When preparing for a new puppy, you’ll need to gather puppy supplies and puppy proof your home and determine what your house rules will be.
It’s important to do this BEFORE your new pup arrives, so that the transition will be smooth, and you won’t have to run to the store for puppy supplies that you’ll need.
The list isn’t long, and having these things on hand when your new kid arrives, will help him to be comfortable and it will make your life a lot easier…
make a comfortable transition to your home.
What You Need Before You Bring Your Puppy Home
While this list will include the absolute necessities, you may think of other puppy supplies that you’d like to have on hand:
- Puppy Food - Find out what food your puppy has been eating at the breeder’s or the rescue shelter, and buy a bag of the same kind of food. You can switch his food later to another brand or type, but you should start him on the dog food that he’s been eating. Switching foods should be done gradually, not all at once.
- 2 Puppy Bowls - You’ll need a bowl for food and a bowl for water. They don’t have to be fancy, but they should belong just to your puppy. Make sure that your dog’s bowls are not tippy. While you’re at it, consider buying a mat to go under your dog’s bowls. Dogs can get pretty sloppy when eating and drinking, and a mat will help keep your flooring nice.
- Safe Puppy Chew Toys - You only need to have one or two toys for your new puppy, but you should have something that he he is allowed to chew on—and that is safe for him.
- Puppy Collar and Leash - Purchase a soft nylon or cotton collar. You’ll need to work on getting your puppy used to wearing a collar right away. Puppies can wander away, and you definitely don’t want to lose her! Make sure you get the right size. You’ll have to measure her neck to do this. In addition, you should have a leash, so that you can keep your new puppy safe when outdoors with you.
- Crate for Small Dogs - Your new puppy needs a place to sleep and a place to feel safe. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but you need to have this before your puppy arrives. Trying to do without it, will result in accidents on your carpet and floor—and a lot of frustration!
- Dog Brush and Comb - Bichon Frises need to be groomed daily, even though they are still puppies. At the least, you’ll need a brush and comb. A dematting tool is helpful, as well.
- Washable Blanket - This will help your puppy feel comfortable and loved.
- Box Lined with Newspaper - you can use this to transport your puppy home in the car. It’s the safest way to have him travel, and he should be comfortable in the box, as well.
Preparing for a new puppy is not a major undertaking, but it is important that you get organized and get your puppy supplies before you actually go to get your new puppy.
Doing so, will help you be ready, and your puppy’s acclimation to his new home will be sooo much easier if you are prepared!
