New Puppy Check List 

Getting a new puppy is a very exciting time. Whether they are from a rescue or a breeder all puppies require the same basic equipment.
Make sure you have the basics at home ready to go before you pick up your puppy. Try not the change your puppy's environment after it has arrived.
Moving into a new home is already a big change for your new addition, so try to keep the environment the same until your puppy has settled in.

 




•      Puppy Food- Make sure you have some of the diet your puppy was being fed when you got it and a bag of the diet you plan to feed your puppy long term. To avoid upset tummies please make sure you do a 7-10-day transition from their old diet to their new one. For information on how to transition your puppy to a new diet click here.
•      Treats for Training- starting training with your puppy is a very good idea. Use treats that can be broken into very small bits. A tiny reward of something super yummy is all a puppy will need to keep them interested. Liver Treats, Good Noze Treats and ZiwiPeak Rewards are ideal for training. For more information on training click here.
•      Flea & Worm Treatment- In New Zealand there is very few times of the year that you won’t see fleas. If you live in the upper north island that goes down to never. All pets need to be flea treated with a high-quality flea treatment. For information on what product to use and how often to flea and worm your puppy click here.
•      Food & Water Bowls- Always have separate water and food bowls for your puppy and ensure they are easy to clean. Does your puppy have a short muzzle or long ears? They might benefit from a bowl that is specific to their breed.
•      Place Mats- Puppies can be messy. Having a latex mat for under their food bowl can help hold it in place and keep any spills from ending up all over your floor.
•      Puppy Collar and Lead- Getting your puppy used to a collar from the beginning is very important. When puppies are young they are better at adapting and you will save yourself a lot a fuss later on if you start now.
•      Crates and Pens- Crate training is one of the most proven methods for toilet training your puppy. By creating a safe space for your puppy, you are ensuring they always have an area that will make them feel safe, even when you are not home. For more information on crate training click here.
•      Bedding- When puppies are very young they can make a lot of mess. Until they are toilet trained get them a few easy to clean soft blankets and rotate them through. Once your puppy is toilet trained and you have worked on chewing, move on to a big plush bed.
•      Toys– Rope, rubber and soft toy- Puppies need toys to tug on, cuddle with, chew on and to help with teething. Rubber toys like puppy Kongs that can be frozen or filled with treats like peanut butter or cooked pumpkin can keep your puppy entertained and help them with the pain from teething. Always watch your puppy when you first give them a new toy. Some puppies will pull toys apart and eat the insides. Some with poke them to make them speak, some will just carry them around. Until you know how your puppy will behave, make sure you keep a close eye.
•      Poo Bags & Holder- If there is one thing you can be sure of it’s that you are going to need poo bags. Most owners will go through hundreds of these in a life time, so get yourself sorted early. Make sure the bags you get are big enough. Depending on the breed of dog and the diet they are on, their deposits can vary greatly in size. Having a holder attached to your lead is the best way to ensure you are never caught short when out walking.
•      Cleaning Supplies- While learning, puppies can make mistakes. Make sure these messes are cleaned well. A good quality stain and odour remover is very important to have on hand.
•      Grooming Brush - Get your puppy used to being groomed when they are young. Make it a fun experience with treats and praise. For more information on grooming your puppy click here.
•      Toothbrush & Toothpaste- Brushing your puppy's teeth will save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Getting into a good routine with tooth brushing early on will make everything easier. Dogs should have their teeth brushed once a day 4-7 days per week and a special dog tooth paste should be used. Never use human tooth paste. For more information to help you get started click here.
•      Nail Clippers- Being able to clip your puppy's nails on your own at home is a very valuable skill. For more information on how to do this successfully and stress free click here.
•      Heat Pad- If you get your puppy in winter make sure they are kept warm, a heating pad or a Snugglesafe is perfect for this. Always ensure your puppy can get away from the heat if they find themselves too hot.
•      Cooling Pad – If you get your puppy in summer make sure they are kept cool. Frozen toys, chews and pools are great, but a cooling pad can be used anywhere and at any time with no need to keep them in the freezer or fridge.
•      Puppy Shampoo- Puppy shampoo is a lot gentler than adult dog shampoo. The soft puppy coat has different needs to an adult coat so make sure you choose a gentle puppy shampoo.
•      Puppy Pads- Puppy pads can be useful for when you first bring your puppy home. For information on toilet training click here.
•      Car harness or attachment- Car safety is as important for your puppy as it is for you. Puppies should always be secured in a crate or with a car harness or attachment when they are in the car. If you were to get into an accident, your puppy could hurt themselves or you if they are not secured in the car.
•       Vaccinations- Your puppy will get vaccinations starting at 6 or 8 weeks of age. They will require booster vaccinations every 3-4 weeks until they are at least 16 weeks of age. Click here to read about keeping your puppy fully vaccinated.