5 Things to do before Getting a New Puppy

Ahhh getting a new puppy. The best, most exciting thought ever! Sometimes we get so excited about actually getting the puppy, we forget to plan everything that needs to happen BEFORE the puppy comes home. Here is everything I have done in the past.

A golden lab panting while looking into the distance

1. Get Your Plan Sorted Out!

Usually, when you get a puppy it means that you will have to travel to get him! We personally drove 3.5 hours and his breeder drove 3.5 hours!

Essential planning for the day you get your pup -

clean out your car and chose how he is going to travel! We had a crate in the back seats of my car but we didn't even end up using it! He quite happily sat in the footwell of the car the whole journey back!
The Address that you need to drive to!
How long it will take you with and without traffic!

2. Puppy-Proof your house!

This is one of the most important things to do! You will have to make sure there isn't everything that could fall on your pup, nothing that they can chew and if you have carpeted floors then you may want to think about getting wooden floor instead! We have ripped up my old carpet and now have wooden floorboards that are painted grey!

3. How to schedule your puppy's life!

Getting your puppy into a schedule is really important for a lot of reasons! Getting food, water and out to the toilet at the same time is the secret to less (if any) accidents! It can also make the puppy more confident and relaxed!

A puppy crate with lots of dog toys inside and a mat bed

You will need to think about toilet breaks, crate time (I personally wouldn't put my dog in a crate for more than an hour at a time and only around 2-3 times a day), feed times and play times.

4. Buying A Supply Of Toys, Blankets And Puppy Pads!

So we have gone to pets at home a few times to pick up things for my guinea pigs and go a little crazy with new things for all of my other animals.

So I have put a list together for the items that I think you need for a new puppy!

1. A crate

I think crate training while your puppy is small and learning house training. You also need a crate when you are taking your pup home as sometimes puppies can get car sick.

2. Puppy toys

Puppies chew A LOT so I think its quite important to buy toys that your puppy can chew!

3. Collar and Lead

There is nothing better than getting a tiny collar to fit your new puppy (well there probably is). Remember that your puppy is going to grow a lot so you will have to buy another one in what feels like no time at all.

4. Bed or a Blanket

Now for puppies, I definitely prefer blankets as they are easy to wash in case of accidents! The one I got this time is called VetBed! Thing blanket controls bacteria, mould, fungi and a lot more! It also is great for accidents as it is designed to drain and keep your puppy dry and warm!

5. Puppy pads and cleaning supplies

This is an obvious one! Puppies have accidents and make a mess very often for the first few weeks! Cleaning supply's, puppy pads and poo bags are essentials for the puppy!

A bag of training puppy pads and a packet of dog poo bags

5. Check your Current Animal's Health!

It is SO important to make sure your current animals are happy, healthy and not got any undetected illnesses that they could give the puppy!

I started by making sure all of my animals were up to date with health checks and vaccines. I then made sure they were worm free and free of any flees.

*Disclaimer*

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips. Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

The Rider's Pets