Congratulations, you are getting a new puppy. Getting Teddy was the best decision of my life. He truly brings me so much joy. However, before getting a new pet, you need to make some preparation for its arrival. Once you have all the essentials, you will be prepared for your new love to arrive.
Basic essentials
A collar or harness and a leash
ID Tag
Crate or if you are getting a small dog you should get a dog car seat. I highly recommend car seats from Petsafe. They also have great options for large dogs. It is super dangerous to allow your puppy to be moving all around the car. This is the car seat I own. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003F76Y8C/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=onamzanaelvil-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.1FKVB1CU576H7
Carrier
Dog bed
Bowls – I prefer bowls that are dishwasher safe
Dog Water Bottle – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DPFL59X/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=onamzanaelvil-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.1FKVB1CU576H7
Type of dog food you will be feeding your pet. Always speak to the person you are getting your pet from on what they have been feeding your dog because to change puppy’s food you have to adjust it gradually so your puppy doesn’t get sick.
Poop bags
Health Supplies
Pet First Aid Kit – I would recommend Home Vet Bag you can get it on Amazon. It is a very though bag and has all the essentials. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08M4BKXP6/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=onamzanaelvil-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.1FKVB1CU576H7
Dog Shampoo
Nail Clippers
Dog Grooming Supplies – brushes, comb and scissors
Dog safe tooth brush and tooth paste
Training Items
Training Treats – I prefer simple ingredient treats. Some recommendations are Bocce Bakery, Honest Kitchen, and Stella & Chewy.
Potty training – you will need to figure out how you would like your puppy to tell you when they have to go. I live in an apartment and prefer a pee pad, so I only taught Teddy where to go indoors. Some people like to train their pets to use a bell to notify them. Since I would allow Teddy to be on my bed before being fully potty trained, I would highly recommend doggy diapers just in case an accident happens. Amazon find for bell training: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BW35GHY/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=onamzanaelvil-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.1FKVB1CU576H7
Puppies love to chew on anything when they are super young, so what helped me make sure Teddy would not chew on things he was not allowed to touch I used a spray called Emmy’s best stop the chew. You can buy it online here is a link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F7K66QE/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=onamzanaelvil-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.1FKVB1CU576H7
Clicker for training
Toys
Puppies have a lot of energy, so you want to make sure they are not getting into trouble, so you have to make sure they have toys to play with. Some suggestions would be chew toys, squeaky toys, metropaws balls, puzzles, and a playpen.
I suggested Metropaws balls because they have very safe balls in different sizes. https://www.metropaws.com/
Puppy Proofing your Home
Make sure you use no harmful chemicals around your home.
Keep cleaning supplies out of reach for your puppy to get to.
Make sure there are not exposed wires your puppy can chew on.
Check household plants that they are not toxic for dogs
Make sure if you have a backyard your puppy can’t get lose or into the pool.
Taking care of your puppy
Find a vet you will take your puppy to.
Have emergency contact information for an animal hospital near you.
Look into pet insurance and or preventative insurance. The first year of your puppy’s life it will go to the vet often for check ups and vaccines.
Also the first year you can decide if you are going to get your puppy neutered or sprayed.
I hope this check list has been helpful and informative. You can print out a copy.
If you want to know my story on how I got Teddy you can use this link. https://www.livingafairytail.com/gotcha-day/
