17 Feb Preparing for your new puppy
Preparing for your new puppy
What an exciting time!! Here is everything you need;
The first thing you’ll need to do is puppy-proof your home making sure that anything harmful such as toxic products, cables and anything else they shouldn’t chew, is well out of the way.
You’ll also need to make sure your new arrival has their own space set up, by creating a place for their resting area. A dog crate can be great, as it gives them a secure base to explore from and can help with their toilet training. Make sure it’s in a quiet place where they won’t be disturbed or in the way, with lots of blankets and bedding to keep them warm and comfy. If you would like your dog to share your room or bed, it’s still very important to give them a safe area where they can rest at other times, especially if you’re not planning on giving them access to the bedroom at all times.
Once you’ve sorted out their resting space, you’ll need to decide where your puppy is going to eat. This should be in a different place to their sleeping area, and remember to store their food somewhere they can’t reach!
If you are going to restrict access to certain areas, make sure you set clear boundaries for your puppy from day one as it’s very confusing if they’re allowed to go somewhere sometimes but get told off at other times.
Making sure your garden is secure is also really important so that your puppy can play safely outside. Make sure there’s nowhere they could squeeze through or dig under a fence, and check for poisonous plants and other garden hazards.
Create a checklist
As well as puppy-proofing your home, you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared with all of the supplies your puppy will need. Here are some things that your list could include:
- A crate and/or bed
- Food and water bowls
- A complete puppy food
- Collar and tag
- Lead (Harness)
- Car restraint
- Lots of toys
- Puppy pads for toilet training
- Poo bags
- A brush or comb for grooming
- Toothpaste (one for dogs!) and toothbrush
- Dog shampoo
- Blankets
