BRINGING PUPPY HOME

 
Bringing your new puppy home is of course the day you have waited so long for and it is finally here!  But before your new fluffy bundle of joy crosses the threshold of your home, it is best to take a few moments to ensure your puppy will be safe in their new surroundings. 

We recommend getting down to your new puppy's level in every room.  Power cords that are within reach pose a risk to curious puppies with sharp little teeth.  We also suggest programming the phone number for poison control into your phone.  1-800-222-1222  Hopefully you won't ever need it, but in case you do it is nice to have it easily accessible.  There are a number of common household items, plants and foods that are toxic to dogs.  A quick google search will give you a number of comprehensive lists, please make sure any of these items are removed from your home or placed out of reach before your puppy comes home.

Here is a short checklist of items we recommend having on hand before your new puppy arrives:

• Purina Pro Plan Shredded blend adult
  
• NuVet Vitamins (ordering information will be sent via additional e-mail)
  
• Small treats to be used for training (We prefer freeze dried dog foods as a nutritional treat)
  
• The book Another Piece of the Puzzle; Puppy Development by Pat Hastings and of course Puppy Culture, link included in e-mail.
  
• A variety of puppy safe toys, see our Crate Training blog post for a few suggestions
  
• Water and food bowls, we recommend dishwasher safe bowls (stainless steel is prefered) that will hold at least 4 cups of food or water.
  
• Dog crate and some cheap small fleece blankets for easy cleaning.
  
• Dog chews such as Greenies, pig ears or candy ham bones.  NO RAWHIDE!
  
• Kin and Kind Flea and Tick Shampoo and Spray for use once puppy is over 12 weeks of age
  
• Slicker brush and comb (amazon link will be provided)
  
• Nail trimmer and small dremel tool
  

Be sure to have your veterinary appointment already scheduled within 48 hours of your new puppy's arrival.  Have a plan in place for when your new puppy will be attending their first grooming and obedience class.  We know how busy life can get and having these plans already on the calendar can be a blessing in a few weeks.

Watching our babies leave is always bittersweet.  It has been such a blessing to our family to spend the first two months of your puppy's life with them.  We have done our absolute best to give them a solid foundation for you to build upon.  I hope that we have prepared you and your new arrival well for the day that they join your family.  Blessings!