Preparing for a new puppy

You don’t want to get a large breed if you’re in a smaller apartment or condo. Be sure to choose the breed that best suits you. Make sure you do your research on the breed before contacting a breeder. Be honest and draw up a list of your dog’s ideal characteristics. If you are still not sure what breed works best, we are here to help! Check out our Puppy Concierge services!

Now it’s time to start finding responsible breeders in your area. Be sure to do research on each breeder you find, and ALWAYS contact them on the phone before sending any sort of deposit. Do you know if the breeder is up to date on Current Vaccinations, has a Health Certificate, or has had a Veterinarian Exam? These are important things to consider when picking a breeder. At Puppy Paw Network, we require all breeders have Current Vaccinations, a Health Certificate, and a Veterinarian Exam! If you are able to visit the puppy or breeder, that is a wise choice as well.  

So now you’ve found the right breed and you have fallen in love with your puppy. You have secured payment and are ready to bring your furry friend home! Now it’s time to prepare for the puppy’s arrival beforehand, so you can concentrate on having fun together after they move in!

To a puppy, your home is a playground. You will want to protect your new puppy and save your belongings by providing a safe and puppy-proof environment. Here is a checklist of what to think about when puppy-proofing:

• Remove all chewable objects that can be swallowed.
• Make electrical cabling safe behind furniture and cover exposed cables.
• Block access to rooms where your puppy can have an accident or cause damage.
• Make a room or area in your home that your puppy can play in.
• Check from a puppy’s eye view under the sofa and in all of the places you don’t usually see. This might sound a bit silly, but it’s a great way to make sure you didn’t miss anything.

You can’t be too careful when puppy-proofing your house.

Things you need for a puppy include:

• Dog bed: Get two – one to use and one for a fill-in when the first needs to be washed.
• Bowls: Stainless steel or ceramic are great.
• Toys: Choose items your puppy can’t swallow.
• Cleaning supplies: Disposable paper, disinfectant, and household gloves.
• Crate: To help with potty training.
• Treats: A vital part of the training process.
• Food: Puppy food right for your dog’s size and age.
• Harness and leash: For those trips outside.

Now it is time to bring your puppy home, and the next step is to start the training process!