Preparing Your Home

Raising an incredible puppy takes planning. There are some things your puppy needs, some things you may want for your puppy, and some things you may want to make raising a puppy easier for you. Spend time looking through all the products available for you and your puppy and decide which ones fit your lifestyle and budget.

Some things you should start acquiring days or even weeks in advance.

Necessities include:

• Collar
• Leash - either one of adjustable length or two of different lengths, long and short.
• Food and water bowls - plastic works, but stainless steel or ceramic is better (bacteria can hide in scratches in a plastic surface)
• Grooming supplies - including brush, nail clippers, shampoo
• Cleaning supplies - your puppy may have some accidents at first
• Dog bed or blanket
• Crate
• A supply of quality puppy food like Purina? Puppy Chow?
• Chew toys
• Dog tags

Other items you might want to consider:

• Fence
• Outside kennel
• Dog house
• Doggie door
• Gates - to block off certain rooms or staircases indoors
• Anti-chew spray

In the last few days before arrival, give your house a good cleaning and remove breakable items from areas where your puppy will be. Also, spend some time preparing yourself or your family. Small children need to know how to act around a small puppy.