Puppy Checklist
Here is a list of items to purchase, that will help you to prepare for your new puppy.
Click on the image, for the link to the product.
Click on the image, for the link to the product.
Life's Abundance All Life Stage Dog Food
Do not free feed your puppy!! Follow the instructions listed on the bag of food, for your puppy's age and weight. Feed puppy food until your dog is 1 year of age, and then SLOWLY switch to the Small Breed Adult Food. I feed the puppies Life's Abundance All Stage Dog Food. If you decide to switch their food, please do so very slowly. Puppies are susceptible to gastrointestinal problems after sudden diet change. Also, limit the amount of food you feed your puppy. Extra weight on your puppy causes stress to their bones and joints. While genetics is the most important factor affecting the health of the bones and joints of these puppies, diet can play a role by promoting too rapid of a growth rate. Keeping puppies in lean body condition is something that will help keep them healthier throughout their lives. Give their food in 2-4 small feedings, instead of just 1 large meal a day. |
Flea & Tick Treatment
I recommend using FRONTLINE Plus the #1 choice of veterinarians when it comes to combating both fleas and ticks. FRONTLINE Plus killed 100% of fleas within 12 hours of application. Long lasting: continues to kill fleas and ticks all month long. It is approved for use on puppies and kittens 8 weeks of age and older. Waterproof: effective even after swimming, bathing and grooming. I recommend using BRAVECTO once your puppy is 6 months of age. It is a chewable oral flea & tick treatment that is effective for 10-12 weeks. |
Crate
First, you need to start your dog in a crate that’s the right size. Your crate should give the dog enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down without hitting its head on the top. The crate should not, however, provide enough room to allow the dog to sleep on one side and defecate on the other. Dogs are clean animals and do not want to “go” where they lie. When the crate is “just big enough,” that prevents unwanted bathroom accidents. |
Puppy pads/pet training pads I use these to help potty train the puppies from about 4 weeks of age. Set them by the door or in the playpen while house training your puppy. Cleaner
You will want to purchase a good pet cleaner that is a stain and odor remover, to clean up the accidents you may have the first few weeks of "house-training". You do not want the "potty odor" to remain, or your puppy will most likely "go potty" at that spot again. |
Chews & Treats
I give my dogs & puppies bully sticks, antler chews and pork snouts. I highly recommend them! Only give your puppy healthy & chemical free dog chews.
I give my dogs & puppies bully sticks, antler chews and pork snouts. I highly recommend them! Only give your puppy healthy & chemical free dog chews.
Toys
You will want to purchase a few more toys for your new puppy. Have a variety of toys such as; tennis balls, rubber toys, cloth toys and rope toys for your puppy to chew on.
You will want to purchase a few more toys for your new puppy. Have a variety of toys such as; tennis balls, rubber toys, cloth toys and rope toys for your puppy to chew on.
Supplement I highly recommend giving your puppy Nuvet tabs! Nuvet is a holistic & natural supplement created to keep your dog's immune system strong & to keep your dog in optimal health. My dogs LOVE their tabs! Call 1 (800) 474-7044 (8:00 am - 5:00 pm) or visit www.nuvet.com to order! Order Code: 43441 |
Collar & Leash
You will need to purchase a new collar as your puppy grows, thus out-growing its "old" collar. Make sure you can fit two fingers between your puppies neck and the collar. Take your puppy on a walk daily, to get him/her used to walking on a leash. Please do NOT over exercise your puppy!! As this causes stress to their growing joints. Young bones do not entirely calcify until 12 months of age. Overstressing joints at a young age can cause joint problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia. DO NOT take your dog running or do other joint stressing exercises with it until it is over one year of age. As long as your dog is still a puppy, don’t over-exercise them. They only have short legs so even a short walk to us is like a marathon to them! Keep exercise and walks short to start with, approximately 15-20 minutes. Let your dog guide you as to the length of time you walk them. If they are tired, stop and leave it rest for a while.
You will need to purchase a new collar as your puppy grows, thus out-growing its "old" collar. Make sure you can fit two fingers between your puppies neck and the collar. Take your puppy on a walk daily, to get him/her used to walking on a leash. Please do NOT over exercise your puppy!! As this causes stress to their growing joints. Young bones do not entirely calcify until 12 months of age. Overstressing joints at a young age can cause joint problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia. DO NOT take your dog running or do other joint stressing exercises with it until it is over one year of age. As long as your dog is still a puppy, don’t over-exercise them. They only have short legs so even a short walk to us is like a marathon to them! Keep exercise and walks short to start with, approximately 15-20 minutes. Let your dog guide you as to the length of time you walk them. If they are tired, stop and leave it rest for a while.
Grooming Supplies
You will want to purchase a comb and slicker brush, for your puppy as they have a "puppy coat" and do not need excessive grooming. A stainless steel comb to brush with first, and then follow up with a slicker brush. You will want to purchase a mild puppy shampoo, to bath your puppy with about once a month. A bath fresh mist is perfect to freshen up between baths. A small round-tip shears to trim around the eyes, paws and potty area if needed. And a nail clippers with a guard to ensure you don't clip the quick. You will also need towels and a if you would like, a blow dryer to aid in the bathing process. Don't forget to place cotton balls in their ears to prevent getting water in their ears during the bathing process.
You will want to purchase a comb and slicker brush, for your puppy as they have a "puppy coat" and do not need excessive grooming. A stainless steel comb to brush with first, and then follow up with a slicker brush. You will want to purchase a mild puppy shampoo, to bath your puppy with about once a month. A bath fresh mist is perfect to freshen up between baths. A small round-tip shears to trim around the eyes, paws and potty area if needed. And a nail clippers with a guard to ensure you don't clip the quick. You will also need towels and a if you would like, a blow dryer to aid in the bathing process. Don't forget to place cotton balls in their ears to prevent getting water in their ears during the bathing process.
Training
Whether this is your first puppy or not, I would recommend taking a Puppy Kindergarten Class with your new puppy. Petsmart offers a Puppy Education class which will; 1) give you an introduction to simple cues, such as sit, come and stay. 2) Teach your puppy basic manners. 3) Give your puppy socialization with people and other dogs. 4) Play relationship-forming games with your puppy. 5) You will learn about problem prevention. 6) You will receive tips on puppy health, grooming and nutrition.
Whether this is your first puppy or not, I would recommend taking a Puppy Kindergarten Class with your new puppy. Petsmart offers a Puppy Education class which will; 1) give you an introduction to simple cues, such as sit, come and stay. 2) Teach your puppy basic manners. 3) Give your puppy socialization with people and other dogs. 4) Play relationship-forming games with your puppy. 5) You will learn about problem prevention. 6) You will receive tips on puppy health, grooming and nutrition.