Puppy Checklist

Congratulations on your new puppy! Before you head to the pet store to purchase everything
in sight, here's a checklist of the absolutely essential supplies you need to get started.
Estimated costs will vary depending on the size of your puppy.

1. CRATE - $30 to $150
Crate training is a humane way to keep your puppy safe and
out of trouble when you cannot supervise him. It's unrealistic
to think you'll be able to keep an eye on your puppy 24/7.
A crate also provides your puppy with a safe space of his
own to retreat to when he needs a break from all the
household activity. We recommend the Vari-Kennel style of crate
(sometimes called "airline" crates). Vari-Kennels are easier to clean and disinfect than wire crates.

2. EXERCISE PEN - $45 to $100
An exercise or X-pen gives your puppy a safe place to play and move around when you cannot
supervise him, much like a playpen for children. X-pens are easy to fold up and move around your
house or yard as needed. They can also be used as a Time-Out location when your puppy is getting
into trouble.

3. BABY GATES - $20 to $40
During your puppy's first months in her new home, management is crucial to successful
housetraining. Use baby gates to control your puppy's access to areas of your house where she
could get into trouble. We recommend that you purchase at least two or three gates so you'll always
have them where you need them. For extra tall gates or gates to fit wide doorways, visit Doctors
Fosters & Smith.

4. COLLAR and LEASH - $5 to 20
Your puppy will go through several collars before she is fully grown so you will not want to invest in
an expensive decorative collar right away. Instead look for flat nylon collars with easy to open
buckles. The collar should fit your puppy comfortably but snugly enough so that it doesn't slip over
her head. Avoid metal choke chains and prong/pinch collars as they are unnecessary. Always keep
an ID tag on your puppy's collar at all times in case she gets lost. A plain 4' or 6' nylon leash is a
good choice for a puppy.

5. KONG TOYS- $5 to $10
These amazing snowman shaped rubber toys will keep your puppy occupied for hours. You can stuff
them with dry kibble, treats, peanut butter and just about anything your puppy likes. Not only is it
yummy for your puppy to eat, gnawing on the rubber exercises those jaw muscles in an appropriate
way. Buy several Kongs and keep stuffed ones in your refrigerator so they're ready when you need
them in a hurry. As your puppy grows, make sure she is chewing on an appropriate sized toy.

6. BED - $10 to $40
Your puppy will probably go through several beds as she grows (or chews them up) so it's best not to
spend a lot of money on a really expensive bed at first. Make sure whatever bed you choose has a
removable cover that can easily be washed.

7. TOYS - as many as you want!
Choose a variety of toys to see what your puppy likes best - rubber balls, tennis balls, fleecy squeaky
toys, rubber squeaky, rope toys, etc. Be prepared to go through a lot of toys as those needle sharp
puppy teeth destroy them! You can stock up on toys at your local Dollar Tree Store and not have to
worry about spending a fortune on toys that will last all of five minutes.

8. FOOD and TREATS - $20 to $40
Choose a high quality brand puppy food (not supermarket brand) and avoid foods that are high in corn
or corn meal. Corn is a common food allergy in dogs and also contains a lot of sugar. Look for a
food with a meat as one of the first three ingredients. When buying training treats, look for a meaty
natural treats like freeze dried liver, Natural Balance roll, or jerky for dogs. You want a treat you can
easily break up into tiny pieces for training.

9. BOOKS - $8.95 and up
The books are for you, not your puppy! Ideally you should read up and educate yourself about
puppies as much as you can before you bring your new best friend home. But it's never too late. We
highly recommend Before & After Getting Your Puppy by Dr. Ian Dunbar and The Power of Positive
Dog Training by Pat Miller. You may find these books in your local bookstore or check out Dogwise.

10. TRAINING CLASS - $70 to $80
Puppy Kindergarten is the perfect opportunity to start training your puppy and let her socialize and
play with other puppies in a safe environment! If you want to start training your puppy before she
has completed all her shots we offer in-home Puppy Headstart Training that will get you and your
puppy off on the right paw. Puppies are never too young to start learning good manners!

11. SOCIALIZATION - Free!
Even if your puppy hasn't finished all her vaccinations, it doesn't mean you can't get started socializing
her. Carry your puppy everywhere you go, if possible, and have her meet all kinds of people and see
lots of new places. Take along yummy treats so strangers can offer them to her. Invite everyone you
know over to your house to visit your new puppy. Make it a super fun positive experience!


	Pawsitive Results Training & Behavior *"Where dogs and their people learn together"* Serving Beaver & Lawrence Counties, Pennsylvania & surrounding areas (724) 847-0577

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	Did you know? The socialization period for puppies closes around 12-14 weeks of age It's crucial that you socialize your puppy to lots of new people and other dogs during this very short window in time in order to have a well-rounded and confident adult dog!