Puppy Pointers:
Puppy Prep Kit

Puppy Pointer:
Puppy Prep Kit

Getting a new puppy is a great reason to go shopping. Below is a list of supplies you will need to have on hand and ready to use before puppy comes home with you.

* Books about breed information, home-medical reference for dogs, puppy care and training, dog behavior.
* Food , food and water bowls (two sets), food storage containers.

* Crate, crate padding or bed -- possibly use old blankets or towels.
* Toys, chew toys.
* Puppy collar and leash, identification tag.

* Healthy, bite-sized treats for training and rewards.
* Baby gate; possibly an exercise pen.
* Sweater if the puppy is a short-haired or hairless breed and the weather is cold.

* Cleaners, disinfectants, odor neutralizer, air freshener, carpet cleaner; consider getting a hand-held spot cleaning machine.
* Pooper -scooper tools, large outdoor garbage bags, old newspapers.
* Paper towels, small indoor garbage bags.

* Puppy-resistant, indoor trash cans
* Grooming equipment, such as comb or brush suited for puppies fur type; towels for drying puppy if he gets wet outdoors.
* A box or container for storing puppy's toys or supplies when not in use.

When you travel to pick up your puppy, or even when transporting him to and from the vet's, it's a good idea to carry a bag of dog-related supplies with you. These could include:

* Water, water bowl, light snack (healthy treats or small serving of his regular food).
* Paper towels, carpet cleaner, sandwich bags (for solid messes), plastic bags for disposing of soiled towels or pooper scooper bags, waterless shampoo (rinse-free) for emergency cleanup if puppy gets carsick and vomits on himself, air freshener spray.

* Identification papers and tag; health and shot records if crossing state or country borders.
* Extra leash and puppy collar.
* Blanket and chew toy for crate.

When planning your trip, pick routes that aren't too winding, hilly or bumpy and which could cause puppy to get carsick. For safety, transport the puppy in a portable crate. Place the crate where it will not slide or fall while the vehicle is in motion. Allow time for potty stops for pup. When you let him out of the car, have him securely on a leash and exercise him in an area away from traffic. Don't leave puppy alone in the car, where he could become overheated, chilled or afraid.

Positively Puppy: Main Article
First Week Firsts
First Vet Visit Forges Healthy Life
Puppy Prep Kit
Introducing....Kids and Puppy
Puppy Proof Your Home
Ain't Misbehaving