Preparing for puppy

Adopting a puppy or dog is similar to having a baby, you need to think ahead and plan. Please take vet and dog trainers advice on any concerns. All views expressed on this page are simply based on our personal experience and the page is not intended as comprehehsive guidance. Here are just a few of the considerations;

Sleeping arrangements

Read our page on crates and decide whether you are going to crate-training. You need to decide where to place it and measure your space taking into account the size of the dog as well obviously. Often families place the crate in an utility room or hallway etc, or another popular place is under the stairs if openplan. Some people opt to take the crate upstairs at first - if you do this, set a date or trigger event (e.g. when pup sleeps through without waking) which will result in the crate coming back downstairs else they'll be up there forever. Dogs really shouldn't sleep on the bed. My dog when I was younger slept IN the bed next to me and hogged my pillow, so I know the problems this situation can create in the long-run with children, partners etc. It is also really bad for hairs in the carpet/bedding etc if this is a concern for you - surfaces tend to be more practicable for cleaning downstairs. Also in terms of dog rules, sleeping position means a lot to a dog - it symbolises their position in your "pack".

On the first night it is best if the family have agreed a night-plan. Pup may cry and wander around house if not confined - this is upsetting for everyone and may be VERY messy when you come down in the morning. Decide as a fmaily how you are going to cope with the first few nights and be consistent. If you against crate training then consider the type of bed you are going to use and avoid chewable materials (wicker etc). Also remove anything which could harm the pup - get down to puppy level and look around - live plug leads, choking hazards and chemicals etc.

Stairs

Travelling up, and particularly down, the stairs is not good for their hips for the first 12 months. Try and carry them if they sleep upstairs. Consider how you are going to stop the pup running up and down the stairs until they understand the house rules - a stairgate usually works. A couple of stairs in the house arent a major concern just keep an eye on them to ensure they dont unecesarily hurt their hips.

Vets

Ask around and find a good vet. Consider things like location, costs, parking, opening hours and whether they have their own emergency service for out of hours. Many practices out-source emergencies to a central point which may or may not suit you. There are practices with evening surgeries and even all day saturday and sunday at no extra cost. They often offer a free health -check when you have a new puppy. Also often the vet nurse's services like weighing, diet advice, worm, flea advice etc are free as well.

Socialisation and obedience classes

The good classes often have a waiting list so do your research in advance. Puppy get-togethers at vets surgeries are becoming popular - you might find class recommendations there if you haven't any doggy friends yet. Read as many puppy training books as you can find - order some from the library or from amazon.

Grooming

If you are waiting for a wool/fleece coat then start researching local dog-groomers to find one which is doodle - friendly, or starting reading dog grooming books/DVDs if you are going to DIY. Equipment is reviewed on this site.

Car travel

How you intending to transport the pup home? A passenger can cuddle pup on their lap for the initial journey home but you will need a long-term solution. It is better for you and the pup to have a crate, harness or guard in the car.

You will also need a towels (and spares!) or similar to wrap pup in. Consider making a poncho to protect you and pup by folding a small towel/tea-towel in half then cutting semi circle out of middle to place over pups head so they wear it home. Bring something to clean pup if vomit/dribble/accident. Plastic bags, spray cleaner and wipes are handy. Newspaper will be useful to place on ground if intending to stop at services and let pup have a wee – remember pup can't touch ground. Nappy bags/ pooper scooper bags are handy as well if not used to carrying these in car.

Accessories

Bowls, toys, collar/lead, ID tag, food, clippers, brushes etc - look at our tried and tested products page

Newspaper/puppy pads

Its worth saving newspapers or buying puppy “training pads” as you'll need quite a few for the first month. The commercial pads do not really speed up the procedure since that really depends on how much effort you put in,not what you buy. However the commercial pads make it easier to clean up the mess as they are plastic backed.

Garden

The garden will need to be secure and steps taken to minimise risk to pup if you are going to allow them outside. We dont allow pups to go into garden at all until 2 weeks after vaccinations are complete as a precaution.

There is a risk involved if you've been visited by other dogs, foxes or rodents. Parvo is usually fatal if contracted and the puppy is not protected until 2 weeks after second injection. See our page on vaccinations and the risks of parvo. If your garden is too big to entirely fence then consider a confined patio area or run, alternatively some families opt for an invisible electric fence with collar but I have never tried this method of fencing, so I cannot comment on whether it works or not.

If you want to clean your patio there are parvo disinfectants available.

Children

Set the dog rules about tail pulling, quiet time etc. There are age-appropriate books available for children on dog-owning.

Toothpaste/toothbrush

Weekly teeth cleaning helps dental hygiene in later years. Use dog toothpaste not human toothpaste! We recommend the finger toothbrushes at first - see our page on teeth cleaning.

Nail Trimmers

Pups nails will be clipped before going home but its worth getting doggy nail clippers ready. We have a page on nails.