EQUIP YOURSELF FOR THE FIRST DAY!

Here are the following 8 things you need to equip yourself with during the waiting period of bringing your puppy home!

1.   Crate – It is the cozy place for your puppy at home and on the go. There are so many types of crates/cages/kennels. However, if the puppy is going to be raised indoor, it is essential to have a crate at home. Another important factor to think about while getting the crate is to get the large size which would fit for the puppy when they grow to their full size. Also, you can get the crate with the divider, so that you give the ideal space for the puppy and then gradually give them more space depending how they do accidents inside the crate.  

2.    Play Pen – If there are no enough space in your apartment or the house and would like to ensure the puppy has his restricted areas on the inside, it is essential to get a play pen with the door so it is easier to let the puppy out of their space when you have to. From my personal experience, I later converted the play pen into a small gate and big crate for Troy.

3.    Food Bowl – There are different kinds of food bowls. Labradors are always hungry and they can eat 24X7, they don’t generally feel full at all. They also have the tendency to gobble food very fast. A normal food bowl/ puzzle bowl/wobbler is a good start.

4.    Water Bowl- There are different kinds of water bowls available – one with just the bowl/ bubble topper/ sipper which can be hung up on the crate and use a travel bottle with the base attached when you hit the road.

5.    Training Pads – From day one that the puppy is home, you are going to encounter a lot of accidents which could be both pee accident or potty accident. These training pads can be used inside the crate as well as outside the crate in the house. As and when if the puppy pees in the house, you can use the training pad and keep moving it towards the door and eventually outside.

6.    Food – It is good to find out what brand of dog food was given to your puppy by the breeder/at the shelter. Continue to give the same food for another week and then slowly wean the puppy with the brand of food that you would like to give them.

7.    Leash & Collar – Be prepared to go to the pet store a couple of times to get new leash/collar & harness for the puppy as they grow in size. So, its completely fine to get something small and try various brands before you figure which one suits the puppy the best.  

8.    Figure out the Veterinary Clinic – It is essential to take your puppy to the vet as soon as you can to get the puppy examined for any illness.