Puppy Preparation
Edit: This can go for new dogs of any age as well!
In this lesson we are going to learn how to prepare for the arrival of our puppy, including a shopping list. Puppies are a blank slate in which anything can be painted upon. This means we need to set our puppies up for success as much as possible. It also means that they’re only going to know what we have taught them...knowingly or unknowingly. Before our puppy comes home it is essential that we “puppy proof” our house. This means picking up small items, decor, and anything else the puppy may get a hold of. When puppy proofing keep this in mind: if it touches the floor, it will be no more. This means to consider anything that is on or around the floor is possible puppy havoc. This includes wires, cat food, litter boxes, throw pillows, etc. Below is a shopping list of essential items to get to start off the right way with your puppy. After, an explanation of some of the items will be given, including their purpose or use. *Some links may be affiliate links.
For the first night home:
Appropriate sized wire crate
42” should fit most large dogs - for medium to small dogs 36” is a good fit
Crate must come with a crate divider
Crate training is extremely important for all dogs, especially puppies or new dogs. A crate is a great way to provide your dog a safe space to call their own. Crates also provide a place where your dog is safer from its surroundings, and can be maintained in one place. A crate is also essential to maintaining a potty training routine, as well as creating one. In another lesson I will be going through crate training, and talking more about crates.
Large puppy pads
Puppy pads are for more than just pottying on. Puppy pads can go underneath dog food and water bowls for less mess. They can also be used under the crate for accidents that may occur. However, be sure to watch out for your dog destroying potty pads. I usually only use them in supervised areas due to the tendency for puppies to destroy them.
Heatable dog plush with heartbeat
These plushies are a great way to remind your dog of their mother on their first couple of nights. Some of my clients have even given the stuffed animal to their breeder to get the mothers scent before they receive their puppy in order to make the stuffy work even more.
Affordable blankets ( multiple )
Rather than crate beds or mats, I generally recommend affordable, stuffless blankets. Majority of dogs will destroy mats, beds, and blankets. By having affordable blankets available you can easily replace any ruined by teeth, urine, feces, and more.
KONG classic
Kong classics are fillable, durable, and easy clean toys. Filling this toy up will help distract from any anxiety from the first night. Kong recipes are plentiful on the internet, and I recommend finding one your dog likes. Here are some websites that may be beneficial:
Toppl & Plug
Similar to KONGS, but easier to clean & fill. These can also be used as slow feeders, toys, and more. I prefer this to the KONG now, but use both.
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Other Necessities:
Nylon martingale collar ( non-chain version )
These collars help prevent dogs from pulling out or backing out free of their collars.
Y-front Harness
These harnesses can be useful to train, walk, and play with your dog on leash without harming their neck.
Dual handle dog leash
Dual handles give you more control as well as keeps your dog near you in traffic & more
Biothane long line leash
Biothane is essential for a dog parent. Biothane is easy to clean, and stink proof. Long lines are essential to teaching recall, stay, and more.
Potty bags
Various dog chews
Kong Ring
Nylabones (Or Benebone, etc)
Personal favorite is the Double Bone Power Chew
Bully sticks
Natural but more of a treat than a long lasting chew.
Gullet Sticks
Chews should always be left avalible for your dog to chew on. To avoid bordem try rotating chews by putting away all but two. Then switch them each day or every other day so they never become old/boring.
Various dog toys
Kong extreme ball
Puzzle toys
Some dogs prefer toys like the kong wobbler while others may enjoy more complex puzzle toys like the ones made by outward hound. Finding one that meets you, and your dogs needs is essential.
Affordable plush toys
Plush toys will get destroyed one way or another. A good way to keep many toys, and keep your dog engaged is to rotate the toys. Only have plush toys out when you are playing with your dog with them. Only keep about one or two out during the play session then put them away. Remember CHEWS should ALWAYS be avalible. If you have multiple you can also do the rotate method with them as well.
Affordable stuff-less plush toys
Lick mat with suction cups
Great for bathtimes
Stainless steel food bowl
Stainless steel water bowl
Crate mat
A flat crate mat. This will not be used for the crate, but rather for teaching place.
Dog baby gate
Essential to keep your puppy or dog out of non-puppy/dog proof rooms.
Dog playpen
Essential for giving your puppy an area to be unsupervised where it can also stretch its legs. Do not leave unattended for more than 10 minutes before checking on them.
5ft Cable tether/ tie out
For supervised room access, and training. Tethering is a good way to train our dogs how to act in certain areas without giving them free access to a room. DO NOT leave your puppy or dog unattend when tethering.
Enzymatic formula urine cleaner
Age appropriate dog food
If you have questions regarding the best food for your dog it is best to consult a veterinarian or a dog nutritionist
Brush appropriate for hair/fur type
Shampoo & Conditioner
Affordable towels
I personally use beach towels for drying my dogs after baths as well as wiping feet or fur on muddy days. Finding affordable towels is the best option for this.
Pet Corrector Spray
This spray can be essential in warding off-leash dogs away from you & your dog. I do not use this as a training tool.
Optional:
Nail clippers or Grinders
If you plan to do your own dogs nails it is best to introduce them to it slowly over a period of time. The sooner you start, the better.
Seat belt or Crash Tested Crate
For in car safety and learning
Dog Rain Jacket
Good to prevent wet dog smell on rainy days
For Service Dogs:
Puppy vests & gear
Crate training is one of the most important things for every dog to learn. Crates help keep our dogs safe, and establish a routine early on. When first getting your puppy, the crate will be essential to potty training ( which I will cover in another lesson ). Crate training also prepares your dog for flights, grooming, boarding, vet appointments, and more. Our goal is for our dog to see their crate as a safe space. Everything about the crate should be purely positive with your dog. This means no hitting, smacking, or kicking the crate even if the dog is whining. On the first night to first week home, the crate will be an essential part of the routine. If the dog cannot be supervised, it must go in the crate. This limits room for accidental ingestion of items, chewing on inappropriate objects, or defecating within the house.
Puppy pads are a great tool for dogs prone to accidents, as well as for anything messy. For any unforeseen pottying, I like to place puppy pads by the door. Eventually our goal is for our dog to be able to go to the door, and hold their pottying until you get to the appropriate area. Puppy pads are also great under water, and food dishes. Your puppy may get playful or rambunctious, and knock the bowl over on accident. Having a puppy pad underneath will make cleaning much easier.
The heatable dog plush with heart beat is a great calming tool for puppies who are leaving their mom, and littermates for the first time. This plush will allow them more comfort transitioning into their new way of life. For dogs or shelter puppies that lived alone this may not be necessary.
Affordable blankets can be found in bulk on amazon, or walmart or any other store. These blankets can be just simple fleece or baby blankets depending on the size of your dog. Assume that these blankets will be destroyed. These blankets give your dog a soft area in their crate, but it also allows you to be able to toss the blanket if it gets gross. New puppies, and dogs may have potty accidents during the potty training stage in the crate, so these blankets may be ran through the wash ( or trash depending on how bad ) frequently. The reason I do not recommend a dog bed is because many dogs tear them up in the crate, and inject the stuffing which is no good. Dog beds also tend to be expensive. I leave dogs beds for when our dog is more mature or to have outside the crate somewhere for ‘place’ training.
KONG Classics & Toppls can be an essential part of crate training, and enrichment. They are super durable, and dishwasher safe which allows for a dog to get rough with them. For crate training, using a KONG or Toppl frozen with wet canned dog food ( or any other recipe you find ) can help teach our dog the crate is great. I use the frozen KONG or Toppl for teaching down stays & settling out of the crate as well.
The other items should all have their own description that should satisfy most questions. If you need more information or have questions on any item feel free to contact me.
Printable List
For the first night home:
Appropriate sized wire crate
42” should fit most large dogs - for medium to small dogs 36” is a good fit
Crate must come with a crate divider
Large puppy pads
Heatable dog plush with heartbeat
Affordable blanket
KONG classic
Toppl & Plugs
Other Necessities:
Nylon martingale collar ( non-chain version )
Y-front Harness
Dual handle dog leash
Biothane long line leash
Potty bags
Various dog chews
Kong Ring
Nylabones or other similar
Personal favorite is the Double Bone Power Chew
Bully sticks
Gullet Sticks
Various dog toys
Kong extreme ball
Puzzle toys
Affordable plush toys
Affordable stuff-less plush toys
Pet Corrector Spray
Lick mat with suction cups
Stainless steel food bowl
Stainless steel water bowl
Crate mat
Dog baby gate
Dog playpen
5ft Cable tether/ tie out
Enzymatic formula urine cleaner
Age appropriate dog food
If you have questions regarding the best food for your dog it is best to consult a veterinarian or a dog nutritionist
Brush appropriate for hair/fur type
Shampoo & Conditioner
Affordable towels
Service dog puppy vest (if applicable)
