Once you decided on what breed of dog you want, you’ll need to know what is needed before you bring the dog home. I have listed 14 quick tips on what to do “before and after,” when bringing your new puppy or adult dog home.

Before you bring the dog home

1.  Make Time - Make sure you have time to spend with your dog. You have your job, friends, shopping, dinner parties…your dog only has you. He needs your time, love and attention.
2.   Leash - Buy the proper length for the activity you want to do with your dog. A 6’ leash will work when teaching your dog to heel and when taking your dog for a walk. You can also use a “retractable” leash when you take your dog for “potty” walks. This way he can go further away from you and you’ll still have control.
3.  Collar - Buy the proper collar size and style you need for the dogs activity. If obedience training, you’ll need a choke chain. You can use a regular leather or nylon collar for every day use with his dog tags on it.
4.  Food and water dishes - Keep these washed daily to fight off bacteria.
5.  Food – Feed the proper amount of food daily. Some like to feed once a day, I prefer twice a day. Remember to keep the dog food sack out of your dogs reach, as some dogs would eat the whole sack of food, which means he could “bloat” and you don’t want that to happen.
6.  Dog treats - You can give your dogs treats like dog biscuits, or even a piece of hot dog as a reward, but every dog has different tastes. My dogs only like the “dog cookies” that they are use to getting and rarely take treats from anyone else.
7.  Dog toys – Buy safe dog toys; not ones with eyes, or parts that could be chewed off and eaten.  Kong toys are the best. They come in different styles and sizes, and the best thing about them is, that you can fill them with different treats, (like peanut butter) and it keeps them busy for quite awhile.
8.  Puppy proof your home and yard – Basically pick up everything in your house that doesn’t belong on the floor or in their reach. Check your yard for poisonous plants, trash, kids toys or anything else that you don’t want chewed up.
9.  Popper scooper - You’ll need this to keep the yard clean on a daily basis. You’ll need to do this for 3 reasons: so the dog won’t eat it – so you won’t step in it – and sanitation.
10.  Safe area - Have a safe place prepared to keep the dog, and I don’t mean tie him out in the yard and leave him there 24/7.  He needs shelter from the winter and summer elements.  A fenced yard is very important for not only the dogs safety, but also gives the dog room for running, exercise and playing You’ll need a doghouse or building, (with clean blankets or rugs), so he can get out of the wind, rain, snow or sun. Your dog will need fresh water by the doghouse, or in the shelter building.

Once the dog is home

1. Have your dog checked out by a Veterinarian.
2. Set your dog on a schedule for shots and worming with your Vet.
3. Take walks with your dog or take the dog jogging with you (if your dog is old enough). Try taking him out with you at least 4 – 5 days a week.
4. Remember the 3 P’s :  Patience    -    Praise    -    Playtime

Take good care of your dog – He’s part of your family and will remain a loyal companion until he dies.  Don’t break his heart or his spirit

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