#Bringing home puppy checklist how to#

Stairs and doorways to off limit rooms (baby gates are a great idea).Poisonous plants (peace lilies, aloe vera, and philodendron, among others).Just like having a toddler in the house, bringing home a new puppy should always involve making sure that any obvious dangers are removed (at least, as much as possible).Ī few things to specifically focus on are: You may want to soak dry food in warm water for a few minutes for younger pups, as well, to help them eat easier with their puppy teeth. Ask your veterinarian about your new puppy’s nutritional requirements, and if they have any suggestions on the best brands to feed them. Obviously, food and water bowls are also essential to any new puppy checklist. Any bed that you purchase for the crate should be difficult to destroy, while still being comfortable for your puppy’s growing bones. If you anticipate your dog getting bigger, you can buy a larger crate with dividers that you can move back as they grow. Whether or not you decide to crate train (we recommend it), giving your pet a safe place to retreat to when they’re feeling overwhelmed or scared can help them feel secure and confident in their new home.

You’ll also need an appropriately sized crate with a comfortable bed. As for tags, some dog lovers recommend putting your name (and your pet’s) on their tag, along with your phone number, as this makes it easier for anyone who finds him or her to get them home safely without giving them extra information if they don’t have good intentions.

#Bringing home puppy checklist how to#

Remember, puppies don’t come to you knowing how to walk on a leash… you’ll have to teach them. There are plenty of different options out there but, at first, you can usually get by just fine with a simple nylon flat collar. Don’t spend too much on getting a fancy collar your dog is going to grow out of it more quickly than you think. First and foremost, your new puppy will need a well-fitting collar with tags.