Preparing for Your New Puppy

A New Puppy

With all the excitement of having a new loving and adorable puppy in the family, some forget that having a puppy can be demanding. This new addition to the family will rely on you to lovingly train and teach them how to act in their new home. Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most precious joys of life. Thoughtful preparations before you bring the puppy home will give you and your bundle of love a perfect homecoming.

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Before the Big Day

Things to do around the house

Even though a puppy is usually much more fun than work, there are a few things to research, and roles of responsibility to establish to ensure that all runs smoothly.

Below are a few helpful ideas:

• Research to find a local vet and establish a puppy care plan.

• Research and schedule a reputable trainer.

• Determine who will take the puppy to potty, and where.

• Determine who will oversee feeding the puppy two to three times a day.

Also, take time to create a vocabulary list that everyone will use, preferably from the instruction of your trainer. If Mom says "down" when the puppy climbs on the couch and Dad says "down" when he wants the puppy to lie down, this will be extremely confusing to the dog! Putting the schedule and vocabulary list in writing and placing it where everyone can easily see will prevent unnecessary confusion. This will help nannies, dog walkers or others involved in raising and caring for the puppy.

We strongly recommend that you puppy-proof the area where the puppy will spend most of their time in the first few months.

A Few More Ideas:

• Taping loose electrical cords to baseboards

• Storing household chemicals on high shelves

• Removing plants, rugs, and breakables

Once you think you've entirely puppy-proofed your home, lie on the floor and look around once more to get a puppy's-eye view. Did you miss anything?

At Lucky's Doodlez, we like to use plastic or wire exercise pens while keeping the crate, food, water and toys in one area.

Please try not to overwhelm the puppy the first day that they arrive at their new home. This will be a stressful transition time for the puppy and it would be best to take it slowly at first. However, we do recommend that the puppy meet many new faces and his new furry friends (that have been vaccinated). This is an essential element of socializing your puppy.

Puppy Supply List

1. Adjustable Crate

We recommend a wire crate with a movable divider that will accommodate your growing puppy into adulthood.

2. Bedding

3. Exercise Pen - customizable for supervised play

4. GNC Puppy Vitamins

5. Slicker Brush and Comb

6. Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner

We recommend CHI

7. Small Tasty Treats

8. Plenty of Toys

9. Food and Water Bowls

10. Collar, Name Tag and Leash

11. Potty Pads and Urine Destroyer (for potty training)

Helpful Videos

Already Have Other Pets in the House?

How to introduce the new puppy, for a smooth transition. Dogs are social animals and most enjoy the company of others. Just like humans, some dogs have more outgoing personalities, and others are more reserved. Whether you just brought home a new puppy, and are introducing him to an existing dog or you are walking at a park with your dog, a proper introduction is very important.

Need Some Potty Training Tips?

Learning how to potty train puppies at the right time and place is one of the most important first steps you can take for a long, happy life together. House soiling is among the top reasons why dogs lose their homes or end up in shelters. Few people are willing to put up with a dog who destroys rugs and flooring, or who leaves a stinky mess that you have to clean after a hard day at work.

Dog Walking Tips

Many people think that dogs just innately know how to walk politely on a leash, but this skill is something that needs to be trained. It’s an important skill to teach, and one you’ll value every time you take your dog out for a walk.

How to Stop the Nipping

Puppies spend a great deal of time playing, chewing and investigating objects. All of these normal activities involve puppies using their mouths and their needle-sharp teeth. When puppies play with people, they often bite, chew and mouth on people’s hands, limbs and clothing. This kind of behavior may seem cute when your puppy is seven weeks old, but it’s not nearly so endearing when he’s three or four months old—and getting bigger by the day!

Preparing to Bring Your New Puppy Home?

Before you welcome a new puppy into your home, you’ll need to make sure your space is ready for them. Puppies require a lot of attention and care, so making a checklist of what you’ll need is suggested, and picking up these basics for your new puppy is a great place to start.

Puppy Shopping?

What you need to get from the store!

Crate Training 101

We all want a well-behaved dog that doesn’t tear things up and goes to the bathroom outside — and crate training is an important part of that. It creates a safe environment for your dog that teaches them responsibility and independence. While many people view crates through the human lens of being “caged up,” dogs are naturally den animals and enjoy being in small, enclosed places. It provides a sense of security and calms anxiety.