
Some crates, like Frisco’s Fold & Carry dog crate, come with a divider so you can adjust the size of their space-buy the size they're likely to need when they're an adult, and then move the divider as they grow. Plus, crates and pens help to keep your pup from chewing and peeing inappropriately.Ī common misconception is that these secure places must be large to be effective, but your pup’s crate only needs to be big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around, Davis says. “Puppies need places where they can be safely confined until they learn their house manners, which may not be for more than a year,” says Barbara Davis, CPDT-KA, CDBC, of BADDogsInc Family Dog Training & Behavior in Corona, California. Safe Places to Play and Sleepĭog crates and playpens give puppies a secure space to rest and play. Below you’ll find a list of must-haves to help you welcome your new puppy into your home and family.ĭownload our New Puppy Essentials Checklist.

A little advance preparation to ensure all the essentials are in place, however, can make for a smooth and enjoyable homecoming. These are just a few things to include in your new puppy checklist to help your puppy settle in.Bringing home a new puppy is exciting-but it can feel a bit daunting, especially if you've never had a dog before. It allows you to supervise them while playing, especially when outside, and keeps them from wandering away and getting lost or being attacked by other animals. It’s a good idea to get a wire playpen when the puppy is little. These could be a useful tool to help potty train your puppy and also help protect your house in case of an accident. You should be starting and establishing bathroom requirements and working on house-training immediately and throughout the first 6 months with your puppy. You’re going to want to have these if the new puppy is not already house-trained.

The scent of bitter apple spray is not detectable to most humans, but dogs think it tastes awful, so it will keep them from chewing on things. So, pick up some bitter apple spray and spritz areas that seem vulnerable, like the lower parts of your furniture. The toys you lavish on them may not be enough to prevent the new puppy from ravaging your furniture. Getting the right types of dog grooming brushes for your dog’s coat can help make taking care of their fur a lot easier. You should pick up some shampoo made especially for puppies, as well as a soft-bristle brush and a metal comb. Put the collar on them for a few minutes a day at first and then work up to all-the-time wear, if they don’t like it at first. It’s a good idea to start getting your pup used to wearing a leash and collar, even if they aren’t allowed outside yet. Bones for puppies, toys that squeak, rubber balls, etc. It’s a smart idea to channel this instinct into toys from the very beginning.Įvery dog has different preferences when it comes to toys, chew and otherwise, so just start with a multi-pack from the pet store. Keep in mind that your new and untrained puppy may want to start chewing everything in sight: shoes, furniture, and anything else within reach. You’ll be using a lot of these in the process of training the new pup. It’s also a good idea to stock up on treats. You will also want to make sure you understand how often to feed a puppy. Puppies have different nutritional needs than full-grown dogs do, so you will want to pick up food made especially for puppies. You should cover the floor inside the crate with old bedding or old, worn T-shirts, and leave a chew toy or two in it to give the new pup something to play with. Your new puppy needs room to stretch out and turn around.

If a crate is too big, the pup might go to the bathroom in it and if it’s too small, the dog will be uncomfortable. They get a sense of security in a crate when it’s used as their place. Plus, dogs actually find being in a crate comfortable and comforting. Many dogs, especially untrained puppies, just need to be put in a crate sometimes when they can’t be supervised. And, you’ll need one that’s the right size for your new puppy. You will definitely need a crate and an introduction to crate training. What follows is a new puppy checklist to set your mind at ease: New Puppy Checklist 1. So you can focus on the fun part, it’s good to be prepared with everything the new pup will need. Getting a new puppy is so exciting! It’s easy to get caught up in the emotions of adding a new and adorable member to your family.
