Ready, Set, Pup! 10 Things You’ll Need Before Bringing Your New Puppy Home

22 Nov

*Tick off these 10 essentials to get ready to bring your new puppy home*

Hey there, future dog parent! Let’s talk about the big moment: bringing your puppy home for the first time. You’ve got the excitement, the love, and probably a hundred pictures of your new pup already, but are you fully prepared? Before your little furball takes over your life (and your couch), let’s make sure you’ve got everything in place to give them the best start. So, let me help you skip the fluff and get straight to what really matters.

Quick Sniffs

Quality Puppy Food: Start your pup off right with food specially formulated for their growing needs.
ID Tags & Microchipping: Ensure your puppy is safe and easily identifiable with proper tags and a microchip.
Collar: Choose a soft, adjustable collar to fit your growing puppy comfortably.
Leash: Have both a short and long leash for different types of walks.
Food & Water Bowls: Invest in sturdy, non-tip bowls and keep fresh water available at all times.
Crate/Bed: Set up a crate or bed for your puppy to create a safe and cozy space for them to rest.
Toys & Chews: Provide safe, durable toys to keep your puppy entertained and to satisfy their chewing needs.
Stain Removers & Deodorisers: Be prepared for accidents and keep your home clean with the right cleaning products.
Grooming Kit: Get a puppy-friendly shampoo, brush, and toothbrush to start a healthy grooming routine early.
Patience: Remember, training takes time and your puppy will need your patience and guidance!

To make sure you’re fully prepared, here’s a handy First-Time Puppy Essentials Checklist. Download it, check it off, and get ready for a life full of wagging tails and puppy kisses!

*Have everything in place to give them the best start*

Digging Deeper: The 10 Essentials for New Puppy Parents

1. Dog Food: Start Strong!

Your pup needs food that’s specially formulated for their growing bodies – it’s like giving them a supercharged start in life. Opt for high-quality puppy food that covers all their nutritional needs. Remember, we’re not cats – we like our meals to be substantial, not mystery bites!

2. ID Tags & Microchipping: Your Pup’s Passport

Slap that ID tag on your puppy’s collar with their name, your address, and phone number – all the essentials for getting them back if they go on an unsanctioned adventure. And for extra safety? Microchip them! (Cats may think they can stealthily escape without consequence, but we dogs know the importance of getting home for dinner.)

3. Collar: Style Meets Function

A comfortable, adjustable collar is a must. Nylon or soft leather will do the trick, just make sure it can expand as your puppy grows. Trust me, looking good is important, but comfort matters more when you’re pulling off those park struts.

4. Leash: For All Your Walkies Needs

Leashes come in all sizes, and having both a short and a long one gives you options. Short leashes are great for strolls around the block, while a longer one gives your pup some freedom at the park. And until your puppy has had all their shots, avoid the dog park altogether – better safe than sorry!

5. Food & Water Bowls: Keep It Clean and Simple

Get sturdy, non-tip bowls to avoid any spills and messes during mealtime. Stainless steel bowls are great because they’re easy to clean and won’t break if they’re knocked over. Don’t forget, fresh water should always be available – we get thirsty running around all day!

*Puppies will chew anything they can find so make sure they only find the right things*

6. Toys and Chews: Keep the Chompers Busy

Puppies love to chew (and chew they will). Choose toys that are safe, durable, and perfect for teething pups. Chewing not only keeps them entertained, but it also helps with their physical development. Bonus: it saves your shoes from becoming their next victim.

7. Stain Removers & Deodorisers: Clean Up Like a Pro

Accidents happen. Make sure you’ve got stain removers and enzymatic deodorisers on hand to clean up messes fast. Your dog’s nose is way more sensitive than yours, so even if you can’t smell it, they can – and they might return to the scene of the crime if it’s not properly cleaned!

8. Grooming Kit: Keep Them Looking Fresh

Puppies may not love baths, but regular grooming keeps them healthy and looking their best. Get a puppy-friendly shampoo, a brush suited to their fur type, and a doggie toothbrush and toothpaste. Start grooming early, and they’ll grow to love it (or at least tolerate it). And remember, unlike our feline friends who spend hours grooming themselves, we need a little help!

9. Crate: A Safe Haven

A crate is like a mini home for your pup. It’s a place where they can feel secure, take naps, and be safe when you can’t watch them. Don’t splurge on a fancy bed just yet – they’ll probably chew it to pieces! An old blanket will work just fine for their little den.

10. Patience: Your Most Important Tool

Okay, so it’s not a physical item, but patience is a must! Puppies will test your limits, have accidents, and probably chew something they shouldn’t, but with love and patience, they’ll grow into well-behaved companions. Us dogs thrive on your love, training, and encouragement!

*With love and patience, they’ll grow into your loyal and loving companion*

Download Your First-Time Puppy Essentials Checklist here

Now, cats may think they’ve got life figured out, lounging around all day not needing anything (other than their ‘servants’), but let’s be honest – they’re missing out. We dogs need a little more gear and attention, sure, but the payoff? Unconditional love, loyalty, and a life filled with companionship (and zoomies 🎉). Cats can keep their catnip; we’re here for the real adventure!

And now that you’ve got the essentials covered, you’re ready to bring home your new furry family member. With the right gear, a little patience, and a lot of love, you’ll be the best dog parent on the block. So get ready – your puppy’s world (and yours!) are about to change forever!

Truffle 🐾

PS If you’d like to learn more, check out all the topic here, or sniff out my book How To Become YOUR Dog’s Dog Whisperer. You’ll find everything you need to bring home your adorable little bundle of furry joy.