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New Pup Coming Home-Help me get ready!
Hi! My husband and I have been looking for a pup for a while and have heard back from a rescue today that our application is approved and our new pup is being transported tomorrow up to CT and will arrive Wednesday evening. I am so excited!! I need to make sure I have all the essentials ready for her arrival and I need help complialing a list. She is 12 weeks and not crate/house trained yet if that makes a difference in the supplies you suggest. The only thing we have at home already is the crate, with divider to make it smaller for now since she is tiny!
On my list of things to pick up (made from reading books and friends suggestions) I have: bowls, collar, leash(regular and retractable it says in the book I am reading. Both?), comfy pad for inside crate, treats for training (brand suggestions?), chew toys (both plush and a kong were suggested), a no marking spray for after accidents, and food (the rescue is emailing us back on what food she is currently eating so we can check that kind out/slowly switch if we want.
I have never had a pup and will take any suggestions, advice, etc. Thanks!!
Re: New Pup Coming Home-Help me get ready!
Did you check the FAQ at the top of the main Pets Forum page? There is a TONE of info in it. Also links to food ratings/info in case you do plan to switch the food!
I'd also ditch the retractable leash. A regular one works best!
And Congratulations! I hope you post pictures once the puppy comes home!
Not sure what no marking spray is but you will like need a jug of Nature's Miracle or another enzyme cleaner. You cannot clean up pee or poop with a household cleaner thoroughly and your puppy will still smell it and use those spots over and over again.
How long will be the puppy be crated and starting how soon after you get her. Puppies can typically only only their bladder 1 hour for every month old they are give or take an hour. So at 12 weeks she can only be expected to hold it (once she learns) for 3-4 hours. Don't resort to puppy pee pads. They will teach her that its okay to pee inside and it will be confusing.
Chances are you'll want to switch her food. Once you find out what she's eating (you should be able to ask that now), you can post a new thread to get suggestions.
Also check out our FAQs at the top for loads of info.
Thanks for the tips I just read the FAQ "essentials for new puppies" and there was a lot of info. Just a few questions, I heard you should get plastic bowls to start then switch to ceramic when they are bigger, but FAQ says no plastic, which way would you go? And also why no retractable leash? I read I would need both so I am just wondering but it seems like you both agree so maybe we will save the money.
And natures promise was the type of spray I was talking about I will def be getting some of that!
Thank you! When I find out what her food is from the foster I will post for a food recommendation
We will definately be signing up for a obedience class. A few coworkers have recommended the same place so we will be signing up there but I will double check their style first.
Another reason to stay away from retractable leashes is they can break. I know two people who had the leash not "stop" and their dog got father then they wanted. One was almost hit buy a car because the leash did not retract like it should have.
I think your list is very good though. Don't forget to post pictures of your new family member when you get her!
We like the Zuke's mini Natural's and Jerky Naturals for training treats (you'll want to break them into pieces).
Good luck with your new addition!