The arrival of a new puppy is a thrilling experience.
Make these simple preparations to ensure the experience doesn't turn from happy to harrowing!
Make these simple preparations to ensure the experience doesn't turn from happy to harrowing!
We've assembled a checklist of items for you
1. An appropriately sized wire floored cage.
Dogs are den animals and they love the comfort and security offered by a snug space of their own. Until your puppy is properly house-trained, an appropriately size wire cage, with a wire floor and a removable tray underneath, will make clean ups much easier. It's important to find a cage that's the right size for your puppy. In general bigger is better but, at a minimum, there should be enough space for a comfy dog bed and enough free floor space to allow your puppy to go to the toilet through into the tray below. This tray can be lined with potty pads, which makes clean up a breeze. Remember to also include some chew toys
2. Wire playpen.
We recommend these wire panels, which can be configured to any size or shape you might need. They can also be used to block doorways to rooms you'd like to keep off-limits.
3. Wee-Wee Pads.
These are essential for puppies that are not fully immunized and not yet allowed outside. They may also be a permanent solution for apartment dwellers or others who find outdoor house-training impractical.
4. Chew Toys.
A new puppy will chew anything in his path: your shoes, furniture, cables. Make sure you have plenty of toys to chew instead, and always offer a toy when you catch him chewing a non-toy. We recommend starting with a variety, as different breeds and individual puppies gravitate towards different things. It will take some trial and error to figure out what your dog likes best. Start with a multi-pack of puppy bones, squeak toys, furry toys, and rubber balls.
5. Leash and collar.
Even if your puppy is not fully immunized and therefore not ready to go outside, you can introduce him to his leash and collar, and get him accustomed to wearing it.
6. Bitter Apple Spray.
After puppy-proofing your home, there may still be a few items you can't just place out of puppy's reach, like the corners of your furniture. Bitter Apple Spray can be applied to most household items. It's scentless for humans, but tastes nasty to dogs and keeps their curious mouths away.
7. Puppy food and bowls.
This is obvious, as puppies need to eat about three times a day and require a bowl of fresh water nearby most of the time. Purchase high-quality pet food recommended by your vet or breeder, and serve in a stainless steel bowl (steel collects less bacteria than glass or plastic).
8. Nature's Miracle or other enzyme cleaner.
Even the best-trained puppy will have an indoor accident at some point, and it should be cleaned up within seconds, when possible. The difference between enzyme cleansers and your regular household spray is that the enzymes will eliminate odors that only your dog can smell, reducing any reminder that he's gone potty in any particular part of your house. Also, avoid any cleaning agent that contains ammonia — the chemical smells just like pee to a dog, and dogs love "going" where they've " gone" before.