Congratulations! You are adding a brand new puppy to your family - it is such an exciting time for you - and the puppy! I thought I'd do a little checklist of the items that you need for you new arrival - and items that will come in handy! First - you need to think about and decide on a few things - like a NAME! (this is a fun part!), where your puppy will sleep, where you will feed the pup, what you will feed it (if getting from a breeder then they will advise you of food) and on food - here is a GREAT website that compares all kind of food and rates them - check it out here
PUPPY PROOF YOUR HOME!
Just like when you have a baby visiting your home, you need to puppy proof it. This means getting down on your hands and knees and looking at your home from a puppy viewpoint. See what puppy can access and if you don't want them to chew it - remove it from their sight. Baby Gates come in very handy to keep your puppy out of - or in - the space where you want them to be. Put away or cover wires, remotes, reading glasses etc. Close doors, make sure your rubbish bin has a lid that can't be opened by them, pick up things laying around on the floor, items that you don't want to be chewed or disappear need to be put away. If you have young children, teach them to put away their toys and not leave them laying about. Shoes, undies, socks - anything really! Did we mention yet that puppies are so. much. fun! ha
Items you NEED straight away: Bed
Suitable Collar, Lead and maybe a harness - don't get too fancy with the collar for now as they will grow out of it so quickly! Tip: For a comfy collar fit - make sure you can fit two fingers between the collar and your puppy's neck.
Food and Water Bowls - preferably stainless steel and definitely non-slip and tip! Stainless steel doesn't break and doesn't absorb odours.
ID Tag with your Phone Number - or you can get collars with their name and your number on them but that is probably best once your pup has reached full size
Puppy Pads and Stain Remover for those fun little 'accidents'
Puppy Chew Toys - do your research on what is suitable
Brush and comb suitable for your puppy's coat - ask your breeder what is best
Items you NEED sooner rather than later:
Crate if you are going to crate train - I highly recommend that you do! Here is a good article on crate training from the RSPCA
Baby Gates so you can block off areas you don't want your pup to be
Play Pen for when it is young and you can contain it
Biodegradable and Compostable Dog Poop Bags - Oh Crap do a great range that are completely gone in landfill within three months - you can also buy them from local pet stores and groomers. Highly recommend.
BONUS Checklist: Still on the important stuff....
Pet Insurance - go here and read what I think about it Your Vet's Contact Details Emergency 24hr Vet contact details Go here to see a list of all of our local vet clinics both in Bayside and surrounding Councils See your vet, get advice on Vaccinations, Flea medications, general health and more. I highly recommend you find a vet you really like and trust. Here are our BDogs Business Member Vet details - this includes Mobile Vets too Look into Training - this can be Puppy School, local obedience clubs, personal one on one training, group training etc. They need to have been cleared regarding vaccinations first though.
WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO DO: Register your Puppy with your Council. "Pet registration is a legal requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. All dogs and cats three months of age and over must be registered with Council." Bayside City Council here City of Port Phillip Council here Kingston City Council here
Frankston City Council here
Update your puppy's microchip details - ensure that your contact details are listed against their microchip number - go here for details on how to check and how to update.
This is VERY IMPORTANT!
EXCELLENT READING:
GUIDELINES FOR PUPPY EXERCISE
Please feel free to ask questions over in our Facebook Group and you MUST post photos of your new family member! Not getting a puppy but an older dog is joining your family? A lot of this information is relevant but go here for more information specifically aimed at an older dog and you.