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You get a puppy? Congratulations! (Insert me jumping up and down for you!) It’s exciting, but being a pet parent can feel overwhelming – especially if it’s your first time – or it’s been a LONG TIME (as in , you have had an older dog for a few years). There’s a lot for you and your new puppy to learn. To ensure a smooth transition, your efforts should begin before you bring your precious pup home. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled the Ultimate New Puppy Checklist to get you started.
Below is a list of 12 essential supplies you will need for your new fur baby:
1. When picking up your pup, try rubbing a blanket or stuffed animal or t-shirt (or whatever you were wearing to pick up your pup!) ON YOURSELF (not littermates or mom – this will confuse the puppy when he gets home – and maybe stress him out) so your pup can get used to YOUR smell… That way when you come home to the “new environment” your pup has something that has a familiar scent – YOU, the newest member of the pack – to comfort him!
2. Good nutrition for your puppy is vital. Start them with premium pet food. The best option is one with more protein and fat to help your new puppy develop properly. Remember that a small breed dog is a puppy for 12 months and a large breed dog is a puppy for 24 months. We care so much about this and know the long term effects of nutrition on the growth stages of our puppies, and especially on our bloodlines and our breed. Certain puppy foods in particular can cause Labradors to overgrow, leading to pain and joint problems early on! You will find links to the foods we recommend (if you buy a puppy from us, we need one): Either this oneWhere this one!
3. Always have small delicacies, or treats that you can break into small pieces on hand, because training begins as soon as you bring your puppy home. You’ll want to give them plenty of rewards as they learn, but not many calories. So try shopping through some of these!
4. Make sure you get BPA-free food and bowls of water. Stainless steel bowls with a rubber base that won’t tip or slip. Some dogs can get acne around their mouths from plastic bowls that harbor bacteria over time, so aim for the best. Stainless steel buckets can be useful if you feed in the crate and don’t want a spill! (click here for buckets)
5. For added security, get them a detachable collar which allows your pup to break free if the collar gets caught in something. You may prefer to use a softer harness for his neck, if he wanders off.
6. Have a leather or nylon leash (We prefer this ENGLISH leash – you will too!) it’s long enough that you can comfortably walk your pup next to you, but short enough that he won’t walk you. Training your pup from the start to walk alongside you will provide you both with years of happy walks.
7. If you are planning crate training, get a crate for your home that is large enough for your puppy to stand, sit, and lie down. If the crate is too big, your puppy could have accidents in it. In general, a puppy does not like to relieve himself where he sleeps. The best long term option is to have a large crate with a moveable divider so it can adapt and grow with the pup! We will have these and other items available in our “Puppy Crate Bundle” if you are interested. For more information and what’s in the package, email us at bestinshow@emlabradors.com.
8. Choose a cozy and cozy bed and cozy blankets you can use it inside the crate or elsewhere in the house. The included link is a bed that is our all time favorite and gives your pup room to grow – and – the bolsters won’t wear out or break – it’s a bed for life!!! (Even has a cooling gel pad)
9. Potty training supplies, such as pee dab pot patches for city dwellers, are essential to help your puppy potty train! Like many poop bags and stain remover and deodorizer …because accidents can and will happen!
ten. Fun dog toys to play and snuggle with while you’re away will make your pup feel more comfortable. Make sure the toys are durable to withstand a lot of chewing because your pup will be teething! We particularly recommend it CBD Infused Bone to help calm your pup at bedtime and when needed.
11. Puppy grooming supplies like shampoo, pet toothpaste, pet toothbrush, nail clippers and brushes tailored to your pet’s coat will make bath time much easier for you and your new furry friend.
12. Finally, get ID tags to make sure your pup can always find his way home! You can custom make them online, at your vet clinic, or at Petco. Microchips are also a permanent identification that we strongly recommend! Learn more about it here.
They’re all great for training and home grooming, but be sure to take your new canine companion to your vet for a nose-to-tail checkup. Knowing that you have a healthy puppy will give you peace of mind today, and routine checkups will give you peace of mind for years to come.
Puppies are sweet and playful, and a great addition to your family. Enjoy your new best friend!
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