Bringing a Puppy Home Safe Places to Play and Sleep Dog crates and playpens offer pups a secure space to rest and play. “Puppies need places where they can be safely confined until they learn their house manners, which may not be for more than a year,” Plus, it’s easier to keep your new puppy from chewing and peeing inappropriately. A common misconception is that these secure places must be large to be effective, but “your pup’s crate only needs to be big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around,” Davis says. “You can usually purchase a crate big enough to accommodate your pup’s adult size and use the provided dividers to reduce its interior size to make it more pup-appropriate.”. “Exercise pens are bigger, similar to playpens for kids, and give your pup a place to play and run around safely while you’re busy doing other things,” 2. A Supply of Healthy Food and Treats Choosing the right dog food shouldn’t be a decision made at the supermarket on the way home with your new puppy,. “Dog nutrition is at least as complex as human nutrition, and the spectrum of choices is huge,” “I advise folks to buy the highest quality food you can afford, which will contribute so much to helping your pup grow well and strong.” we recommend Pro Plan Performance 30/20 chicken all life stages Since quality and price do not always equate, be sure to ask your veterinarian for recommendations. we advise Southernwind families to avoid underfeeding puppies as they usually need at least three meals a day. “Puppies should eat when they are hungry and until satisfied,”..Southernwind 3. A Sturdy Collar and Leash Southernwind, recommends that you choose a collar and leash sized appropriately for the breed and age of your pup. An adjustable dog collar is best at this stage since your puppy will grow quickly. Remember to regularly examine the collar for condition and fit. You should be able to slip two fingers underneath the collar but not so loose that it can slip over a puppy’s head, Southernwind Recommends As with the collar, Southernwind recommends choosing a leash that complements your pup’s size. , rope leads are strong and comfortable on your hands, and traditional leather leads must be oiled or saddle soaped to be kept clean and supple. Pay attention to the catch or clip for wear and tear,. 4. ID Tags The ability to identify your puppy is a must, so an easy-to-read identification tag with your puppy’s name, your family name and your contact information is crucial. Don’t be fooled into thinking your dog doesn’t need identification because he’s an “indoor dog;” if your dog gets lost accidentally, you want a speedy reunion and ID tags help. ID tagging is an effective method for potentially decreasing the chances that stray dogs will end up in a shelter and instead make their way home. 5. Food and Water Bowls “Basic equipment like food and water bowls are all necessities from the get-go,” . Non-slip bowls minimize spills and some veterinarians recommend an elevated dog bowl to give your puppy more comfort when eating. Stainless steel and stoneware or ceramic dog bowls are good choices because these dog bowls are easy to clean, dishwasher safe and easily can be sanitized. 6. Play Toys and Chew Toys Puppies are intelligent and curious. Although they sleep a lot, when they’re awake, it’s time to explore and investigate. To keep your pup mentally stimulated, provide him with a variety of dog toys that incorporate all kinds of textures, sounds and shapes. “These early interactions and experiences can make all the difference in getting your pup off to a great start,” Since puppies start chewing right after weaning, which intensifies during teething time, dog chew toys are a must. “Chewing may continue throughout a dog’s life, so [get] your pup to appreciate appropriate chew things early,” Southernwind recommends puppy-sized toys by KONG—especially the hollow ones so you can smear a dab of cheese or peanut butter inside—bully sticks and frozen carrots. Check out these articles to find the best KONG for your dog and to know more about what bully sticks are and if they’re safe for puppies. 7. Comfort Toys It’s common for new puppies to struggle the first few nights in a new home. On top of being in a new environment, they might be missing their siblings. It can be a difficult transition, “Comfort toys, like [Smart Pet Love’s] Snuggle Puppy, usually contain an electronic device that simulates the sound and feel of a heartbeat,” “as well as a small heat pack that provides a source of warming that mimics the closeness of the littermates he’s left behind.” Other comfort items include a Snuggle Safe microwave heat pad and dog plush toys. 8. Toy Box Maintain order and reduce dog-toy clutter with a large and shallow dog toy storage bin, “Your puppy should have easy access to toys and the bin in an obvious location, especially where people hang out with the puppy,” she says. “This prevents the puppy from chewing on unwanted items and directs him to chewing on his toys only.” 9. Patience and a Plan While your puppy might seem subdued and mellow for the first few days, your puppy’s true personality will show soon. “Puppies are full of energy and can be quite a handful,” “They play-bite, chew and will pee in the house until they are house-trained. Realize that some of it is development and some behaviors, such as attacking your legs and chewing on your hands, will decrease—if you handle it humanely and correctly.” That’s why every new puppy parent needs a training plan. “Whether you work with a trainer or not—andSouthernwind absolutely recommend to talk to us about our Puppy Kindergarden training—your pup is an intelligent and inquisitive creature who will need a steady stream of mental stimulation throughout his life,” . “Part of this can be satisfied by toys and play, but nothing beats learning new things, having interesting new experiences and having puzzles to solve. Remember, if you don’t give the dog something to think about, he’ll certainly think up something on his own.” Southernwind Puppy Kindergarden trainers offer classes for prospective dog parents that go over training and gear essentials. Seriously consider attending one of these classes before bringing home a new puppy. “If done right, there’s no puppy in attendance because you’ve chosen to spend the time getting ready for your new arrival, instead of worrying about it after the fact,” What can you expect to learn from these preparation classes? Participants usually learn how to plan for the arrival of your new canine companion properly, as well as how to set the stage for a great beginning to your new life together, at Southernwind we offer the best of advice and preparation for the arrival of the new Family Member, ask about our Support preparation Plan!