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Congratulations on adopting a furry friend in need! You’re about to embark on a beautiful relationship filled with love. However, navigating the adaptation period can oftentimes be tricky. That’s why it’s important to have a new puppy checklist in place to make this process smooth both for you and your dog.
Make Adoption Day Smooth with this New Puppy Checklist
Caring for a dog takes more than opening your heart to it. So simply filling out the paperwork and knowing the closest dog parks near you won’t be enough. That’s why in this first-time puppy owner checklist, we’ve rounded up our top tips to make sure your furry baby adapts easily. Let’s get started!
1. Collar
First things first. A collar is a non-negotiable part of a puppy’s safety. It’s where you display their ID tag, contact information, and any possible health tags. But, of course, it also serves as a way of preventing your dog from going too far where you can’t control it. So definitely add this to your new puppy checklist.
You’ll probably receive a free collar when you pick up the dog, but chances are, it’ll be flimsy. So instead, you want to invest in a stronger collar as soon as possible. For example, this Velvet Personalized Dog Collar from Etsy has engraved the pet ID on metal and comes in different colors and sizes.
2. Dog Bed
Next on our first-time puppy owner checklist, we’ve got a dog bed – a soft, comfy corner that dogs can call their own. This will not only give them a sense of security but will also provide cushioning for their bones and joints. In addition, this will be their “safe space”, a place to retreat to if they don’t feel like socializing.
Depending on your dog’s size, you can go with a Super Plush Cuddler Round Dog Bed from Target. Not only does it support your dog no matter where it turns, but it’s also easy to clean in terms of practicality. Or you can opt for an Egg Cave Dog Bed from Target to provide your furry friends with a cozy space where they can curl up and sleep inside.
3. Food & Water Bowls
You can start by feeding your new puppy the brand it’s used to eating before the adoption to avoid any tummy upsets. Then you can gradually switch to another brand based on your dog’s preferences and veterinarian’s advice. We also recommend stainless still or ceramic dog dishes since they don’t harbor bacteria and are easy to clean. A Stainless Steel Double Diner Dog Bowl would do the work just fine.
As for your puppy’s food, we highly recommend investing in a personalized food plan from Spot & Tango just for your pup. Easily calculate the perfect meal plan for your pup’s unique needs and enjoy ready-to-serve meals delivered right at your door. For the usual dog food, browse a wide variety of delicacies at Petsmart.
4. Toys & Bones
There’s no better way to bond with your dog other than throwing around a toy. Toys are much more than entertainment. They ensure a dog’s mental and physical health and help satisfy their need to chase, chew, and snuggle. So purchasing various toys like a ball, rope, or chew toys is an excellent way to start.
Also, if you’re feeding your dog treats and bones, make sure they’re of quality. For example, you can choose Chewy Pork Flavor Dog Treats or Canine Chews Beef Rawhide Dog Treats, depending on your dog. Or you can go with small bites of treats like these Buddy Biscuits Chicken Soft & Chewy Treats.
5. Crate
Due to dogs being den animals, you need to have a crate or a confined space that they can call their own. This is where they can feel safe and protected when you’re not home. Plus, it’s necessary for proper training that you might want to start early on. So you don’t want to skip this on your new puppy checklist.
Again, depending on your dog’s size, there are different crates to choose from. However, we recommend this Wire Collapsible Dog Crate from Target for a comfortable air home for your furry baby. The metal frame is easy to set up, and it also folds back easily for efficient storage. Moreover, the fancy-style design will allow you to see your puppy inside.
Time to Receive Your Furry Friends!
A dog’s adoption period always comes with many changes for both the parent and the puppy. The joy of owning a new furry friend also comes with the responsibility for his health and well-being. Hopefully, our new puppy checklist will help smoothen this process and save you from many headaches down the road.
