| Before you bring your puppy home, you will need to | | | | puppy. When buying your puppy's collar and lead, |
| prepare for his arrival. This will include, making your | | | | purchase a nylon or leather collar. Avoid buying the |
| home puppy safe, and purchasing some essential | | | | type of collar that is made of metal links, this type of |
| items he will need. Having things ready before your | | | | collar, is often referred to a 'check collar' or 'check |
| puppy arrives will make for a smooth transition. | | | | chain', and can quickly become a 'choke chain' if it is |
| Just like children, puppies are extremely curious and, it | | | | not fitted or used correctly. You will need to keep |
| won't be too long before your new puppy begins | | | | your puppy's coat clean and conditioned, so a simple |
| exploring and learning about his new environment, | | | | grooming kit which includes a comb, brush, or mitt, |
| therefore, it will be important for you to make and | | | | will be sufficient for most breeds. Your puppy is |
| manage an environment that your puppy can live, | | | | bound to get himself dirty at some point, so puppy |
| play and, learn safely in. | | | | shampoo should be on your list. Don't use anything |
| In order to 'puppy proof' your home effectively, | | | | else when washing or bathing your puppy, for |
| make a list of the changes you will need to make in | | | | example, washing up liquid, as this could cause your |
| your house, in order to make it safe for your puppy. | | | | puppy skin problems. |
| Include things such as clearing away all detergent | | | | Your puppy will need a variety of hard wearing and |
| bottles, exposed electrical cables, and other | | | | stimulating toys. I would advise that you avoid buying |
| potentially dangerous household items your puppy | | | | the squeaky type toys for your puppy, as this type |
| may try to chew. Personal items, such as CD's, | | | | of toy can be easily chewed, and if swallowed, could |
| books, shoes and the likes, should also be kept out | | | | be harmful to your puppy. The ideal kind of toy is |
| of view of your puppy, so as they don't become | | | | the type that is can be stuffed with food or treats |
| convenient chewing material. | | | | for your puppy, this type f hard wearing toy, not |
| You will need to restrict your puppy's movement | | | | only gives your puppy's teeth and gums a good |
| during the first few weeks when he come to live | | | | workout, but keeps him mentally stimulated also. |
| with you, as this will help to keep him safe, and out | | | | Finally, you will need to have a supply of food at |
| of mischief. Try to keep all doors to rooms your | | | | home for your puppy. It will be up to you to decide |
| puppy is not allowed to go into closed. If you need | | | | what type and variety of food to feed him, for |
| to keep an eye on him, use child gates in doorways | | | | example, dry prepared food, tinned food, or to |
| to prevent him from entering. Alternatively, you can | | | | simply keep him on the diet your breeder has |
| think of buying your puppy a crate for him to spend | | | | provided you. If you plan on changing your puppy's |
| time in; puppy crates make ideal little dens, and if | | | | food, then I would advise buying him the best quality |
| your puppy is introduced to a crate in the correct | | | | possible. You get what you pay for, and dog food is |
| way, he will look forward to spending time there, | | | | no exception. Avoid buying the cheaper varieties of |
| when you are busy, or out of the house for a short | | | | food sold at the supermarket for example, as these |
| while. | | | | kinds of foods main source of protein is cereal or |
| If you have decided not to buy a crate for your | | | | vegetable based, and contain a very high proportion |
| puppy, you will need to buy a comfortable basket | | | | of added chemicals and additives. The kind of food |
| for him. Purchase a basket your puppy can rest and | | | | you should be looking for should have it's main source |
| sleep in comfortably, and put it in a draft proof place, | | | | of protein derived from meat, these foods will also |
| for example, the kitchen or utility room. You will need | | | | contain a balance of essential vitamins and mineral, |
| to buy two bowls, for your puppy's food and water. | | | | which are essential to your puppy's physical and |
| Try to buy the ceramic or metal type, as the plastic | | | | mental development. |
| variety can be easily tipped up, or chewed by your | | | | |