1. Basic Supplies

Before your puppy arrives, make sure you have the following essentials:

• Collar and Leash: A properly fitted collar with an ID tag containing your contact information is crucial. A sturdy leash is also necessary for walks and training.
• Food and Water Bowls: Choose stainless steel or ceramic bowls for durability and hygiene. Make sure they are easy to clean and the right size for your puppy to be able to drink from.
• High-Quality Puppy Food: Consult your breeder or veterinarian to select the best food for your puppy's breed, size, and age. It's important to provide balanced nutrition to support their growth and development. It's also super important to ensure your puppies transition to food, particularly in the first few days in their new home, is a smooth one. You can read more about this in our blog post here.
• Crate: A crate serves as a safe space for your puppy and aids with house training. Choose one that's appropriately sized, allowing your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• Bedding: Provide a soft and comfortable bed for your puppy to rest on. Avoid materials that are easily chewed or swallowed.
• Toys: Puppies love to chew and play. Stock up on a variety of toys, including chew toys, interactive toys, and plush toys, to keep them entertained and help with teething.

Note: If taking home a Lifetime Pets puppy, you will be provided with some toys, a soft travel crate and a bed. These items will be full of familiar smells to further help ease their transition into their new home. You will also receive a small bag of the food that your pup has been eating and is therefore accustomed to.

2. Health and Grooming

• Veterinarian Visit: Schedule a vet appointment shortly after bringing your puppy home, not only to check up on their health but it's also a good idea to expose them to their regular vet early and regularly. Depending on their age, most puppies will likely be due for a scheduled vaccination around the time of coming home anyway.
• Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention: Discuss preventive treatments with your breeder or vet to protect your puppy from parasites.
• Grooming Supplies: Depending on your puppy's coat type, you'll need brushes, combs, shampoo, nail clippers, and ear cleaning solutions. Regular grooming helps maintain their coat and overall health.

3. Training Essentials

• Training Pads: House training is a top priority. Training pads can be helpful during the initial stages.
• Treats: Use small, tasty treats as rewards during training sessions. They are a great way to reinforce good behavior.
• Training Books or Classes: Consider investing in a good training book or enrolling in a puppy training class. Positive reinforcement methods are highly effective and help build a strong bond with your puppy. Most local councils can provide details of puppy training classes, and some even do early puppy pre school to help aid with socialisation.

4. Safety and Comfort

• Puppy-Proofing: Puppies are curious and love to explore. Puppy-proof your home by removing hazards such as electrical cords, toxic plants, and small objects that could be swallowed.
• Baby Gates: While your pup is still tiny, you can use baby gates to restrict access to certain areas of your home and keep your them safe. Alternatively you could use a small enclosure, both are readily available and affordable from stores like Bunnings and Kmart.

5. Love and Patience

Above all, shower your new puppy with love and patience. The first few weeks can be challenging as they adjust to their new environment, but with consistency and care, your puppy will soon feel right at home.

‍

By preparing with this comprehensive checklist, you'll be well-equipped to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your new furry family member. Enjoy the adventure and cherish every moment with your puppy!

‍