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
Related >>>> New Puppy Essentials Preparing for A Puppy(Opens in a new browser tab)
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
Related >>>> First 5 Commands to Teach Your Puppy(Opens in a new browser tab)
Safety and Puppy:
- Electrical Cords
- Poisonous Plants
- Table Scraps
- Dangerous Foods
- Fence (holes in the fence, etc)
Other:
- Breeder Contact Information
- 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.
Well, first and foremost, that’s a puppy thing. Our Lab is two years old and is still doing that. Dogs love that stuffing. We had a dog that was in his teens and he would chew and chew until he got that squeaker out, then he wouldn’t have anything to do with that toy. You just gotta love them!!
Our male, neutered chihuahua has a healthy appetite, and we feed one packet a day of dog food, free choice dry food, & an occasional treat. He, however, chews blankets, pillows, and anything with stuffing in it. How can we teach him not to chew things?