Your Ultimate New Puppy Checklist

Are you planning to add a canine companion to your family? If so, there’s a lot to think about and plan for. Below are some tips to help you fully prepare for bringing a puppy home.

Preparing for Your New Puppy

Caring for your new dog begins even before you bring them home. There are lots of things to consider and plenty of supplies to prepare.

What Supplies Do You Need for a New Puppy?

When you bring your new puppy home, you should have as many essential supplies as possible to help the transition go smoothly for both of you. Here are some supplies to gather in advance if possible:

• A collar with identification tags
• A sturdy leash and harness
• Poop bags
• Dog food and treats
• Food and water bowls
• Dog beds
• Dog toys
• A crate

As you get to know your dog better, you may find that different products fit your needs better, such as more durable toys or a longer leash. Yet, having these basics available is a good starting point.

What Should You Consider Before Getting a New Puppy?

It’s easy to fall in love with a puppy and want to adopt them instantly. Yet, adding a pet to your home is a huge commitment, so ask yourself the following questions before making your decision.

Do You Have Time and Money for a Puppy?

If you love dogs, it’s hard to say no to getting one. However, a dog is a long-term commitment that takes up a lot of time and money, so you need to be 100% ready.

Puppies need someone around to let them out frequently during the potty training process. They also need to consistently work on basic training. Make sure you can commit to those parts of the puppy’s care.

Also, have plenty of money saved up in case of a medical emergency. Vet bills can add up when we least expect it, so it’s a good idea to be prepared.

Are You Knowledgeable About the Breed?

If you’re planning to get a specific dog breed, make sure you’re knowledgeable about that breed to ensure it will fit your lifestyle. For example, you probably shouldn’t bring home an Australian Shepherd if you aren’t able to go for daily runs with them. 

It’s easy to fall in love with a breed because of how cute they are, but don’t forget to consider that breed’s needs too.

Is a Puppy the Right Pet for You?

Puppies can be a lot of work. They need lots of attention and training, and they typically have a lot of energy. If you love dogs but don’t think a puppy is right for you, consider adopting an adult dog. Many older dogs already know basic training, and it’s easier to know what to expect with a full-grown dog.

If dogs of all ages aren’t right for you at this time, be patient and wait until you’re in a good enough place to support a dog. In the meantime, consider if there’s another pet that would be a better fit for you.

Bringing Your Puppy Home

Once you’ve gathered the necessary supplies and found the perfect dog for your family, you’ll need to be patient and gradually introduce the puppy to new things to make the transition easy for everyone.

How to Introduce Your Puppy to Your Home

When you first show your puppy their new home, make sure everything is puppy-proofed. Close doors to rooms that your puppy isn’t allowed in and keep items they might chew on out of reach. 

Since young puppies aren’t potty trained and need to learn the expectations of the house, it’s best to only give them access to part of the house so it’s easier to supervise them. When you’re not watching them, keep them in a puppy pen or crate if possible.

If you have other dogs or cats in the home, gradually introduce them. Start by having them smell each other through a closed door. Pay attention to their body language during that process. If both pets seem calm and content, you can have them meet face-to-face while closely supervised, but never rush the interaction.

What to Expect in the First Few Days with Your New Puppy

Bringing a new puppy home is typically the first time the puppy has had a sudden change of setting. So, it’s normal for puppies to be overly nervous or excited. The first few days are all about decompressing and helping your puppy feel comfortable in their new environment.

If your puppy is acting differently than what they seemed like when you first met them, that’s okay. The transition is a lot for most dogs to take in, so they may need time to feel comfortable. Be patient and don’t force your puppy into new interactions before they’re ready.

Training Your New Puppy

Puppy training should start as soon as your furry family member arrives. Make sure everyone in your household is on the same page about the expectations for your new puppy so you can work together to help train them.

Dogs typically respond best to positive reinforcement training, which focuses on rewarding good behaviours instead of punishing bad ones. This type of training helps your puppy build a stronger bond with you rather than learning to fear you.

How to House Train Your Puppy

Puppies aren’t born knowing where to do their business. So, you’ll need to teach them. Choose a designated potty spot for your puppy outside and bring them to that area every time you want them to do their business. Choose a command like “go potty,” and reward your puppy with a treat whenever they go to the bathroom in the right spot.

Most puppies can only hold their bladders for about one hour for every month of age. If your puppy is only two months old when you bring them home, you should let them outside every hour or two to reduce the risk of accidents. 

If you know you’ll be gone for longer than your puppy can hold it, have someone stop by to let them out or use puppy pads in their pen. However, if your puppy learns to pee on puppy pads, the potty training process might take longer since you’re teaching them that they can pee in two places (in the yard or on puppy pads).

For accidents, redirect your dog’s behaviour whenever you see them about to pee inside. Take them outside right away and reward them when they finish peeing outside. If they peed on the floor, thoroughly clean it so they don’t feel compelled to pee there again.

How to Socialise Your Puppy

Socialisation is very important for puppies. Some puppies are naturally more social than others, but socialising puppies at an early age is a great way to set them up for success. You’ll need to wait until your puppy is fully vaccinated (about 16 weeks old) to take them out in public, but once you can, help them experience a variety of different environments.

Take your puppy for walks around the neighbourhood, at parks, and in pet-friendly stores. Eating at dog-friendly restaurant patios and attending dog-friendly events are also great options. Have your puppy interact with people and dogs so they can get used to new people and pets. During these interactions, always pay close attention to your puppy’s body language and remove them from the situation if they appear stressed.

What Basic Commands Should You Teach Your Puppy?

Basic commands are more than just cute tricks. They’re a way to get your puppy’s attention and teach them to listen to you. All new commands can be beneficial, but here are a few puppies should learn first:

• Sit
• Stay
• Come
• Watch me
• Drop it

Once your puppy knows a few basic commands, it’ll be easier to get them to focus for more advanced training sessions. If you’re unsure how to start training your puppy, work with a trainer or sign up for a puppy class. Puppy classes are great ways for puppies to socialise while training.

Feeding and Grooming Your Puppy

Your puppy’s daily routine should consist of a feeding schedule and regular grooming. Both of these aspects are essential for their overall health and well-being.

What is the Best Diet for a Puppy?

There are a lot of dog food brands out there, so choosing food for your new puppy can be overwhelming. A food brand formulated specifically for puppies is usually the best way to go. It has ingredients to support your puppy’s rapid growth rate and it often has smaller kibble pieces. The puppy food should be rich in protein, fat, calcium, and easy-to-digest carbohydrates.

As your puppy nears their first birthday, that’s when you should transition them to adult food. Do a gradual transition by mixing a little of their new food with their old food to ensure it doesn’t upset their stomach.

How Often Should You Bathe and Groom Your Puppy?

A lot of dog grooming can be done at home, such as bathing and brushing. Most dog parents bathe their dogs about once a month or whenever their dogs are dirty. When bathing, use gentle shampoo that’s made specifically for dogs.

Brushing your dog varies based on their coat type. If you have a curly-coated dog like a Poodle, you’ll need to brush them several times a week to prevent the coat from getting matted. Yet, if you have a dog with a thin coat that sheds, you only need to brush them once in a while to get the excess fur out.

If you have a dog whose hair continuously grows instead of sheds, haircuts are also an important part of grooming. You can take your dog to a professional groomer for that. Most dogs that need haircuts should go to the groomer every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the coat maintenance. Most groomers will also trim your dog’s nails during grooming appointments.

Health and Wellness for Your Puppy

Vet bills can add up quickly, but it’s worth it to ensure your puppy stays healthy. Visit the vet for checkups and whenever your dog is displaying unusual symptoms. Knowing the following health and wellness information can help you ensure your puppy stays in good shape.

What Vaccinations Does Your Puppy Need?

Puppies haven’t built up strong immune systems yet, so they’re more susceptible to diseases than adult dogs. Thus, vaccines are crucial for your puppy’s first year of life. Here are all the vaccinations they should get:

• Rabies
• DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus)
• Bordetella
• Leptospira
• Canine Lyme Disease
• Canine Influenza

Rabies and DHPP are the core vaccines for puppies. For DHPP, if the puppy is over 16 weeks old, they need two doses 2 to 4 weeks apart. If they’re younger than that, they should get three doses (at 6 weeks, 8 to 10 weeks, and 10 to 14 weeks). Rabies vaccines are typically required by law. Both these vaccines are needed every 1 to 3 years, depending on your local laws and the vaccine used.

The noncore vaccines aren’t as crucial, but most vets still recommend them, especially if your dog will be around other dogs often. Talk to your vet to find out the best schedule for your puppy’s vaccinations.

How to Spot Signs of Illness in Your Puppy

Illnesses can have severe effects on puppies due to their weak immune systems. So, if you notice signs of sickness in your puppy, visit your vet right away just to be safe. Here are some symptoms to look out for:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Lethargy
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty urinating
• Loss of appetite
• Limping
• Whimpering
• Hair loss or irritated skin
• Sudden behaviour changes

Overall, if you notice your puppy acting out of the ordinary, especially if they seem distressed, talk to your vet. The sooner you address a health concern, the better off your puppy will be.

How to Care for Your Puppy's Teeth and Nails

Your puppy’s teeth and nails are important parts of their health and grooming. If possible, you should try to brush your dog’s teeth daily. Doing so can reduce the risk of dental disease, which can reduce the risk of other health problems too.

Trimming your dog’s nails is for more than just looks. Overgrown nails can cause pain, broken nails, joint problems, and mobility issues. So, trim your dog’s nails about every three to four weeks. Use a dog nail clipper or grinder to trim the nail until just before the quick (the visible nerve in your dog’s nails). If you’re nervous about trimming your dog’s nails yourself, you can have a vet or groomer do it.

Are You Ready for a New Puppy?

Now that you know all the basics of getting a puppy, it’s time to decide if you’re ready for the commitment. Make sure you take your time when choosing the right puppy for you and gather as many supplies in advance as possible. By being patient and doing lots of research, you’ll set your puppy and everyone around them up for success.