PREPARING FOR YOUR PUPPY

There are a few things to get in when preparing for your new puppy. it is easy to go a bit mad down at the local pet store but if you don't want to spend a fortune, stick to the basics and add things as and when needed. Things to definitely think of getting are -
Crate.
Some are a bit unsure about using a crate, but don't be. These are not punishment items, but a safe and cosy environment that your dog will love as its den. You can buy reasonably priced ones online. Look for ones that will allow your pup to stretch out fully and which will last as it grows - a 3ft (91cm) one is a good starting point.
Bedding.
Your puppy is going to chew things initially - any things !! so you can save yourself a bit of money initially by not getting expensive beds unless you are willing and happy to see the stuffing ripped out of it on a daily basis.
Vetbed is a good alternative and easy to access in a lot of pet shops or online.
A good temporary measure often used is the cardboard box. A decent sized cardboard box, with a side cut down for access, and lined with snuggly blanket or vet bed can also make a great starter bed for a little pup - and has the added advantage that when your pup chews it there isn't the danger of foam stuffing being swallowed.
Puppy Pads
Love them or hate them ..... depends on who you talk to. Some think they are the best thing since sliced bread, others say they delay proper housetraining. Try them if you want and make your own mind up. Put one near a door and encourage your pup to go to the toilet on it, and gradually move the pad nearer to where you eventually want it to go to the toilet.
Puppy Pack
Your breeder may be giving you a puppy pack with various items in it so have a word with them before buying the other essentials like bowls, soft puppy brush, puppy collar and lead but if you are not being given these they are readily available at your local pet store. Puppy packs can contain things such as -
Birth Certificate detailing names of parents, Grandparents
Microchip details
Vaccination certificate
Limited Pet Insurance
Puppy collar and lead
Blanket with scent of Mum and siblings on
Puppy food
Bowls
Food
Your breeder will probably give you a supply of the food your puppy has been weaned onto, and it is best to keep it on that for a while. Your puppy is going through a big change in its life and a change in diet could upset their tummy.
Read the information on our Diet page for information on how to make any changes.
Toys
Yayy!! Fun Stuff!! Your pup is going to be full of inquisitive fun so toys are going to be a great way to keep him entertained. Anything will be a source of endless entertainment for it - from the cardboard inside of a toilet roll to an expensive stuffed toy from your local pet store. Puppies do rip and shred things so don't expect toys to last for ever, or even past a few days on some occasions but a variety of toys is a good idea to keep puppy entertained and helps protect your furniture from those pesky puppy teeth.
It is amazing the amount of things a pup has to learn in the first few weeks with you, and your pup will have you as its teacher.
You will find information on all of these on the following pages.
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