If you have just brought home a new puppy or dog (or are about to!), congratulations on your new addition! There is no doubt that having a puppy join your family can enrich your life, providing a unique and special companionship to everyone in your home. The first few weeks are going to be important in the adjustment and training of your new puppy. In addition to the checklist provided below, we would like to offer you a few helpful tips to get you both through this time of change. And if you are currently just entertaining the thought of a new puppy or dog, this little guide and 'checklist' that follows will hopefully give you some insight as to what owning a puppy or dog will entail.

During the first few weeks it is important to minimize as much stress as possible. Puppies can be just like little babies; We recommend that you limit the amount of playtime so that your puppy doesn't get over stimulated, and allow plenty of time for naps so that he can get plenty of rest (although chances are if he's that tired he'll sleep through anything anyway!). Be sure to monitor playtime if you have kids or babies of your own in the home, and be sure to play with the puppy on their level (sitting on the floor with them) to not only make them more secure but to also minimize falls (even a short fall can be dangerous for a little puppy). Now is also a good time to start introducing any other pets you may have. Just be sure to start out with short, monitored sessions, allowing plenty of time for the puppy to sleep afterwards! And be sure to give plenty of love and attention to your other pets so that they don't feel left out.

If you are getting or have gotten a puppy, house breaking him will go much easier if you crate train him. Dogs are den animals, and feel much more secure in their new home if they have an area that is just for them. Dogs do not like to dirty their areas. Keeping your puppy in his crate overnight and when you are not home will help minimize accidents (he will not want to 'go' in his area if he doesn't have to!). Keep in mind though that puppies still have small bladders, so be sure to take him outdoors frequently. When you are home with your puppy, watch him for clues indicating that he may have to go; sniffing and circling means he has to go; direct him to the door and then take him to the area outdoors that you would like him to use. It may take a while for your puppy to catch on, but be consistent and patient, and eventually he will get it!

When training your puppy (or dog), whether it is house breaking or simple commands, positive reinforcement can go a long way! When he does something right, for example after coming indoors from going potty, some petting on the head and kind words (or a small treat) will let him know that he did good. Puppies can be sensitive people pleasers, and want to make you happy! So be sure to let them know when they have done something right, and they will catch on quickly! If your puppy does something wrong, a firm "no" is enough to get your point across; NEVER hit your puppy. Above all be consistent with your puppy, give them plenty of love, and be patient! This is a fun time; soon they will be grown dogs, and you will miss their once crazy puppy antics!

After you arrive home with your puppy, be sure to contact a vet. You will need to get him in for his first appointment to get an overall health check, as well as to get his next series of vaccinations (we will have given him his first set, but it will be up to you to bring him in for his second and third set of vaccinations).

Congrats again on your new puppy, and please contact us if you have any questions!

Do you have everything you need to care for your puppy/dog?


Food: A high quality food is a necessity for your new puppy (as well as for adult dogs!). It ensures proper growth, maintains health, and even improves skin and coat conditions. Stop in to check out our high quality foods today!

Dog Bed(s): Having your puppy sleep on a cold floor is not only uncomfortable for your puppy, but can contribute to health problems like arthritis later on. A bed will provide your puppy/dog with warmth and security...and it will keep him off of your furniture!!

Dog Bowls: A food bowl and a water bowl are a staple! Purchasing a larger set now that will accommodate your puppy even after it is full grown will be more economical; be sure to get a set that is stable to prevent spilling and tipping.

Stain Remover/Carpet Cleaner: If a puppy is in the house, then having a cleaner handy is defiantly a necessity for puppy's accidents. Pet stain removers will not only cleanse the area but also remove the odor, which is what can attract the puppy back to the same spot in the future. So getting rid of the odor the first time will hopefully deter him from going there again later on.

Leashes and Collars: Puppies can be easier to housebreak when you can control where they go in your yard (by taking them to the same spot each time). Also, getting them used to a leash and collar while they are young will make handling them when they are adults much easier. For adult or older dogs who like to take you for walks, collars such as prong collars can be very useful; no pulling is necessary! Their own force if pulling you too hard is enough to make the collar react.

Books: A good book can help you become more familiar with your breeds temperament, as well as give you tips on training and general dog care. Specific training books can also be very helpful to understanding and teaching your new puppy!

Toys and Chews: These are important for your developing puppy; toys provide a source of healthy entertainment and exercise, and chews and chew toys provide a great outlet for their need to chew. Providing puppies (and dogs) with such toys will not only enrich their life, but will hopefully keep your shoes and other belongings a little safer! Some toys and chews we recommend are rope bones, nylon bones, and chew hooves, but please stop in to browse our wide selection!

Flea and Tick products: Fleas and ticks can make not only your pets life miserable, but yours miserable as well! They can also present a health risk for your puppy/dog (or cat). Stop in to ask us about preventives and flea control plans, or call your veterinarian and ask about professional treatments.

Wire cage/playpen: Cage training your puppy is by far the easiest way to housebreak your new addition. Be sure to get a crate that is not too large; the puppy should have ample room to turn around and be comfortable, but a crate too large will only allow him to easily use one end as a 'bathroom', and the other end as a resting spot! Cages are also an excellent way to keep your puppy from chewing on your things when you are sleeping at night or gone for the day!

Brush(s): Using the right brush or comb for your pets fur can help to avoid tangles and mats. Even short haired breeds should be brushed on a regular basis to help stimulate the natural oils that are in the coat.

Vitamins and/or Skin Supplements: A good multi-vitamin can balance out his nutritional requirements, although if you have your puppy/dog on a premium dog food then vitamins aren't a necessity. Certain breeds are prone to skin problems, and for these dogs a skin supplement added to the food can help to alleviate any dry, flaky skin or excessive shedding. Stop in to consult with our staff today, or call your veterinarian for serious concerns.

Veterinarian: Having a veterinarian that you can trust is essential for your puppy (or any of your other pets!). Annual visits are important so that you can keep up on vaccinations and overall health checks. Having an established relationship with a vet can also be very helpful if an emergency ever occurs.