THE ULTIMATE CHECKLIST FOR A NEW PUPPY

Preparing your home for the new puppy is not an easy task. As is the case with the market for newborn baby items, there is a huge market for new puppy products and you can get easily confused. But the truth is, there is no need to “go crazy”! There are a few things you need to buy in order to prepare for your new puppy. These must-have items will help your puppy adjust to your home, as well as help you adjust to your new puppy. They will also ensure that you are able to continue with your normal lifestyle, or at least as close to it as possible.

Here is my list of “must-have” puppy items:

1. You need a “puppy apartment”. The purpose of the “puppy apartment” is to keep your puppy safe when you are at home but simply too busy to watch over him, or when you leave him home by himself. I recommend that the surface underneath the puppy's area is not a carpet and if you have a delicate wooden floor, make sure to cover it with a piece of PVC (you can easily buy this at your local DIY shop).

2. You need a box. The purpose of the box is to provide your puppy with a safe place to sleep. The box needs to have a soft bed inside, one that you can fit in your washing machine when needed.

3. You need 2 relatively large stuffed animals - to keep your puppy company and make sure he feels cozy.

4. Three puppy toys - you don't need more than 3 toys - one toy should make a squeaking noise when they bite it - they love it!

5. Food / Water Bowls - one bowl for food and one bowl for water. It is better to use ones that stay stable on the floor and do not move when the puppy eats or drinks.

6. A special water bottle which hangs up upside down in the puppy’s box. You can get one that is intended for hamsters, mice, or gerbils - they will do the trick.

7. Harness and leash - initially, there is no need to buy expensive harnesses or leashes, as you will quickly find out that your puppy grows quite fast! I recommend a regular leash and not a Flexi one that pulls in or out.

8. Special shampoo for puppies.

9. Pads for potty training (if you decide to use them for potty training).

10. Find a veterinarian you can trust! It is recommended to talk with your veterinarian before your puppy arrives.

11. Make sure to check if third-party insurance is obligatory or the custom where you live.

12. Medical Insurance - explore your possibilities and decide if you want to ensure your puppy. There are many things to consider before deciding whether to insure your puppy, among them, the breed of your puppy and if it has a tendency to suffer from hereditary illnesses.

13. Brush for puppy’s fur.

14. And the last one - dog food. For the puppy’s first few days in his new home, it is recommended to buy the food that your puppy was receiving from his breeder. If you decide to change to a different brand, do this gradually.

15. Snacks - Generally, I don’t recommend using snacks, as they are no healthier for your puppy. You can use them initially for potty training or rewarding good behavior, but gradually stop using them as the puppy ages. A better alternative is to use your puppy’s regular food for snacks.

For more personal information regarding your puppy, feel free to contact me.