Some breeds or mixes may be better fits for you than others. Some things to consider when choosing a puppy include:
Size: If you live in a small studio, you may be better suited to a pug than you are a pitbull.
Activity level: If you’re active, you want a puppy that can keep up with you, and vice versa. If you’re looking for a binge-watching buddy to accompany you on the couch, be sure the puppy you take home prefers cuddling to cross-country runs.
Fur or hair type: If getting dog hair on your clothes, furniture, carpets, and car upholstery would drive you crazy, consider a puppy that doesn’t shed. However, know that a low-shedding dog will likely require regular grooming, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Allergies: If you or anyone in your home is allergic to dog dander, choose a puppy that’s hypoallergenic.
Kids under 10: Some breeds – like labs, bull dogs, collies, etc. – are better suited for children than others.
Volume: How much barking can you tolerate? How loud? Some breeds will be significantly more vocal than others, and it’s up to you whether that’s cute, or will drive you crazy.
Otherpets: Whether you have a cat at home or plan on getting another dog someday, be sure your puppy will be able to acclimate and get along with them.
Purebred vs. mixed breed: Your local shelter is likely chock-full of rescue puppies, many of which will be mixed breeds. Mixed breed puppies are unique, adorable, and may be less prone to certain health problems than their purebred peers. If you truly want a purebred puppy, do your due diligence in researching breeders to avoid puppy mills.
Before taking your new puppy home, be sure that “home” is safe and accommodating for your four-legged friend. Similar to child- and baby-proofing a home before you bring the pitter patter of little feet into your life, you’ll want to prepare for the pitter patter of little paws, too. To start:
You may have to rearrange some of your furniture and decor to give ample room for indoor zooming! Your puppy will need space to play, so make sure to keep anything fragile somewhere they can’t knock it over.
Until your puppy is adept at dashing up and down stairs, using a gate can keep them safe from dangerous tumbles.
If you have a yard, be sure it’s fenced. If you have an in-ground swimming pool, fence it or otherwise obstruct it from your puppy’s reach. If you have an above-ground pool, be sure they can’t get to the ladder or steps. Also be sure your puppy can’t access plants that can be toxic to them, like daffodils, that you may have in your garden.
Stock up on anti-chew spray and give your wires, furniture, shoes, and anything else they may gnaw on (and with a teething puppy, that’s a lot) a good spritz.
Keep laundry out of your puppy’s reach – especially dryer sheets, which are toxic to dogs.
Hide shoes, socks, and any other small items that may be within your puppy’s reach and mistaken for a chew toy.
Put electrical cords and wires out of their reach or sight.
Move houseplants, many of which can be toxic to pets, out of reach.
Invest in trash cans with snapping lids (or place them in a hidden cabinet).
If your puppy sheds, be sure to snag lint rollers, a vacuum, dust mops and/or a rubber broom to clean up loose fur.
Lock cabinets containing food, medicines, and chemicals.
Not sure how to tell if your puppy can reach something? Get on all fours for a minute to get the dog’s-eye view.
A dog bed (outside of the crate)
Allow your dog a place that gives them a break from their crate. Adding an extra bed for them thatâs in the heart of your living space or bedroom allows your new pup some much needed bonding and socializing time with their new family.
These go without saying, as youâre going to need to take your dog on walks. Consider a harness for smaller dogs or if you have concerns about your poochâs neck being strained in a traditional collar.
Your dogâs tags should have your number, address, and up-to-date vaccine information (if applicable). This is another no-brainer that may get lost in the excitement of bringing your adopted dog home. Make sure your most up-to-date contact information is on your dogâs collar, as well as their microchip number if you (or the rescue) decide to chip them.
Consider grabbing an extra water bowl to keep outside if you have a gated backyard that your dog will be spending a lot of time in.
Have your first wellness visit with your vet.
Once you’ve found a great vet, it’s time to book your first wellness appointment – and get your puppy vaccinated. While not insurance, Pumpkin’s Preventive Essentials Pack for Puppies is an easy optional add-on you can buy with your insurance plan to get a full refund for one wellness visit exam fee in the first year, any four puppy vaccines you and your vet choose, and one fecal “poop” test to screen for intestinal worms. This can make it easier to plan and pay for routine wellness expenses your puppy needs.
Here’s what to remember on your first veterinary visit:
Bring all your paperwork from any prior veterinary visits your puppy may have had. You may need to acquire these from your puppy’s rescue, shelter, or breeder, depending on where you got them.
Let your vet know what food you’re feeding your puppy, as well as what treats and any and all supplements you may be giving them.
There are also other procedures your puppy may need, Dr. Woodnutt advises. “Depending on your pup’s worming regime up to now, they may also need worming. I generally advise worming pups every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old, but this varies between regions depending on disease risks,” she says. “Flea and tick prevention may also be necessary, depending on your area and the time of year.”
For a wellness visit, Dr. Claudine Sievert, DVM, says you can expect your vet to check in on the following for your puppy:
Body condition (joints, muscles, and body weight)
Movement of the pup
Auscultate the lungs and the heart for any birth defects
Skin and the hair for external parasites such as ticks, fleas, and lice
Ear canals and eyes
Visibility and hearing tests
Lymph nodes to see if there is any sign of infection
ULTIMATE PUPPY CHECKLIST // EVERYTHING You Need for New Puppy!
You’re getting a puppy? Congratulations on becoming a pawrent! While it’d be remiss to compare raising a puppy to raising a child, there are definite parallels: It requires work, patience, money, and a lot of time. And like raising a child, you’ll be rewarded handsomely with love – albeit your canine companion is much more likely to lick your face in gratitude than your human child would (we hope, anyway).
Puppy parenting, like regular parenting, can be overwhelming. There’s a lot for both of you to learn, and your own efforts should start before you bring your precious pooch home. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled the Ultimate New Puppy Checklist to get you started. From staple supplies, to essentials like pet insurance and a dog DNA test, here’s everything you need to be the best fur baby parent ever.
