NEW PUPPY CHECKLIST
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Congratulations on your new puppy! Puppy ownership can be overwhelming for even experienced dog owners. Rather than buy everything sold at the pet store, here is a list to help you narrow down the essentials to get you started. Costs generally vary depending on the size of your puppy. |
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Estimated Cost |
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| 1. Crate | Crate training is a humane way to keep your puppy out of trouble and also gives him a safe place to go if he feels anxious. Information on crates and crate training. We recommend the Vari Kennel style, which is easy to clean and more resistent to puppy teeth. |
$30.00 - $100.00 |
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| 2. Baby Gate | Chewing and housebreaking training requires management first. Baby gates, which come in varying heights and styles, help control your puppy's access to places in the house where he can get into trouble when unsupervised. We recommend purchasing at least two of these essential tools. | $20.00 - $40.00 |
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| 3. Puppy Pen | Like a playpen, puppy pens give your puppy room to move around, while keeping him out of trouble when unsupervised. They also make great areas for 'timeouts' when your puppy is getting into too much trouble. | $40.00 - $80.00 |
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| 4. Bed | Your puppy will go through several beds as he grows, so it is probably not wise to invest in anything super cute or expensive the first time. Dog Tired Flat Mats are inexpensive and can withstand a good amount of puppy teething. | $7.00 - $40.00 |
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| 5. Collar | Like beds, your puppy is going to go through several collars before he is grown. Look for nylon collars that fit comfortably, but snugly enough that they don't slip over your puppy's head. Avoid choke chains and prong collars, as these can get caught during play and pose a serious risk. Make sure you keep tags on your puppy at all times, in case he gets lost! | $5.00 - $10.00 |
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| 6. KONG! | Puppy owners who wish to maintain their sanity learn that the Kong is their friend. These hollow toys are great for stuffing meals and treats and can keep your puppy entertained for hours. Buy more than one, to always have one stuffed and ready! | $5.00 - $12.00 |
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| 7. Toys | Toys of varying textures will also help keep your puppy's aching teeth busy. Bones, balls, plush toys and ropes are a must. Tip: Don't leave all your puppy's toys on the ground all the time for her to get bored with them. Reserve her favorites as rewards for good behavior or to keep her busy when you leave! |
$5.00 - $20.00 |
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| 8. Food/Treats | When choosing a puppy food, avoid those that are high in corn, corn meal and corn gluten. Corn is a common allergen and is also high in sugar. The last thing your new puppy is going to need is a sugar rush! The same is true for the treats you choose. More information on choosing a food. A note on rawhides and Greenies: Both of these products have been known to cause bowel obstructions when dogs and puppies bit off and swallowed large chunks, some of which have been fatal for the dogs. If you decide to give your puppy these treats, please do so only when you can supervise your puppy. |
$30.00 |
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| 9. Nature's Miracle | Every puppy is bound to have an accident. Enzymatic cleaners like Nature's Miracle work to remove the stain and the odor, which prevents recurring accidents. Follow the instructions exactly for maximum effectiveness. | $9.99 |
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| Puppy Necessities | |||
| Socialization | Just because your puppy isn't able to walk around until he has all of his vaccinations doesn't mean he can't get socialized! If possible, carry your puppy everywhere. Let him see all different kinds of people and places. Make sure it is a positive experience! |
Free! |
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| Puppy Class | Puppy classes fill up quickly and 4Paws' Puppy Kindergarten is no exception! Sign up early so you can start as soon as your puppy is ready! | Varies |
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| Knowledge | The best puppy owners are those who educate themselves on how to raise a puppy to become a well-mannered dog. Visit our University Bookstore for a list of recommended titles that will give you tools | ||
| Our Favorite Puppy Books - The books below are short, easy-to-read guides on everything you need to get your puppy started off right! Written by reknowned author and behaviorist Ian Dunbar, these books are a must have! | $7.95 and $12.95 |
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Before You
Get Your Puppy |
After You
Get Your Puppy |
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Clicker Puppy DVD
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