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Fur Babies: A New Puppy Checklist

Updated: Aug 8, 2024

METAK9 Academy Dog Training

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting and joyful time, but it also requires careful preparation to ensure your furry friend has everything they need to thrive. There are countless pet products on the market and it can be overwhelming to know what’s truly essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you need, what you can skip, and tips to make raising a puppy easier. The links below will direct you to quality products that we have personally selected from Amazon. Purchases made via the links below will provide us with a small commission at no cost to you. These small commissions will allow us to create more content, but more importantly, train more dogs and help the dog moms and dads of this beautiful planet.



Essentials for Your New Puppy

1. Quality Food and Water Bowls



What food bowls to use for dogs
Stick with ceramic and stainless steal food bowls

  • Need: Invest in durable, non-slip bowls for food and water. Stainless steel or heavy ceramic bowls are good choices because they are easy to clean and hard to tip over.

  • Skip: Expensive automated feeders unless you have a specific need for them. Plastic options offer more variety like slow feeders and puzzles, but are more porous and susceptible to bacterial growth. If you go the plastic route ensure that they are cleaned daily. I've had to deal with horrible dog acne because of this mistake, not fun!

2. Puppy Food

  • Need: Choose a high-quality puppy food that meets nutritional guidelines for your pup's breed and size. While we're not veterinarians, we personally try to avoid puppy foods with animal by-products, wheat, soy, corn, cellulous, and artificial flavors. There are vets that don't mind corn in food as it meets caloric requirements for puppies, we feel it's best to opt for more nutrient dense options.

  • Skip: Excessive treats; stick to healthy options and use them sparingly. A good quality beef liver treat is like a multi-vitamin for your dog. We encourage clients to use limited ingredient treats or even just use their kibble. A decision has to be made early on if you are gonna train with kibble or treats. If you train with treats than kibble will lose value unless recalibrated at some point, however the treats can create excitement to help build motivation. If you train with kibble than you can take the arousal that comes with mealtime and transfer that energy into your training. In my opinion either option is fine although I'd say treats are best for companion dog training and kibble is more suited for competition training. A young puppy will get all the nutrients it needs through a balanced diet. On that note, we recommend avoiding most supplements as they can do more harm than good when incorporated into and already balanced micro and macro nutrient profiles. In regard to our personal dogs we use a quality Salmon oil a few times a week and occasionally CBD for stress reduction. We will use small doses of CBD if a family is consistently struggling with crate training and it begins to affect quality of life for all parties. We will also experiment with CBD in severe reactivity cases to aid in changing the trajectory of inappropriate behavior prior to maturity. There is no need to feed your puppy food containing excess protein. Diets containing kibble with excessive protein content can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney damage.

3. Collar and Leash

  • Need: A comfortable collar with an ID tag and a slip leash for walks. We highly recommend our clients purchase a flat collar with a GPS tracker for safety. Puppies are expert escape artists and will constantly probe their surroundings for nooks, crannies, and opportunities for mischief. It is especially important to know where your puppy is in areas prone to Coyotes and Rattlesnakes.

  • Skip: We don't recommend our clients purchase harnesses as this type of equipment can encourage leash reactivity and pulling. Even flat collars can have a similar effect through opposition reflex. A flat collar with GPS and ID tags coupled with a good slip lead for redirection and walking is best suited for raising a balanced healthy puppy. The next time you pass by a dog that is reactive, pay attention to what they are wearing, it is almost always some type of wide collar or harness variant!

4. Crate/Kennel

  • Need: A crate is essential for potty training and providing a safe space for your puppy. Choose a crate that allows your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It should not be too large, as this can hinder the effectiveness of crate training. A crate is more than just a potty training tool, it's designed to replicate a dog's den, as most Canids are den creatures. Dog's are social pack animals that must be taught how to be independent and alone. We feel dogs that don't get any crate time run the an increased risk of behavioral issues like separation anxiety, resource guarding, and reactivity.

  • Skip: Overly large crates or those with lots of unnecessary accessories. Some crates come with a divider to allow a dog to grow into a larger space. This can save you from making multiple purchases and in most cases they can be bought separately and fitted to your existing setup. Both metal crates and plastic crates are fine, just avoid anything with easily accessed side panels or other chewable surfaces. We don't recommend putting any cloth material or bedding into a crate until owners are sure their dog will not chew and ingest these substances when when alone. Dogs undergoing crate training will face stress and adversity until conditioning process is completed.

Dog in his bed

5. Bedding

  • Need: Dogs like warm comfortable places to relax just like us humans. We highly encourage pet owners to have their dogs sleep in a kennel, but give them spots in the house that are theirs for rest during the day. This will help set guidelines for what is for humans and what is for dogs. After some practice you will be able to tell them to go to these spaces by command, subsequently allowing you to control their movement and keep an eye on them. This is important as puppies need to be supervised. In addition it will help prevent begging while you and your family are eating, and it teaches the dog impulse control as they aren't allowed to leave their bed until released.

  • Skip: Expensive designer beds that are difficult to maintain. Don't put anything in their crate until you are sure they aren't gonna chew and swallow bedding or blankets. A dog camera is a great way to collect intel on how your dog behaves when you're away.

6. Toys

  • Need: A variety of safe, durable toys to keep your puppy entertained and help with teething. Nylabones, Kongs, natural rubber chew toys, and Yak chews, are all great for puppies.

  • Skip: Toys with small parts that could be swallowed or those that are too hard for a puppy’s teeth. We recommend avoiding real bones and deer antlers until dogs around seven months or have all their adult teeth. Be sure to purchase toys that are appropriate for their size.


7. Grooming Supplies

Dog nail trimming
https://luckydogbarkandbrew.com/

  • Need: Basic grooming tools such as a brush, puppy shampoo, and nail trimmers. We recommend the Dremel Paw Control or Casfuy 6-Speed Grinder. The main difference between the two is the Dremel Paw Control has a bigger battery and a more powerful motor. It can potentially be louder as well when RPM's are cranked up. Both are great products that we have tested.

  • Skip: High-end grooming gadgets unless recommended by a professional. We recommend starting with an electric nail trimmer before learning to use clippers. While clippers are less intimidating to a puppy they are more likely to cut the nail's quick resulting in pain and bleeding. This can set dog owners back in the pursuit of building a positive association will doggie pedicure days.


New Puppy Checklist Bonus: How To Make Raising a Puppy Easier

1. Establish a Routine

Create a daily routine for feeding, potty breaks, and playtime. Consistency helps your puppy adjust and understand what is expected of them. Create your own new puppy checklist or organizer to stay on top of time management and tasks.

2. Socialization

Expose your puppy to different environments, people, and other animals. This helps them develop confidence and reduces fearfulness. If they do not have all their shots help this explore the world from a travel crate. Avoid areas that receive constant Canine traffic. Most dog diseases are spread through feces, saliva, or urine. The most important time for puppy socialization is between 3 and 14 weeks of age, which is known as the "sensitive period". Since the majority of people get their dogs around 6 to 8 weeks it is imperative to be vigilant about exposing their puppies during this small window.

3. Training

Start with basic commands like "sit," "stay," "place," and "come." Use positive reinforcement techniques and be patient as your puppy learns. Puppies have a very hard time understanding corrections and positive punishment at this stage so keep training light and fun!

4. Patience and Consistency

Remember that puppies are learning and will make mistakes. Consistent and patient guidance will help them grow into well-behaved adults. Remember, everything you do or don't do will shape a new habit, for better or worse.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Neglecting Socialization

Failing to socialize your puppy early can lead to behavioral problems later on.

2. Inconsistent Training

Mixed messages can confuse your puppy. Make sure all family members follow the same training methods.

3. Overfeeding

It’s easy to overestimate how much food your puppy needs. Follow feeding guidelines and adjust based on your puppy's activity level and growth.

4. Skipping Veterinary Visits

Regular vet check-ups are crucial for monitoring your puppy’s health and development.

The Importance of Kennel Training

Kennel training is one of the most effective methods for house training your puppy. It helps prevent accidents in the house and provides your puppy with a safe space they can call their own. The kennel should be a positive place where your puppy feels comfortable and secure. We've had many clients reluctant to crate train their dog as they perceive it as puppy prison. Dogs are social pack animals that don't naturally know how to be by themselves. They must be taught this skill so they have a positive reference point for what it means to be alone. In our opinion there are greater odds of separation anxiety, resource guarding, and what we call bodyguard reactivity when the crate is either skipped entirely or the routine is scratched once they are older. Dogs that spend all their time with their human parents and none alone often develop behavioral issues so stick with the crate! Also it's important to note that a crate trained dog will have a much easier time during boarding, grooming, and overnight visits at the vet.


Conclusion

Preparing for a new puppy involves more than just gathering supplies; it’s about setting the stage for a successful and harmonious life together. By focusing on essentials, establishing routines, and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a loving and structured environment that helps your puppy thrive.

Remember, patience, love, and consistency are key to raising a happy and healthy puppy. Enjoy the journey of watching your new family member grow and learn!


 
 
 

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