Our Dogs World 101

Bringing Your Puppy Home – The Ultimate Guide to Everything You Need

If you have just become a puppy parent, bringing your new furry friend home for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. Here are some tips to help make the transition smooth for both you and your pup.

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Preparing for life as a puppy parent starts long before you bring your new furry friend home. If you haven’t already, puppy-proof your home by putting away anything that might be harmful or tempting for a curious pup to chew on. This includes things like electrical cords, cleaning supplies, and any small objects that could be swallowed.

You should also create a designated area for your puppy to sleep and poop/pee in, with plenty of newspapers or training pads. Puppies have very small bladders and will need to go often, so having an easy-to-access potty area is crucial.

When bringing your puppy home for the first time, try to arrive quietly so there won’t be too much commotion. Have everything you need ready – leashes, food and water bowls, toys, etc. – so that you can settle in quickly.

Once you’re home, give your puppy some time to explore and get comfortable in their new surroundings. Be patient as they sniff around and get used to all the new sights and smells. If your pup seems scared or overwhelmed, try to keep things calm and quiet until they adjust.

Finally, remember that puppies require great care, attention, and patience. They must be fed multiple times a day, exercised regularly, and potty trained. But with a little bit of love and patience, you’ll soon have a happy and healthy furry friend to join you on all your future adventures!

Here are 15 things you will need to have before bringing your new addition home.

Puppy Food and Water Bowls

Ten cute puppy Samoyed dogs wearing different colored ribbons around their neck.

This is a good place to start because your puppy will need to eat and drink as soon as they get home. Choose a bowl that is easy to clean and big enough for your puppy to grow into. Stainless steel or ceramic are good materials to look for in a food bowl, and many come with a no-spill rubber base.

As for water bowls, many people like using automatic water dispensers because they help keep the water clean and fresh. Just make sure to fill it up before bringing your puppy home, so they have something to drink right away.

Check out Brain Training For Dogs, the #1 puppy training program, and let your puppy’s first few weeks at home be the best start possible!

Puppy Food

You will need to buy special food for your puppy that is high in protein and nutrients to support their growing bodies. Talk to your veterinarian about what kind of food is best for your pup, and make sure to have enough on hand to last a few days.

Puppy Treats

Puppy treats are great for training and bonding with your new furry friend. When choosing treats, look for something that is healthy and low in calories.

Crate or Carrier

A crate or carrier is essential for bringing your puppy home since it will need a safe space to sleep and relax. Choose a size that will be big enough for your puppy to grow into, and make sure it has plenty of ventilation. You can also line the bottom with a soft blanket or towel for extra comfort.

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Many dogs will consider the crate their bedroom, using it to sleep and enjoy  some privacy. But at what age should a dog sleep in a crate? 

Until What Age Should a Dog Sleep In a Crate

Leash and Collar

You will need a leash and collar so you can take your puppy for walks and to the vet. For a collar, look for something adjustable to fit snugly around your puppy’s neck. And for a leash, choose something lightweight that won’t be too bulky for your pup to carry.

Group of dog walkers working together outside with dogs

Puppy Toys

Toys are important for keeping your puppy occupied and engaged. Look for toys that are specifically made for puppies and that are safe for them to chew on. Things like Kongs stuffed with treats or plush toys with squeakers are usually a hit.

Puppy Bed

A comfortable bed is crucial for helping your puppy feel at home. Choose a soft and warm bed with low sides for your pup to get in and out of easily. You can also line the bottom with a blanket or towel for extra warmth.

Grooming Supplies

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Are you one of the dog owners that are looking to free up some time in your life or save money on grooming and care? Then this list of cheap but valuable items every dog should have could be very helpful. 

You will need to brush your puppy’s fur and trim its nails on a regular basis. For brushing, look for a soft-bristled brush that is specifically made for puppies. And for nail trimming, get a pair of dog nail clippers that are small enough to fit your puppy’s nails.

Puppy Poop Bags

Poop bags are essential for cleaning up after your puppy when you’re out and about. Look for bags that are biodegradable and thick enough to prevent leaks.

Check out Brain Training For Dogs, the #1 puppy training program, and let your puppy’s first few weeks at home be the best start possible!

Puppy Shampoo

You will need to bathe your puppy every few weeks, so ensure a gentle shampoo is on hand. Look for something that is sulfate-free and designed specifically for puppies.

ID Tags

An ID tag is a legal requirement in many countries, and it’s also a good way to ensure your puppy can be returned to you if they ever get lost. Ensure the ID tag includes your name, address, and phone number.

Microchip

A microchip is another way to help make sure your puppy can be returned to you if they ever get lost. The microchip will have all of your contact information stored on it, so make sure to register it before bringing your puppy home.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance can be a good financial decision if your puppy ever gets sick or injured. Look for a policy covering accidents and illnesses, and read the fine print to know what is and isn’t covered.

Puppy Gate

Your puppy needs to be kept safe at home, so consider getting a puppy gate to block off areas that are off-limits. Puppy gates come in all different shapes and sizes, so choose one that will fit your needs.

Check out Brain Training For Dogs, the #1 puppy training program, and let your puppy’s first few weeks at home be the best start possible!

Puppy Pen

A puppy pen can be a great way to give your puppy its own space at home. Puppy pens come in all different sizes, so choose one that will be big enough for your pup to move around in. You can also line the bottom with a soft blanket or towel for extra comfort.

Now that you have all of the supplies you need, you’re ready to bring your puppy home! Just remember to take things slowly at first and give your pup plenty of time to adjust to their new surroundings. With a little patience and love, they’ll be settling in no time.

Bringing Your Puppy Home Conclusion

So, there you have everything you need to do before you go out and get your very own puppy. Once you have done all of these things and the big day arrives, enjoy every moment with your new bundle of joy. Just remember, the key to a happy puppy (and owner) is plenty of exercise, proper nutrition, socialization, and training. Good luck!

Where Should Your Puppy Sleep the First Night?

It's important to have your puppy sleep in a designated spot in your home, such as a crate, so that he can learn where it is acceptable to relieve himself. This will help to minimize accidents and make housetraining easier.

Make sure your puppy's sleeping area is comfortable and includes plenty of bedding. He should also have a warm place to sleep, especially during cold weather. Young puppies often don't regulate their body temperature as well as adult dogs, so be sure to keep an eye on him if he's outside for any length of time.

Should I Ignore Puppy Crying At Night?

No, you should not ignore your puppy crying at night. Puppies cry for a number of reasons, including needing to go potty or being hungry. If you ignore your puppy's cries, he may begin to cry incessantly and become conditioned to doing so in order to get your attention. This can be difficult to break later on. Instead, try to determine the root cause of the crying and address it. If your puppy is hungry, give him food; if he needs to go potty, take him outside; and if he's just restless, provide some toys or a chew toy for him to play with.

Remember… Owning a dog should be FUN, not a chore! 

My name is Mark and I currently live in Australia.

I am passionate about educating Doggie parents and helping you to make the best possible decisions to help your dog live a long, happy and healthy life.

As a Dog trainer & behaviorist I have always used The Dog Solution methods with a 100% success rate.
Feel free to contact us, and stay tuned for updates and informative posts on dog care, training, diet, and much more!

“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen” – Orhan Pamuk

Mark & Saffron – Founders of Our Dogs World 101

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