Puppy Checklist
The following are some essentials that we recommend purchasing before your puppy comes home! This post may contain affiliate links, so we may receive compensation if you purchase products linked below.
1) Dog Food
Your puppy will be started on Purina Pro Plan lamb and rice puppy food. This is a top brand recommended from our veterinarian, and we purchase it in large bags from Amazon. The puppy version of this food should be consumed by your puppy for their first year of life, or per your vet’s recommendations.
2) Training/Chewing Treats
Training treats are an essential for training your puppy. We recommend freeze dried treats, our dogs go crazy for them! We like Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats , and Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Treats
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Chewing treats are great for mental stimulation, and help reduce boredom. Some good options include Yak Chews, Dehydrated Cow and Pig Ears, and Bully Sticks
We love training treat bags, they make it easy to carry treats on your hip while training your new pup! These can be very helpful, especially since consistent training requires lots of treats throughout the day https://amzn.to/48Ad2dR
3) Crate
For cost efficiency, we recommend buying a large crate with a divider, so you can alter the size of the kennel as your puppy grows
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4) Puppy Comfort Items
Puppies will be separated from their siblings for the first time when they go to their new homes, and this will be a big change for them! We recommend the snuggle puppy, to make this adjustment easier.
It is a great tool because it comforts puppies with its simulated heartbeat and warmth, reducing anxiety and aiding better sleep.
5) Hygiene Items
Brush – An amazing tool to use when brushing your dog is the de-shedding tool. It does a great job pulling out the loose undercoat while not damaging the top coat.
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Shampoo/conditioner- We use Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe shampoo and conditioner for our adult dogs and puppies
6) Dog Bed
The Kuranda dog bed is great because it's durable, comfortable, and keeps dogs off the floor for better hygiene. Plus, it's chew-resistant and comes in various sizes and styles to suit different needs. You can add a softer dog pillow on top, to make it extra comfy!
7) Collar/leash/poop bags
We recommend a size XS collar for when your puppy comes home. Your puppy will quickly grow out of it, but that is typically the size he/she will be at 8 weeks old. For leashes, we use this leather leash for its durability
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We also recommend dog doggy poop pick up bags for when your puppy is old enough to take out on walks
8) Puppy Sling
Are you wanting to take your puppy outside but don’t want to expose them yet until fully vaccinated? I have had many of my families purchase a puppy sling carrier, and they are a real hit!
9) Vet Care
Make sure to do your research, and select the most suitable veterinarian for your pet's needs, Your puppy will receive their initial vaccines at around 6 weeks old before departing from our care. However, we advise scheduling a wellness examination with your own veterinarian within 72 hours of bringing your puppy home. This will allow for a second opinion and the establishment of a rapport with your veterinarian to discuss a vaccination regimen. Subsequently, your puppy will require additional vaccinations at approximately 10 and 14 weeks of age. Be sure to contact your veterinarian well in advance, as appointments may be booked weeks ahead! The veterinarians we work with are Pet's Request Mobile Vet, and Kokopelli Reproductive Services.
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Your puppy will go home with age-appropriate preventative deworming. Establish a consistent deworming schedule with your veterinarian (we suggest deworming your puppy at 10, 12, and 16 weeks, followed by regular deworming every 1-3 months thereafter, depending on the deworming product). Additionally, ensure your puppy receives appropriate treatments for heartworm, fleas, ticks, etc., as per the prevailing conditions where you live
10) Puppy Training
Puppy training and obedience classes are crucial for owners because they help puppies socialize, learn essential commands, manage behavior, and build confidence. By starting early, owners can prevent future issues and strengthen their bond with their pet, ensuring a harmonious lifelong relationship. We highly recommend these types of classes, and to start them as soon as possible. Many training classes only require one vaccination, while others require the puppy to be fully vaccinated before attending
