Congrats, you’ve found the perfect canine companion to bring home! Follow these tips to ensure your puppy is introduced to a safe, comfortable environment.
Before bringing your puppy home:
Identification tag
It’s highly recommended that recent vaccinations be recorded on the tag. Customizable tags can be easily made and purchased at large pet stores like Petco.
Collar
Depending on the age, size or breed of your dog, you may want to spend more time looking at various collars that fit your dog’s needs.
Standard flat neck collar
The most common of collars is found in all pet stores. This collar works best with calmer and smaller pets.
Martingale collar
This collar is recommended for dogs with small heads that can easily wriggle out of standard collars. A second loop prevents the dog from being choked if it pulls on the leash.
No-pull head collar
Head halters include a loop that goes around the dog’s snout. These collars prevent dogs from picking up trash during a walk and allow for better training. Not recommended for dogs with neck injuries or dental diseases.
Back-clip harness
This harness straps around the dog’s chest, with the leash attaching on the dog’s back. This leash works well on dogs with short snouts.
No-pull harness-front clip
Similar to the back clip, except the leash attached between the dog’s neck and chest. The collar is designed to help redirect dogs on a walk and prevents leash pulling.
Leash
The type of leash you use to take your dog out everyday will determine its behavior as an adult. Expect to take your new puppy out every one to two hours throughout the day.
Nylon
The most accessible material can be found in multiple colors and designs. It works well with puppies, but watch out for leash burn.
Leather
Leather leashes are the most durable on the market. They soften over time and last a while. Look for this material online.
Retractable
These leashes instill negative behavior in your dog from the start. Not only are these leashes dangerous to you and others around you, but can choke your pet.
Length
For urban settings, four-foot-long leashes work well. In suburban areas, six-feet is a good length.
Food
According to pet label regulations set by the FDA, the percentages of named ingredients in pet food are dictated by four AAFCO rules. For example, “Beef for Dogs” must contain 95 percent beef, not counting the added water for processing. With that said, at least 70 percent of the product must be beef. Additional words in food labels mean lessened quality. For example, “Beef Dinner for Dogs” must only include 25 percent beef. “Beef Flavor Dog Food” is considered the worst because “flavor” is not considered an ingredient and therefore doesn’t require that beef be in the food.
Water and food bowls
Toys
Look for toys that will stand the test of time. Whether it be for fetching, tugging or teething, try to have different toys for various activities. Here’s a list of recommended toys for your pup:
Kong
Nylabone
Rope toys
Once your puppy is home:
Health check and vaccinations
Your puppy’s first visit to the vet will include a physical exam, various tests and vaccinations. The vet will screen your dog for infection, intestinal parasites, flea and tick-borne diseases. Your puppy will be required to receive two vaccine shots:
Distemper, Parvovirus, Coronavirus, Hepatitis and Parainfluenza (all in one)
Rabies
Depending on where you live, you may also look into more vaccine shots:
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Leptospirosis
Crate
A crate serves as a quiet, personal space for your pup. Select a crate that’s ventilated and big enough for your dog to sit down, stand up and turn in a circle. The American Kennel Club suggests that puppies stay in their crate for increments of 10 minutes and slowly working their way up in time.
Cleaning supplies
Your puppy will leave you a few accidents throughout the house, so make sure you have cleaning supplies that will clean the mess and mask the smell.
The LED Stink Finder is also a good product to have as you will be able to find the area of urine much quicker and will know exactly where to pour the odor removal product!
The great thing about these urine odor remover's is that it's easy. There is no scrubbing or blotting. Just apply, let dry and you're done!
