Congratulations on your new puppy! Now you need to know what to get for them. Below is a great new dog or puppy checklist.
We do not need to tell you how tough the road ahead is, but it surely is going to be fun with games of fetch, lots of face licking, goofy smiles, and cute pictures. Adopting a puppy is one of the most profound life experiences you will have. You get a furry companion who becomes an active participant in your happiness and sorrow.
Your big life moments will not go unnoticed with excessive tail wagging and jumping up and down in excitement. When you are feeling low, out of nowhere, a paw will pat you on your arm and let you know that you are not alone.
To make sure your puppy makes a smooth transition from the dog shelter into your home, you need to have a few things for their comfort. The following is a checklist you can refer to, in order to prepare for your new dog:
Essential Items for Your Checklist
Crate
After living in an animal shelter, your big house can confuse your new dog or puppy. This is where a crate comes in. It provides them with a safe place to rest while they get accustomed to the house. Make sure that the crate is big enough that your dog or puppy can stand up, turn around, and lie down easily. Think of it as their bedroom, a place of refuge.
ID Tags
Losing a dog can be very painful. To make sure your dog gets back to you quickly if lost. Make sure you have your contact information attached to their collar. This will also allow any person who finds your dog to contact you easily. You can purchase ID tags at your local pet supply store or you can order a collar with your information on it (no jingling tags).
Poop Bags
Poop bags are a must when you welcome a new dog or puppy into your home. You will be using a lot of these inside and outside when you are on walks with your new dog or puppy.
Puppy Food/Dog Food
Make sure to check the labels when buying food for your puppy. The food should have high protein content and should be specifically made for puppies. For older dogs, make sure you are buying high-quality food that does not have a lot of fillers.
Toys
Puppies are rambunctious and need lots of outlets for their seemingly endless energy. If you are adopting an older dog, you will also need to buy toys for them. Make sure you buy things your puppy or dog can chew on and lots of toys that encourage them to use their brain, such as food puzzle toys.
Water and Food Bowls
To prevent any buildup of bacteria, buy metal food and water bowls.
Gates
Puppies like to sniff and explore because they are curious. Before they end up drinking water from the toilet bowl or running outside the front door, make sure that puppy gates are placed in appropriate areas. If you are getting an older shelter dog, baby gates will also come in handy to ensure your new dog is safe and doesn’t get an opportunity to bolt out of an open door.
Dog Bed
A water-proof bed is the best option for puppies. It will keep the material safe from any mess your dog creates.
Enzymatic Odor Neutralizer
Your puppy, and possibly your new dog, will probably pee and poop on the carpet or tile several times before you get a dog trainer for them. An enzymatic odor neutralizer will allow you to make sure that the odor from these nasty messes does not settle into the material. An enzymatic cleaner is also the best way to remove odors that can attract your dog back to the same area.
Care Items that Should be on Your Checklist
Following are a few other times that you need to buy for your dog or puppy:
- Nail Clippers
- Doggy Conditioner and Shampoo
- Canine Toothbrush
- Chews
- Training Treats
- Cleaning Products
- Collar and Harness
- A Crate
- Tick and Flea Prevention Products
- Grooming Tools
- Dental Care
- Absorbent Pads for House Training
- First-Aid Supplies
And that brings us to the end of the checklist. Let us know if we missed something.
For dog training in Miami, visit the website Dances with Dogs. They offer in-person as well as online dog training. To know more about their force-free training methods or to schedule an appointment, call on 786-299-1552.