Puppy Preparation: Essential Checklist & Tips

The appearance of a puppy in the house is always an important and joyful event for every family. But at the same time, this is a very important step. You need to prepare before you decide to have a puppy.

Our puppy shopping list will help you prepare for the arrival of your pet and make the adaptation period comfortable for everyone.

How to prepare for a puppy?

Before you decide to have a puppy, you need to weigh everything and think carefully about the key points:

1. Monthly budget. Before purchasing a puppy, make a preliminary estimate and write down all the possible costs associated with purchasing a puppy. Make sure you can afford to provide all of the puppy's needs. Some dog breeds can be very whimsical in keeping, therefore, they require significant monthly expenses. You need to consider food, hygiene products, all visits to the vet, dog handler, vitamins, toys, garbage bags, and much more.
2. Lifestyle. You must understand that any puppy takes time. At a young age, they need company, diet, and constant training. If you work full time, make sure you have someone to feed and walk your pet during the day. If you love travel or are rarely at home, you may not be able to properly care for your puppy. This can affect his behavior and life expectancy.
3. Housing. The size of the dog should be commensurate with the extent of your house. Large breeds of dogs will find it difficult to get along in a small one-room apartment since the dog needs space to play, sleep, and train. For city apartments, it is better to choose small or medium-sized dog breeds.
4. Veterinarians. Find out in advance where there are good veterinary clinics near your home. Since the puppy will often have to be taken for vaccinations and examinations, choosing a clinic within walking distance is better. Please note that the clinics have a home visit service in case of emergencies.
5. Learn all about the breed. Before you get a puppy, learn all about the dog's breed, its behavior, possible diseases, and the nuances of grooming. It is also essential to choose the right nursery. We advise you to take puppies with a good pedigree and correct development to avoid unwanted diseases.

Shopping list for a new puppy

If you don't know what to buy for a puppy before he gets to your house, we have prepared a shopping checklist:

1. Aviary. Home training is an essential part of raising a puppy. They require patience and dedication. Aviary training makes your pet feel safe and also helps to avoid accidents on the carpet and chewed shoes and other items. Try to get your puppy into the enclosure whenever you cannot observe him, including when you are not home and during sleep. Consult a dog handler to help your puppy get used to the enclosure faster.
2. Dog bed. Although the puppy can sleep in the enclosure at night, it is unnecessary to buy him a dog bed, so he knows where his corner is. When choosing the right mattress, make sure it is suitable for the breed and size of your dog. The bed must be made of a durable material that the dog cannot break during the period of cutting teeth.
3. Bowls for water and food. Your puppy should have unique bowls for food and water. And, if you put a bowl of food on schedule, then there should always be freshwater. Choose good, stable bowls with a rubberized bottom to prevent the puppy from pushing them. In this case, the pet will be comfortable eating. If you notice your puppy is eating too fast, consider a slow feeding bowl that will control the pace of the meal.

1. Puppy food. Puppies need a balanced diet to grow into healthy adult dogs. To avoid an upset puppy's stomach, eat the same diet that your puppy grew up on. Take your puppy to the vet so he can find the best nutritional options for your breed. Ask your veterinarian to select several interchangeable brands and types of food, and also find out how the food needs to be changed over time.
2. Treats. Treats for puppies play an essential role in your pet's training process. Choose soft, chewy treats that are low in fat and calories. Remember that treats are necessary for developing healthy habits during training. However, they should not make up more than 10% of your puppy's total diet.
3. Collar and leash. Walking your puppy is a significant integral part of your pet's socialization. For the walk to be comfortable for the puppy, you should choose a comfortable collar and leash. We recommend choosing a collar with an adjustable volume and a capsule, where you can hide your puppy's click tag and your phone number in case the pet gets lost. We also recommend buying a roulette leash. He will not interfere with the dog's play.
4. Toys. To shorten the process of adopting a puppy to a new home, we recommend buying a plush toy and rubbing it on the puppy's mother and brood. The toy will absorb the smell and help it survive the separation process more quickly. Also, have toys with different textures for your teeth, which will make the process of changing teeth easier.

1. Diapers. You will need a dog diaper in the early stages while you train your puppy to walk. If you are choosing a small breed dog, you can use a diaper to toilet train.
2. Walking bags. It is imperative to be a responsible dog owner and to clean up your animals on the streets. To do this, you should buy special packages. Let's take care not only of our pets but also of those around us.
3. Comb for wool. You need to be prepared because of the appearance of animals in your house. The thread will appear in the corners. Any dog ​​should be well-combed, even short-haired breeds. Get a special wool comb that matches your breed. Do not use a regular hairbrush. It will not work for the animal, and you can only hurt.
4. Special shampoo. You will have to bathe your dog if you want to avoid unpleasant odors and dirt in your home. Use special dog shampoos and gels. Never use regular human shampoo. It is not suitable for animals.
5. Nail clipper. If you want to keep your furniture, then it is worth stocking up with a nail clipper. Trim your puppy's nails as they grow about 1-2 times a month.
6. Cleaning products. Puppies are usually not potty trained, so new parents should be aware of accidents. Look for an enzymatic cleaner to help remove urine stains and use pet-safe cleaners. Be prepared for dog hair loss and appearance in your home. You will probably need a powerful vacuum cleaner.
7. Terry towel. Get a separate towel for your puppy. Use it after bathing and washing your paws.
8. First aid kit for a dog: sticks for cleaning ears, cotton sponges, adhesive plaster, bandages, hydrogen peroxide, miramistin, synthomycin, antihelminthic drug, oilcloth, enemas, pipette and tweezers, chamomile, petroleum jelly, healing ointment, potassium permanganate, activated carbon, sangelavegil.

To buy everything you need and not forget anything, use the Costless Puppy Shopping List. Use the app to edit the list and find the best deals.

What to do before bringing a puppy home?

After you have bought your puppy's supplies, prepare your home for the arrival of a new family member. Use our notes to get everything ready for your pet's arrival:

1. Set aside a separate space in the aviary room. Make sure you place it in a quiet place where the puppy will not be disturbed or disturbed by sleep. Place a dog bed, blankets, and toys in the enclosure to keep your puppy warm and comfortable.
2. Set aside a separate area for the bowls. Best placed in a corner in the kitchen. Also, set aside a particular storage area for the dog food where the puppy cannot reach.
3. If you have places in your house where you do not want to let your pet in, put up child gates. Set clear boundaries for your puppy from day one.
4. Make sure anything harmful to your puppy is stored securely out of reach (such as cleaning supplies, cables, shoes, and anything that can be chewed).
5. Find a good veterinarian and talk to him about nutrition, regimen, bathing, and vaccinations. You must follow all regulations and get vaccinated on time to keep your dog healthy.
6. Find a good dog handler and take a consultation. Dogs need to be trained and educated. And it is crucial to start doing this from the very beginning and follow the training regimen at home. If possible, register your puppy with a dog handler.