New Puppy Checklist

Please think long and hard before you take on a puppy

It should be a life time commitment but sadly many dogs (not all) end up in rescue dogs, due to owners not being able to cope with their new companion either because they cannot give their pet the mental and physical stimulation it requires or because they haven’t bothered to get the puppy/dog socialised and trained with good manners and the dog becomes a handful and starts to think it’s king of the household.

Basket/bed, bedding and spare covers

Puppy harness, collar and lead

Possible dog training crate

Outside kennel if you are going to keep your dog outside

Child gate (helps to restrict puppies access to parts of your house)

Also need a secure fenced garden for the safety of your dog

 

Dog guard for the car, or

A dog travel harness, or

Car crate/cage

 

Food

Feeding and water bowls

Chews (always supervise when you give chews to your companion)

Poo bags

Newspaper

 

Have a selection of toys suitable for the age, breed and size of dog (supervise playtimes).

Training treats (check they are suitable for puppies as some are not suitable until puppies reach 6 to 12 months).

 

Grooming tools

Towels

Claw clippers

 

A book on general puppy/dog ownership

 

Find a good training club or school and go and watch first before paying out any money

Pet insurance

 

Find a vet in your area and maybe go and meet them beforehand to see if you like them and to see what services they offer

Name tag with owner name and telephone numbers