Raising a New Puppy?

Caring for a puppy is extremely rewarding, but can be difficult if you're not prepared! Puppies are demanding, energetic, endlessly curious… and tons of work. But they'll bring you happiness and companionship for many years, and the wonderful bond between you and your growing puppy friend will start right now! So, what can you do to make raising your puppy a bit easier? A big part of this is having the right supplies for your puppy.

Health

One of the most important things you can do is keep your young friend healthy, especially during his earliest months. Follow your veterinarian's advice about vaccinations, and do what you can to provide your puppy with everything he needs.

Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase and they'll need something comforting to chew on like puppy teething toys. As he grows, you should continue to care for his teeth to ensure his mouth and gums remain healthy. If you teach your puppy at a young age to let you brush his teeth, you'll find it easier to continue to manage your puppy's dental care throughout his life.

Puppies have different dietary needs than adult dogs, so feed your puppy specially formulated puppy food. Most dog food brands have a puppy food, so you can make sure he's getting balanced nutrition. Feed your puppy according to your veterinarian's recommendations for when, and how much, to give the little guy. Provide a bowl of clean water at all times, regardless of meal schedule.

Puppies are more sensitive to itching and other negative effects from parasites, so remember flea and tick prevention. Only use products that specify they are safe to use on puppies. Also, get some puppy grooming supplies like puppy-safe shampoo, and soft brushes to help keep his fur and skin clean and healthy. Grooming doesn't just keep your puppy clean, it also provides some very important bonding time with you.

Training, Play, and Exercise

Puppies who start training at a young age grow into smarter, more obedient dogs. House training can be made easier with puppy pee pads, especially since puppies have smaller bladders. Of course, you need a leash and collar right away so you can start taking your puppy on walks. Not only is this prime time for him to learn to use the bathroom outside, it's also a wonderful opportunity for you to bond as you explore the neighborhood together. You can also start training him right away to walk by your side instead of pulling ahead — if your puppy starts pulling, just stop and call him back, and don't start walking again until he returns to you. Soon, he'll learn that pulling on the leash gets him nowhere!

All dogs get bored easily and need plenty of toys, especially puppies who have tons of energy to burn. Stock up on some of the best puppy toys to keep your little buddy occupied when you can't give him all your attention.

Sleep, Safety, Security, and More

To give your puppy a full and happy home life, you'll need other puppy supplies and accessories including a dog bed, bowls, and a crate or carrier. Carriers aren't just for bringing small dogs to the vet, they're also a safe place for many dogs, who like to retreat to them to sleep and relax. Larger crates and cages offer a similar feeling of security.

Congratulations on choosing to invite a precious puppy into your life! Hopefully now, you know a bit more about the types of supplies that can make things a lot easier for both you and your little pup as you get to know each other. To learn more, a good place to start is Surviving Your First 30 Days with a New Puppy. We wish you the best of luck, and all the doggy kisses in the world!