Before Your Puppy Arrives
Deciding which breed is best for you
The most important thing you can do prior to bringing a puppy into your home is to decide which breed is right for you! Almost all puppies are adorable little beings that have no problem sneaking into our hearts and wrapping them around their tiny little paws. However, as they grow older they will begin to explore and need things to do. Finding a breed that fits your lifestyle can save you years of future frustrations and headaches.
Self-Exploration – Before purchasing a puppy, take a moment to think about yourself and/or your family. Are you an active, outgoing person with a large yard and a desire to roam? You may want to consider a Labrador or other large breed dog who enjoys active activities. However, if you prefer to stay indoors or have a smaller yard, a less-active breed may be a better option.
Home Life – Are you home often? A young puppy normally requires being let out at least once every 4-5 hours. If you are at work 9-10 hours a day you may want to consider adopting an older puppy or adult who can control their bladder.
Time Constraints – How much time will you have to work with your dog? 20 minutes a day is the absolute minimum that is recommended for working with an adult dog. A young puppy requires much more time in order to successfully integrate them into your household. If you do not have the time to work with a young puppy, an older puppy or adult may be a better option.
Activity Levels – Are you an active person who can bring their dog with them on runs or other outdoor activities? Or are you more laid back, and would prefer to wander around the block instead? Try to match the breed you search for to your current activity level.
Breed Research – Whether you are interested in a rescue or a purebred canine companion, researching a variety of breeds is a great place to start! It is true that each dog is an individual and that your puppy's temperament may differ from the breed standard, but there are general tendencies that tend to shine through.
The link below will take you to the AKC website. There you can research breed standards and even compare several breeds!
Self-Exploration – Before purchasing a puppy, take a moment to think about yourself and/or your family. Are you an active, outgoing person with a large yard and a desire to roam? You may want to consider a Labrador or other large breed dog who enjoys active activities. However, if you prefer to stay indoors or have a smaller yard, a less-active breed may be a better option.
Home Life – Are you home often? A young puppy normally requires being let out at least once every 4-5 hours. If you are at work 9-10 hours a day you may want to consider adopting an older puppy or adult who can control their bladder.
Time Constraints – How much time will you have to work with your dog? 20 minutes a day is the absolute minimum that is recommended for working with an adult dog. A young puppy requires much more time in order to successfully integrate them into your household. If you do not have the time to work with a young puppy, an older puppy or adult may be a better option.
Activity Levels – Are you an active person who can bring their dog with them on runs or other outdoor activities? Or are you more laid back, and would prefer to wander around the block instead? Try to match the breed you search for to your current activity level.
Breed Research – Whether you are interested in a rescue or a purebred canine companion, researching a variety of breeds is a great place to start! It is true that each dog is an individual and that your puppy's temperament may differ from the breed standard, but there are general tendencies that tend to shine through.
The link below will take you to the AKC website. There you can research breed standards and even compare several breeds!
Finding the right puppy
Now that you have a few specific breeds in mind, it’s time to start looking! If you are looking for a purebred puppy, most responsible breeders will assist you in matching a puppy to your particular lifestyle. If you are interested in rescuing, it depends on where you go. Either way, it never hurts to know what you want in a puppy, and know what to look for in order to get a puppy who will fit well with your household. *This is a condensed list of basic items to look for when purchasing a puppy. There are a variety of websites and literature that elaborate on what to look for when searching for the perfect puppy.
Parents – If the parents are on site, visit them. Look for any physical defects, as well as any personality flaws. What you are looking for are two healthy adult dogs who are happy, well-mannered, and well-adjusted.
Socialization – For a first-time owner, we would recommend finding a nice, well-rounded puppy who shows no signs of fear towards people or other dogs.
Watch the Litter – If the whole litter is there, look at the litter for a bit and see what the puppies are doing. If they are playing, is there one that is consistently starting puppy tussles? Is there a nervous one that isn’t playing with the others?
Interact Individually – If possible, interact with each available puppy individually. The ideal puppy would be interested in you, but also interested in their new environment.
Desensitization – Roll the puppy onto their back and pet the puppy all over their body. Roll them back over, then play with their ears, check their eyes and mouth, and play with their paws. The puppy may bat at you with their paws or gently mouth at your hands, but growling or snapping at your hands is an indication of further training being needed and/or possible temperament issues.
Parents – If the parents are on site, visit them. Look for any physical defects, as well as any personality flaws. What you are looking for are two healthy adult dogs who are happy, well-mannered, and well-adjusted.
Socialization – For a first-time owner, we would recommend finding a nice, well-rounded puppy who shows no signs of fear towards people or other dogs.
Watch the Litter – If the whole litter is there, look at the litter for a bit and see what the puppies are doing. If they are playing, is there one that is consistently starting puppy tussles? Is there a nervous one that isn’t playing with the others?
Interact Individually – If possible, interact with each available puppy individually. The ideal puppy would be interested in you, but also interested in their new environment.
Desensitization – Roll the puppy onto their back and pet the puppy all over their body. Roll them back over, then play with their ears, check their eyes and mouth, and play with their paws. The puppy may bat at you with their paws or gently mouth at your hands, but growling or snapping at your hands is an indication of further training being needed and/or possible temperament issues.
Preparing for your puppy's arrival
Preparation is the key to a happy home! When a new puppy comes into the home, everyone will want to play with them! It will be much easier to focus on your new arrival and welcome them home if you aren’t worried about them swallowing legos or pottying on your new rug.
Safe Place – The most important thing in a new puppy’s life will be their safe place. This is the place that you can put them that is completely puppy-proofed and where they do not require constant supervision. For many, this area is a kennel or gated area. It can even be an entire room that the puppy can be placed into and the door can be shut behind them. The place itself does not matter, what is important is that the puppy is safe while in that place.
Puppy-proofing – Look around the house, see what your puppy can get into, and remove them from the area or block your puppy from it. Are there items in reach that they can put their teeth on? Is there a carpeted area or rug that needs to be blocked off in case of a potty accident? Are there small toys, wrappers, or other items on the floor that they might choke on? It is imperative to have at least one area in the house where the puppy can be confined that is completely safe and dog-proofed.
Scheduling – A good Schedule will make your puppy's life (and yours) much easier! Puppies work better when they are on a schedule, and so do we. If you’re planning on feeding your puppy twice a day, try to pick two times and stay with them. Try to play with your puppy near the same time each day too, so that they know to look forward to their time with you. Scheduling not only helps with healthy dogs, it will also help you spot illness and irregularity early on. If your normally “starving” Sam isn’t hungry at dinnertime, or your bouncy Betty is stiff and slow, you will know immediately that something is wrong.
Supplies – There are certain things that puppies will need from the moment they arrive. We highly recommend at least having food and water bowls, puppy food, a collar/harness and a leash ready before you bring your puppy in. Brushes, shampoo, toys, chewies, treats, and other extras can be purchased at a later time, but everything will be much easier for you if you have these items on hand.
**We will cover these subjects in more detail in other sections**
Safe Place – The most important thing in a new puppy’s life will be their safe place. This is the place that you can put them that is completely puppy-proofed and where they do not require constant supervision. For many, this area is a kennel or gated area. It can even be an entire room that the puppy can be placed into and the door can be shut behind them. The place itself does not matter, what is important is that the puppy is safe while in that place.
Puppy-proofing – Look around the house, see what your puppy can get into, and remove them from the area or block your puppy from it. Are there items in reach that they can put their teeth on? Is there a carpeted area or rug that needs to be blocked off in case of a potty accident? Are there small toys, wrappers, or other items on the floor that they might choke on? It is imperative to have at least one area in the house where the puppy can be confined that is completely safe and dog-proofed.
Scheduling – A good Schedule will make your puppy's life (and yours) much easier! Puppies work better when they are on a schedule, and so do we. If you’re planning on feeding your puppy twice a day, try to pick two times and stay with them. Try to play with your puppy near the same time each day too, so that they know to look forward to their time with you. Scheduling not only helps with healthy dogs, it will also help you spot illness and irregularity early on. If your normally “starving” Sam isn’t hungry at dinnertime, or your bouncy Betty is stiff and slow, you will know immediately that something is wrong.
Supplies – There are certain things that puppies will need from the moment they arrive. We highly recommend at least having food and water bowls, puppy food, a collar/harness and a leash ready before you bring your puppy in. Brushes, shampoo, toys, chewies, treats, and other extras can be purchased at a later time, but everything will be much easier for you if you have these items on hand.
**We will cover these subjects in more detail in other sections**
Scheduling example and basic supply list
Coming Home
home introduction
When your puppy first arrives, everyone will most likely want to play with the new arrival. It is perfectly fine for everyone to greet your new addition! As long as the new puppy is content, it would be a great idea for everyone in the home to greet the new puppy!
Proper Greeting – During the first meeting, it is best not to overwhelm the new puppy. Allowing it to sniff each family members hands, and then gently petting the puppy on the head and back will help the puppy learn their new family’s smells. Try not to pick the puppy up too much or irritate them by playing with their paws or tail. This is a meeting, not an exam. Pro Tip – good hygiene, such as making sure everyone washes their hands before and after touching the new puppy, will go a long way in ensuring the health and safety of all parties during this first meeting.
Explore The Yard – After the puppy meets the family, let them check out the area they will be going potty in. At this time, you can carry them outside or allow them to walk out with you. If they are mobile or you have an unfenced yard, you may want to use a leash. Walk with them around the yard. If they potty during this time, be sure to praise them for going potty outside! Pro Tip – Walking the perimeter with your puppy each time they potty for at least the first 2-3 weeks (especially if your yard is not fenced) will help your puppy learn the boundaries and stay in the yard.
Explore The Home – Bring the puppy back in, and introduce them to their new home. Walk them to their safe place (kennel, gated area, room) first, and then slowly move to each room that they will be allowed into. Watch the puppy while on your tour. An active puppy who is actively investigating each room is great! If your puppy is lagging behind you, wandering aimlessly, or seems frightened, you may want to give your puppy some alone time in their safe place to rest and/or adjust to their new environment.
Safe Place – After showing your puppy around take them to their food and water dish, let them snack/drink if they wish, potty them again, and then take them back to their safe place. All the new sights and smells of your home can be draining on a young puppy, so taking them to their safe place is a great way to let them rest and begin adjusting to their new environment.
Proper Greeting – During the first meeting, it is best not to overwhelm the new puppy. Allowing it to sniff each family members hands, and then gently petting the puppy on the head and back will help the puppy learn their new family’s smells. Try not to pick the puppy up too much or irritate them by playing with their paws or tail. This is a meeting, not an exam. Pro Tip – good hygiene, such as making sure everyone washes their hands before and after touching the new puppy, will go a long way in ensuring the health and safety of all parties during this first meeting.
Explore The Yard – After the puppy meets the family, let them check out the area they will be going potty in. At this time, you can carry them outside or allow them to walk out with you. If they are mobile or you have an unfenced yard, you may want to use a leash. Walk with them around the yard. If they potty during this time, be sure to praise them for going potty outside! Pro Tip – Walking the perimeter with your puppy each time they potty for at least the first 2-3 weeks (especially if your yard is not fenced) will help your puppy learn the boundaries and stay in the yard.
Explore The Home – Bring the puppy back in, and introduce them to their new home. Walk them to their safe place (kennel, gated area, room) first, and then slowly move to each room that they will be allowed into. Watch the puppy while on your tour. An active puppy who is actively investigating each room is great! If your puppy is lagging behind you, wandering aimlessly, or seems frightened, you may want to give your puppy some alone time in their safe place to rest and/or adjust to their new environment.
Safe Place – After showing your puppy around take them to their food and water dish, let them snack/drink if they wish, potty them again, and then take them back to their safe place. All the new sights and smells of your home can be draining on a young puppy, so taking them to their safe place is a great way to let them rest and begin adjusting to their new environment.
family introductions
animal introductions
Highlights and Homework
Highlights
- If you haven't chosen a puppy yet, this is a great time to brush up on your canine knowledge and decide which breed(s) would work well for you!
- When you choose your canine companion try to focus on their personality. Those cute puppy characteristics will fade, but a great personality will be around for years to come!
- Prepare for your puppy to arrive by having supplies on hand, a safe place ready, and a general schedule laid out.
- Introduce your puppy to their new environment slowly and in a calm manner. There is no need to rush introductions if your puppy is nervous.
Homework
- Brush up on your breed knowledge. If you have a puppy, learn what they were bred for. If you don't have a puppy yet do some research and decide which breed(s) are right for you!
- Puppy-proof the house! If not the entire house, at least the areas where your puppy will be spending the majority of their time.
- Make a list of the supplies you will need for your puppy. If you have a puppy (or will be getting one soon) get your supplies BEFORE you need them.
- Make a schedule for your pup. Be sure to include potty, training, and feeding times!