Congratulations, you have got your puppy. The next few weeks will shape your life with your puppy, so time and planning with a puppy is essential. A vast number of puppies got for life will be sent to a shelter by the age of two, usually through no fault of their own, they were being a dog, but their owner had not informed them how to behave in a house, so they did what came natural, which their owner found unacceptable so they got abandoned, with no sure future, or even life! Do not let your lovely puppy become one of these abandoned many, set him up to succeed the minute you get him home!
Things to have for the arrival of your puppy
Puppy crate or play pen A suitable crate with a blanket to go over the top, ensuring they feel as safe and secure as possible on arrival and a water bowl that attaches inside to the side and various blankets or towels that can easily be washed to use as bedding. Most dogs that have to be crated as adults due to bad household manners were not crated as a puppy! Crate them as a puppy for short periods when they are left on their own so you are not setting them up to fail as an adult. They cannot be destructive or soil around the house and therefore do not learn this behaviour that is hard to rid in an adult. Also getting the puppy used to its own company for short periods therefore not distressed when left alone. A crate should be a haven for a puppy, not a punishment. Always let the puppy out to relieve itself before going in the crate and put a suitable toy, such as a Kong , full of food to keep it occupied
Puppy toys At least 6 various puppy toys of varying types including non destructible ones to satisfy the natural urge to chew, fun and challenging toys.
Water bowl (weighted and none slip)
Food Try to find out what food your puppy has been fed in the past so you can initially use this and slowly mix in the food you intend to use. Measure out the food in the morning and use throughout the day as treats for good behaviour, such as toileting where should, walking nicely on the lead or sitting on command, putting in the toy when he is left in the crate to keep him occupied. This should be spread over suitable periods throughout the day.
Puppy collar A suitable size puppy collar with an ID tag which is required by law. (Information advised; your surname, telephone, house number and postcode)
Puppy lead A small chain lead so that your puppy does not learn to chew their lead, this can be changed to a leather or nylon one when they are past the teething, chewing stage and about 6 month.
Local Veterinarian chosen Ask around for advice, word of mouth is very good. Ask at the vets if you can have a look around, some will let you. Find one that you feel comfortable with and on arrival of your puppy, get them to the vets ASAP for a general check.
Training classes booked A well trained dog is a happy dog and happy owner. You should start classes as soon as possible after their vaccinations have taken effect (around 12 weeks).Classes often fill quickly, so book early.
Dog Walker organised As a rule, puppies can hold themselves for an hour for every month of their life plus one, and so an 8 week old puppy can hold itself for three hours (two months plus one) a twelve week old puppy can hold itself for four hours, a sixteen week old puppy can hold itself for five hours . However, no dog should ever be left for longer than six hours, so if you are out for longer than these times, you need to get someone to let your puppy out to relieve itself. All dogs are pack animals, so this is another reason that they should never be left alone for long periods, without attention and stimulation they can become destructive due to boredom and stress. So ask around for friends, family or neighbours to let your puppy out to relieve themselves and play. Failing that, enlist the help of a professional dog walker, do not forget to ensure they are insured though. Also leave on a radio while you are out to prevent barking due to external noises.
Optional Extras:-
Brush or comb A necessity for longhaired dogs. It is a good idea to groom them from arrival to get them used to it and eventually find it a pleasure.
Puppy Pads Used for housetraining. Pads put in places around the house and puppy rewarded for toileting on them. Gradually the pad is moved closer to the door until placed outside.
Dog clippers or strippers
Dog shampoo
Dog bed for a cosy place to rest
Dog Kennel with bedding, toys and water bowl. If puppy is going to be left outside for any period of time he must have somewhere dry to shelter
