Important Puppy Owner Checklist

There’s so much to consider before bringing home a puppy, and I’m glad to share this list with you. So, before you bring home your new puppy go over this important puppy owner checklist to see what’s needed to keep your puppy strong and healthy.

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Important Puppy Owner Checklist

Our Jett may not look like a puppy, but I guarantee he still is. He’s our 2nd Lab to own, and he is quite larger than our first. We thought long and hard about getting another Lab puppy, but so glad we did. They make such wonderful companions.

It’s always important to follow protocol when buying a new puppy. Every puppy is different, but this checklist remains the same.

Important Puppy Owner Checklist

According to AKC (American Kennel Club), this checklist is important to get your puppy off to a great start. Whether or not you buy a puppy from a breeder or adopt one, this checklist applies to all new puppies.

For Puppy’s Health:

• Vaccinations
• Worming
• Heartworm Prevention
• Flea Prevention
• Weight
• Ears
• Teeth
• Exercise
• Breed-specific Health Concerns

Puppy Food:

• Brand of puppy food
• Type: chicken, beef, grain-free, gluten-free, etc
• Serving size and X per day

Puppy’s First Vet Appointment:

• Veterinarian Recommendation
• Cost of first visits (this can add up)
• Spay/Neuter

Puppy Supplies:

• Leashes
• Crate or pee pads
• Bed
• Toys

Grooming Your Puppy:

• Tools
• Nail Care
• Groomer Recommendation or at-home grooming

Training Your Puppy:

• Puppy’s first night at home
• Housebreaking – Crate training or paper training
• Leash Breaking
• Chewing
• Jumping
• Are there any other dogs in the house?
• Kids
• Traveling
• Puppy Training Classes

Safety and Puppy:

• Electrical Cords
• Poisonous Plants
• Table Scraps
• Dangerous Foods
• Fence (holes in the fence, etc)

Other:

1. Breeder Contact Information
2. AKC Registration Application

Here’s where it all starts – read over my New Puppy Handbook – you’ll also find more links to puppy news!

If you can think of anything else that a new puppy would need to know, please let me know in a comment.