instructions for current medications.

    • 3
      Each breed requires different levels of activity, grooming and training.

      Print information that applies to the breed or breeds of the puppy. Areas affecting different breeds include health risks, grooming requirements, recommended genetic or health screening and behavior traits. Include information on breed specific problems with vaccines or medicines, such as collies have with certain heartworm medications and sighthounds have with anesthesia.

    • 4

      Prepare a list of contacts and possible activities for the new family, including poison control, breed clubs, obedience clubs, the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen program, agility clubs and herding. Additionally, provide a list of trainers who use positive training who live near the new family through such organizations as the Association of Pet Dog Trainers or those recommended by local university veterinary schools.

    • 5

      Include a collection of basic training instructions regarding house and crate training, prevention of chewing and nuisance barking and simple obedience skills such as sit, stay, down and leash training.

    • 6

      Provide the new family with a collar, leash and one or more safe chew toys. Include a towel or blanket with the scent of the other puppies and dam, if possible.

    • 7

      Place all information into a folder or large envelope and label with the new family's name.

    • 8

      Put enough food in a plastic bag to last at least seven days. Write the type of food, amount and feeding schedule. Include instruction for the new owners to add new food gradually to the current food if they choose to change brands.