Checklist before new puppy comes home...

Todd · 05-30-2007, 07:02 PM

Well, It's about time to bring my new red boy home. He will be 10 weeks old next week and will have the stitches out at that time as well.

I will most likely be flying up and renting a car for the drive back. I could have him flown down but dont feel comfortable with that for many reasons.

I did a couple searches but didnt find what I wanted. Feel free to link me to a thread if I missed it.

Can you guys/gals give your checklist to have accomplished before 'puppy' comes home???? Everything from type of crate, bowls, leash, collar, toys, etc.

I think I know after reading and reading and reading....etc. But I would love your confirmtion.

Thank you all. I will be a picture nut when I get him here so get ready!

Todd · 05-30-2007, 07:03 PM

I should add that I will not be picking him up till the week after next. Which puts him at 11 weeks.

**TracyJo** · 05-30-2007, 07:19 PM

First thing you HAVE to have is a good digital camera with plenty of batteries :-)

I prefer the vari-kennel type crates but I have to fly my dogs all over the world and like to get them used to what they're going to travel in. That said, I know many people who like the wire crates because they're not as big and easier to move around and store. Some will reccomend getting a small one and then larger crates as the pup grows. I got an extra large vari kennel for Chi and then put a large box in it when she was small. Whatever you decide, make sure the crate (or the area it will be in, in the crate) is only large enough for him to comfortably stand, turn around and lay down - any larger and you risk him pottying in one corner and then living in the rest.
Find out what his breeder is feeding him and get that type of food - if you decide to switch later, that's fine but you'll want to do so gradually.
A flat nylon collar and light leash - I wouldn't buy anything too expensive as the pup will quickly outgrow it and could very well chew on it :-)
Nylabone sells a puppy starter set, I'd get a couple. These dogs are pretty quick at destroying those virtually indestructable toys :-)
Baby gates are great to block off areas where you don't want the pup. I still have one at the bottom of my stairs. Chi could step over it if she wanted to but she doesn't know that :-)
I'm sure you're super excited about him coming home! Oh and start catching up on your sleep now, you'll need to be well rested when he gets home :-)

FamilyZoo · 05-30-2007, 07:41 PM

What "TraceyJo" said and keep an eye out for when/if you puppy food hits the "recall list".
Looking forward to the pictures!

dobes4me · 05-30-2007, 07:41 PM

How exciting for you! And yes, as TracyJo said, get lots of sleep now

As for crates, we got Indy one of those Life Stages ones, where you can make them bigger as the dog gets bigger. That way, you only have to buy one crate since they can get kind of pricey.

Make sure to get lots of toys to keep him busy, especially ones he can chew on. The Nylabones are great and the puppy starter kit allows you to see which flavor(s) he likes.

Make sure to get lots of pics. They grow soooooo quickly!

Todd · 05-30-2007, 09:23 PM

Got the camera covered. I bought one of the newer Sony DSC-N2 which is 10megapixels with a 3 inch touch screen. And it is smaller than a deck of cards so no excuses for not having it with me!

I guess this weekend will be crate and toy buying time.

**Jenny** · 05-30-2007, 09:25 PM

What they said

Kongs are also good and not easily destroyed.

sizzur · 05-31-2007, 12:31 AM

Haha i asked this question too almost a month ago.
Get alllll the sleep u can now. Go nuts. Just sleep as much as you can, cuz you'll miss it LOL! Just to add a few more, get something to trim his nails with, whether it be the clippers or a dremel(shouldn't be too pricey). Some good stain/odour removers will come quite in handy as well. Some chew toys like the others mentioned, stainless steel or porcelain food/water bowls, and a whole lotta patience lol.

**Burns** · 05-31-2007, 01:55 AM

We bought all this stuff ahead of time for our 10 week old red boy (now 14 weeks old):

- Vari Kennel Ultra XL
- tall pet gate with cat door in the bottom
- food and water bowls (stainless steel or ceramic)
- high quality dry and canned puppy food
- chewy training treats
- pooper scooper
- small nylon adjustable collar
- I.D. tag
- double nylon 6' leash
- rubber, plastic and plush chew toys
- bones and rawhides (supervised only)
- nail trimmers (then later bought a nail dremel which I like better)
- pet toothbrush/toothpaste
- Tampax Slender tampons for ear posting
- Johnson & Johnson Zonas tape for ear posting
- bandage scissors

I think there was more, but I can't remember now... I'll edit it if I think of anything else.

Good luck!

**BackInBlack** · 05-31-2007, 02:01 AM

You will want to get a good stain and odor remover for cleaning crates and accidents. Natures Miracle works well