What to do before the new puppy arrives home…

What do I need to buy for the puppy?

• Bedding – don’t spend a lot in case your puppy destroys its bed or soils on it
• A crate and/or play pen
• Puppy food and treats for training
• Collar and lead – go light weight and cheap. this is the first time your little pup will be wearing one and they will grow fast.
• A name tag with your details engraved
• Water and food bowl
• Puppy appropriate toys
• Grooming equipment
• Enrichment toys

What do I need to do to prepare the house?

• Puppy proof your house
• Puppy proof your garden
• Baby gates – minimise the pup going up and down our stairs and a great management tool if you have children
• Doggy door – if you want one, although i do prefer installing them once your puppy is toilet trained

What else do I need to think about and organise?

• Decide where the puppy will sleep.
• Decide what areas of the house the pup will be allowed to go.
• Take something to the breeders, an old towel or blanket. That way when you take your pup home you will have something that smells familiar, it will make pups first night away from his mum and litter a little easier.
• Decide what you will feed your puppy.
• Book your pup into a positive reward-based puppy school. 
• Get yourself educated on how to meet a dogs needs , enrich their lives, and how to understand their body language. If you have kids, start talking to them about this too.
• Pet insurance – do you want it? If so, which one?
• Choose a vet. You should always take your puppy to the vet for a routine check soon after taking him home.
• Find a local force-free groomer.
• Look into who you will use as your pet sitter when you go on holidays.

I hope you find this helpful. We do also offer puppy preparations sessions so please reach out if you would like some help.