Top 10 things to have when you get a new puppy
- Crate – Crate training is your best friend! Your puppy’s crate should be large enough that they are able to stand, turn around and lay down on their side. If you have a growing, large breed puppy, you may want to get a crate with a divider, so you can expand it as they grow.
- Food – A good quality puppy food will ensure your new arrival gets off to a good start! Ensure your puppy’s food has an AFFCO statement for “growth and reproduction”. Also, if your puppy is going to be greater than 50lbs as an adult, you should ideally feed a Large Breed puppy food, as its nutrients are slightly different to account for how much growing they do.
- Leash – A regular 6 ft leash is what we recommend for puppies for obedience training. We DO NOT recommend flexi leashes as they are dangerous when taking our puppies for a walk.
- Collar and ID tag – Accidents happen! Make sure your puppy is outfitted with a well fitting, flat collar and legible ID tag. Microchips are also a great way to identify your puppy if they are lost. A small chip is implanted under the skin, between the shoulder blades. This way if your puppy is lost they can be scanned and returned to you.
- Treats – Training is easier when you have tasty, high-valued treats. Soft treats or freeze dried treats are the best because you can break them into small pieces. This way your puppy thinks it’s getting a lot of treats when it really isn’t.
- Treat toys – Toys that occupy the mind are a great addition to any puppy’s toy box. It encourages them to chew on appropriate toys, and not couches, socks, etc. It also gives them something to focus on while you are busy or away from the house. Food dispensing toys like a Kibble Nibble are great for occupying a puppy.
- Poop Bags – It is common for puppies to have intestinal parasites. Picking up their poop right away will help to decrease the spread of parasites and also discourage coprophagia (poop eating).
- Nail clippers – Although you may not know how to trim your puppy’s nails, it’s always a good idea to expose them to the nail clippers. Start off by letting them sniff the nail clippers for a few days, progressing to handling their paws with the nail clippers in your hand, and then to letting you touch their feet with the nail clippers. Make sure to offer your puppy a yummy treat while you are getting them used to having their nails trimmed to create a positive experience. If you would like a demo of nail trimming our Registered Technicians would be happy to show you!
- Toothbrush – Dental care is important for pets too! Getting your puppy used to having their mouth handled and accepting brushing is ideal!
- Hair brush – This is especially important if you have selected a dog breed that will require grooming. Start off with small 3-5 minute sessions and increase from there, with lots of treats! Your veterinary staff and groomer will thank you!
