So you're going to get yourself a brand new puppy. You might be imagining playing fetch or going for a walk with him and him becoming a loyal companion for years to come. Before you pick out your new best friend, you'll need to get a few things to make sure that his first night at your house is the best it can be. It doesn't matter if your puppy comes from a breeder, pet store, the pound, or a box in front of the grocery store there are a few pet supplies that you should have waiting for when he gets home.
The main thing puppy is going to want is food. Puppies are babies, so they need to eat good, highly nutritious food. Just like a small child, they get really hungry and need to eat often. A hungry puppy will let you know by whining, whimpering, and trying to eat anything it can get its mouth on. Be sure to splurge a little on the dog food. Nutrition is important for a healthy dog, so don't feed a puppy adult dog food! Adult dog food just isn't as nutritionally rich as puppy food, and your new puppy also needs the extra energy it can only get from richer food.
It would be tragic if you just got puppy home, decided to take her for a walk, and she ran into the street. This happens to the best, most attentive pet owners. Puppies are hard to control. They explore every neat smell or interesting movement, and they don't pay much attention to their surroundings. They also startle easily and can quickly get into trouble. If you want a well-heeled dog, you need to train the puppy the right way with a leash. There are a range of opinions in the dog training world as to what type of leash is best for training. Start with a traditional leash attached to a collar, and then migrate to more elaborate designs if you need to. Make sure that you hang on to the original leash; you will probably need it later.
Dogs love to chew on whatever they can get their mouth around, all of their lives, just as they would in the wild. Puppies chew as a way to play, and because it helps them keep their teeth clean and strong. Make sure you have a variety of chew toys before your new puppy comes home. You don't want him chewing up your prized possessions, so make sure you train him to know what it can and can't chew on.
Unless you want a dog hogging your bed forever, you should get him his own bed. Dog beds can range from the simple pad on the floor all the way up to elaborate ones standing on legs just like a human bed. You can even get away with using an old blanket. Your dog isn't going to care as long as it's warm and comfortable. He'll get attached to his bed over time, so make sure it's a bed you both can live with.
If you make sure you have all of these pet supplies before your puppy comes home, everything will run smoother for you and that adorable puppy you saw in the window. Enjoy him, and remember it's up to you how "civilized" he behaves.
