Bringing home a puppy is one of the most exciting events a person can experience. But the ride home can also bring forth a bit of anxiety, if you’re not prepared. There’s so much to learn about and consider with this little creature falling asleep in your lap.
Get your kisses and snuggles in while reading our ultimate puppy shopping list. We’ll cover the basics as well as discuss many tools and supplies you may want to have on hand. With a little prep, you’ll likely experience a rewarding journey with your new pup!
All About Nutrition
New food will be at the top of your puppy shopping list. And while their appetite may include everything under the sun, not everything is nutritious or safe. Dogs need a balanced diet. But you can’t give them the same food as adult dogs nor people. In general, you’ll want to look for puppy specific dog food. Puppy’s physical and mental growth increases week after week. And with it, comes different dietary needs.
Get Advice From Your Vet
Having a consultation with your puppy’s vet is always a good idea. They can help you narrow down food to include (or not include) in your pup’s diet. Your vet may also give breed specific advice and recommend a feeding schedule.
Transition For The Tummy
Be sure to find out what type of food your puppy was eating before you brought them home. You’ll likely want to embrace a gradual transition when it comes to new foods. This may mean purchasing the same food they were eating before you brought them home. This may help decrease the odds of tummy troubles. If you transition to a new type of dog food, be on the lookout for kibble made with high quality ingredients vs. fillers.
Tasty Treats
Unfortunately, puppy’s chew what they want to. That may mean they get a swipe at your new tennis shoes or munch on your throw pillows when you’re not looking. Once your vet says it’s okay, put those chompers to work on something you have control over. And something they’ll enjoy too! Try breaking our Peanut Butter Coated Sweet Potato Bones into smaller pieces and rewarding you little guy or gal when they’re extra obedient.
Training & Maintaining
One of the things you’re likely to add to your puppy shopping list is potty training materials! No one wants to return home from a long day at work to soiled carpet or a stinky doggy crate. But puppy potty training takes time and patience. Here are a few items to consider adding to your puppy shopping list:
Potty Pads
The keys to successful potty training are preparation, schedule, consistency, and reward. Get prepared by having plenty of puppy pads on hand. These are already treated with a scent to encourage use, so put them in front of doors or places where accidents occur. Then you’ll need to gradually move them towards the outside door.
Don’t rush it and don’t punish for accidents. If accidents happen, one of the most valuable items on your puppy shopping list will likely be a quality pet stain & odor eliminator. Enzymes in the product can help eat away any leftover smells. This makes it less likely for your puppy to have an accident in the same spot.
When it comes to puppies, one of the most important steps is the reward. This is our favorite part of the process, too!
Once your vet gives the all clear for doggy treats, Blue Ridge Naturals’ Alaskan Salmon Jerky Topper Trainer Treats make a perfect potty treat. They’re soft, chewy, and tiny in size. You can also break them into smaller pieces so you don’t go overboard with the calories. But again, be sure to run it by your vet first.
Staying Secure
Whether you’re stepping outside for a potty break or going for a walk in the park, you need to keep that little guy safe and secure. Your puppy shopping list isn’t complete without a collar or harness and a leash. You may also want to consider microchipping your little pooch for added protection.
Preserving Your Home
Like babies, puppies are messy. They’re quickly growing and adapting to your routine and way of life. And there’s a lot to learn! In the meantime, you may face a few messes. Here are a couple of things you may want to consider for your puppy shopping list.
To Crate Or Not To Crate?
For most people, no puppy shopping list is complete without a puppy crate. Crates speed up the potty training process as well as prevent those little chompers from gnawing on your furniture while out shopping!
Treats should be used to lure the puppy in and out of the crate so it remains a positive experience. Once your pup is big enough, Blue Ridge Naturals’ Pork & Sweet ‘Tater Jerky treats make for a wonderful training treat.
Gates After Crates
Once your puppy is more trustworthy, you can try adding a gate or playpen to your puppy shopping list. This allows your pup a bit of freedom, while still restricting them from the entire house.
Hygiene Items For Your Puppy Shopping List
No puppy shopping list is complete without a few items that help with hygiene. Here are a few items we recommend:
Grooming Brush
Brushing removes tangles and mats while strengthening the bond between the two of you. Start young to develop a positive association.
Puppy Shampoo
Lots of accidents and adventures require clean up. Puppy shampoo will likely be an important item for your puppy shopping list. Be careful not to get it in their eyes or ears though.
Flea & Tick Prevention
Fleas and ticks carry disease and can make your puppy miserable. Be sure to speak with your vet about starting a regimen as soon as possible.
Start Your Relationship Off On The Right Paw
At Blue Ridge Naturals, we’re just as excited about your new puppy as you are! That’s why we’re sharing our puppy shopping list to cover some of the basics. If you’re ever in need of wholesome dog treats made of quality ingredients, be sure to check out our entire line of yummy dog treats. We carry many varieties featuring sweet potato dog treats, salmon jerky, chicken tenders, and much more.
In the meantime, happy “Gotcha Day”! We hope you and your puppy enjoy many happy and healthy years together.
