Puppy Survival Guide
Let’s face it, when it comes to puppy’s our hearts just melt! Behind all of that cuteness, comes responsibility and we’re here to help! From choosing a breed to puppy-proofing to supplies, here is a quick guide for what you can expect when you take your fur-ever friend home.
Consider Activity Level
This may be the number-one question to ask yourself. If you are looking for a mellow fellow, avoid sporting, herding, and terrier-type dogs. If you’re hoping for a jogging partner, stay away from short-nosed dogs or toy dogs—they won’t be able to keep up. It’s important to consider which dog will best fit in with your lifestyle as well as the preparations that a new furry family member requires.
Consider Your Schedule
Let’s face it, no dog wants to be left home alone all day, and if you are considering adopting a puppy, you will need to provide him/her with extra time and attention. You may need to plan for a pet sitter, dog walker, doggy daycare, or trusted family member to help you out.
Consider Your Housemates
Do you have children or another dog? When choosing puppy, make sure the dog will fit into your home and has the potential to thrive with your other housemates.
Find a Vet
When it comes to finding a vet, it’s a great idea to decide on one before you bring your dog home. Ask friends and family for referrals and check out the different clinics.
Get a First-Aid Kit
Having a first-aid kit on hand will give you the tools you need if your dog has a minor medical situation. In the event of a serious or life-threatening incident, the supplies in the kit may help you keep your pet stable until you get to the vet’s office.
• adhesive tape
• bandages
• antibacterial ointment
• antidiarrheal medication
• antihistamine medication
• cotton balls
• gauze pads
• gloves
• hydrogen peroxide (3 percent)
• scissors
• thermometer (normal canine temperature: 100°F–102.5°F)
• tweezers
Keep Food Out of Reach, Especially These Toxic Foods:
• alcoholic drinks
• apple seeds
• caffeinated drinks
• chocolate
• grapes
• macadamia nuts
• mushrooms
• onions
• pits from peaches, plums, and cherries
• raisins
• xylitol, an artificial sweetener
Keep Plants Out of Reach, Especially These Toxic Plants
• chives
• aloe vera
• crocuses
• daffodils
• eucalyptus trees
• hydrangeas
• ivy plants
• lilies
• poinsettias
• rhubarb plants
• shamrock plants
• tulips
Keep Your Home Escape-Proof
A dog who can bolt off into the unknown is at risk. Until your dog can reliably obey the stay command by an open door, you will need to take extra measures to keep him/her safely inside.
Prevent Destructive Chewing
Dogs explore the world with their mouths, and our homes are filled with small things that are easy to chew and swallow. Get on your dog’s level and stow away anything that can be hazardous to his/her health. Introduce dog chew toys early on so your new pup knows what’s acceptable to chew on.
Have These Supplies Ready
Gates: You may want to limit your dog to certain rooms or keep him from going up or down stairs, especially if you’re house training a puppy. Make sure that the bars on the gate are close enough together that the dog cannot get his head stuck. If you have a young pup or a dog who likes to chew, a wooden gate may not be the best choice.
Bedding: Dog beds come in a wide variety of styles, from thin pads to orthopedic foam to soft, loosely padded pillows. Make sure your dog has a comfortable place to rest. A good option is a dog bed that has a removable, machine-washable cover.
Collar & Leash: Your dog needs at least one collar. The safest, easiest collar is a “flat collar” with a quick-release fastener, which is helpful when you need to take your dog out quickly and frequently during the house training process.
Crate: Your dog’s crate is his place of peace and solitude. Make sure you get a well-ventilated crate that’s just big enough for him to stand, lay down, and turn around with some comfy bedding inside and their favorite toy to stay occupied.
Exercise Pen: If you don’t have a room that works well to confine your dog, consider getting an exercise pen. They’re useful for those times when you need your pup to be kept someplace safe but not necessarily confined to his/her crate.
Bowls: Your dog requires two sturdy bowls: one for food and one for water. Although ceramic ones may be decorative, they are breakable. The best option would be sturdy, dishwasher-safe, stainless-steel bowls.
Grooming Supplies: The requirements for grooming a Poodle are a lot more complicated than those for a Lab. Do some research on your chosen breed’s grooming requirements before you purchase any grooming supplies. A local groomer may be the best fit option.
Identification: When you register your dog, you will receive a dog tag that can help identify him/her if they ever got lost. We recommend personalized tags that have your cell phone number engraved on it. Microchipping your dog is a permanent way for shelters and vets to identify your dog and get in touch with you.
The Right Toys: Get a variety of puppy-friendly toys and see what he/she responds to. If you’re adopting an adult dog, ask the shelter if he has any favorite toys so you can stock up on what he/she likes best.
Bond With Your New Pup
In those first few important days, you’ll need to spend as much time as possible with your new pup to bond with him/her and help them feel comfortable in their new environment. Taking a few days off from work is ideal. There may be a couple of rough nights in the beginning as he/she adjusts—this is a good time to establish clear boundaries and a reliable routine so he/she doesn’t get confused or overwhelmed.
Putting your new doggy in a puppy socialization course is also helpful by providing a fun, safe, and engaging environment to help socialize your puppy while also being an energy outlet for your puppy during it’s critical period of socialization.