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**  New Puppy Checklist  **

( PDF Link )

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Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for any family.

Here are a few tips on making the transition easy.

Puppy Food

The first year is critical to your puppies development. During this time, your puppy needs special nutrition to promote strong bones and teeth, building immune system, proper development of body systems and a thick, lustrous coat. At certain times during this period of growth and development, your puppy will need up to twice the amount of food per pound of body weight compared to an adult dog. Start your puppy on the right track with a complete and balanced puppy food. A small amount of Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food will come with your new puppy. This is the food he has been raised on and I recommend.

 

NuVet Plus

As a dog breeder, animal health is my top priority. That's why I enthusiastically recommend NuVet Plus immune system builder to all of my customers. Simply put, it is the best nutritional supplement available today. To assure your puppy gets off to the right start, they have been enjoying NuVet Plus every day as a treat (they love the taste). Continuing this daily regimen is the easiest and best way to keep your pet on the path to perfect health! This is not just a vitamin. It's an immune system builder with a precise balance of vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, amino acids and high-potency antioxidants. That's why it works so well through all three stages of a dogs life. For your convenience, you may order directly from the manufacturer by calling 1-800-474-7044 and using Order Code: 25980, or ordering online at www.nuvet.com/25980

 

Training Treats

Purchase treats that are low in calories and are a small size to reinforce a puppy's good behavior during training. And, a good rule to live by is the 10% rule. Treats should not exceed 10% of your puppy's daily calorie intake.

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Collar and Leash

Your puppy's first collar and leash will be included with your new puppy. It should be made of lightweight nylon or leather. Nylon is my favorite because it breaths. For collar size, measure his neck and add two inches. Check his/her collar frequently to be sure he/she hasn't outgrown it. Six feet is the best length for training and walking.

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Identification Tag

An identification tag permanently attached to the collar should have your new dog's name, and your name, address and phone number. Your puppy will be microchipped prior to leaving as well. I use the brand Nanochip. It is the least invasive, little tiny chip. Fetch ID is Nanochip's official recovery service for pet owners. Online registration is fast & easy at,www.fetch-id.com & www.freepetchipregistry.com

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Fi Tracking Collar

I highly recommend this GPS tracking collar, it is amazing. For those who live in the city or those that live in the country side. This is such a life saver and a peace of mind knowing you will always know where your fur baby is. This collar has the sleekest design for small dogs (no big box hanging under their neck), waterproof and the battery life last up to 90 days (amazing). Most other types of GPS collars you have to charge every 24 hours. That isn't acceptable when your fur baby is lost. Most of my dogs wear the small size, some might reach the smaller side of the medium size. They also have a light on the collar that you can turn on right through the app, for night time use. These collars are worth every cent!  https://tryfi.com/

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Puppy Pen

A puppy exercise pen can be a great asset if you have to leave a puppy alone for any period of time. You can set up a crate, water, food, litter box / puppy pads in this area. So your puppy will be safe while your away, without having to lock them in a crate. (This also provides a good time for a puppy to get accustom to the crate) A puppy can't hold there bladder for more than 3-4 hrs. It is usually 16 weeks of age until they can control there bladder & bowels.  Puppy Exercise Pen

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Crate

The crate will become your dog's safe place, and his special place to go to sleep and feel secure. Put it near or in the family hub of activity, so your dog feels like part of the family. This is his / her home, too, and he/she should feel comfortable here. The key to successful use of the crate is to always use it in a positive manner never as a punishment. I recommend a 24.5 L x 17.5 W x 19.5 H " size crate with a divider. This size can be used from puppy through adult, by just adjusting the placement of the divider.  Crate

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Litter Pan

Puppies will come litter trained. I highly recommend the use of a Puppy Pen with a litter box the first few months. It will save frustration for you and your baby. It helps prevent accidents. Puppy Litter Pan

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Pine Litter

Puppies are trained to a pine pellet litter. Although this is what I use there are many different versions of it. Pine Pellet Litter   Or   Pine Pellet Stall Bedding

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Grooming Tools

The proper grooming tools will differ depending on your puppy's stage. The Toy & Miniature Australian Shepherd needs little grooming and are an average shedder. Brush occasionally with a sturdy wide-tooth metal comb and perhaps a slicker brush and bathe only when needed. Establish your dogs grooming program as soon as possible so he / she will get used to being groomed.

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Toys

Safe toys are an important part of your pet equipment. They can help your dog exercise and provide a safe way to satisfy your puppy's need to chew. Plush toys, Rubber toys that can be filled with treats, nylon chews, hard rubber balls, squeaker toys, and different texture toys are fun and usually safe. If your dog can fit a toy in his mouth, the toy is too small and could be unsafe.

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Notebook

Keep all of your puppy's photos, vet records, and vital statistics in one place. This will be especially helpful if your puppy/dog gets lost.

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And Don't Forget the Basics

Make sure to grab things like food and water bowls, a dog bed, pet shampoo, a pooper scooper, carpet stain remover, and puppy training materials.

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Good luck to you and your new puppy!


Item Checklist


___   Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food (Sm. bag included w/ puppy)

___   Collar & Leash (Included w/ puppy)

___   NuVet Plus K-9 Wafers

___   Training Treats & Puppy Bones

___   Crate (24.5 L x 17.5 W x 19.5 H ")

___   Crate Liner

___  Puppy Exercise Pen

___   Puppy Litter Pan

___   Litter

___   Food & Water Bowl

___   Dog Bed

___   Toys

___   Grooming Tools

___   Pet Shampoo

___   Pooper Scooper & Poop Bags

___   Identification Tag

___   Carpet Stain Remover

___   Fi Tracking Collar (Optional! But money well spent!)

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