Puppy Start Guide

POTTY TRAINING & CRATE TRAINING

Your 8-week old puppy can hold it for about 4 hours during the day and 6 hours at night. Most dogs like to keep their sleeping space clean, so a crate is a helpful tool for potty training and keeping your puppy safe. You want the crate to be big enough to be comfortable but not have any extra room. A divider might come in handy when your puppy is still small. At first, we do not recommend a puppy bed but maybe old towels. You can add a snazzy puppy bed when he/she masters the potty training.

Take your puppy outside frequently during the day and reward him/her with praise and a treat. Your puppy has been introduced to the "go potty" command. Having all food and most water picked up by 6 pm will eliminate the need to go out during the night.

Your pup is coming to you already introduced to a crate. It is really important if you plan to crate train that you do it immediately and stay consistent. If you do not have eyes on the pup, he/she should rest comfortably in the crate. Eventually, your pup will be able to be out and hanging with the family more and more as she/he progresses in training and maturity. Adjusting to the crate without siblings will be a process and will take a couple of nights. Your puppy will get it! Most dogs love the comfort and security of having their own space. You are setting them up for life. If you give an inch they will take a mile. It is an exciting time for your family but if you allow the puppy to sleep with you when he is new, it is very hard to expect them to do something different, like the crate.

Goldendoodles with child

PUPPY TRAINING

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NEW PUPPY CHECKLIST

PUPPY PROOF
SELECT VET
SELECT DOG GROOMER
DECIDE ON TRAINING
PUPPY FOOD
PUPPY TREATS
RAISED WATER BOWL & FOOD BOWL
MAT TO GO UNDER BOWLS
HARNESS, COLLAR, ID TAG
DOG CAR SAFETY (CARRIER OR HARNESS WHEN OLD ENOUGH)
CRATE
CRATE COVER OR BLANKET FOR NIGHT TIME
SNUGGLE PUPPY
TOWELS FOR CRATE (DOG BED FOR CRATE WHEN OLD ENOUGH)
SHAMPOO
EAR CLEANER
STYPIC POWDER (TO STOP BLEEDING IF NECESSARY)
BRUSH (SLICKER)
NAIL CLIPPERS/GRINDER
TOOTHBRUSH/TOOTHPASTE
CHEW TOYS (KONG, ETC), PLUSH TOYS, SQUEAKY TOYS
PAPER TOWELS
STAIN AND ODOR REMOVER
PUPPY PADS
FLEA & TICK PREVENTION
HEARTWORK PREVENTION
EAR CLEANER
POOP BAGS/POOPER SCOOPER

AMAZON LIST

We have put together a shopping list with ideas of items that we find useful or practical to purchase for your new puppy. Not all of these items are necessities but there is a nice variety to browse through

VET CARE & INSURANCE

Things to consider when choosing your Veterinarian:

Personal recommendations. Fellow dog owners are a good reference
Ease of scheduling and availability. You don't want to be forced to an emergency vet in the event your vet is overbooked.
Facility
Is the practice AAHA-accredited? The American Animal Hospital Association evaluates veterinary practices on the quality of their facilities, staff, equipment, and patient care. Search the organization’s website at www.aahanet.org for a list of accredited vets in your area.

Trupanion Pet Insurance