New Puppy? How to Prepare Your Family and Home

Bringing a new puppy home is such an exciting time! You and your family are probably filled with anticipation, and perhaps some anxiety. Puppies are a lot of work and can be quite time consuming. They are also a joy and have the potential to be another member of your family. If you have  not had a puppy in a long time, you may have forgotten some of the things needed to prepare or the essential items necessary and/or helpful to have ready for your new puppy. If this is your first puppy, you may be wondering what items are really necessary to best care for your pup. The following is a list of helpful and/or necessary items to have in the home, preferably prior to bringing your puppy home. In addition, a list of how to prepare and suggestions on what to do to get your house and family ready for a new puppy.

Essential Puppy items:

A crate or kennel. Your puppy needs a quiet place of her own to rest in. Dogs, like their cousins the wolf like to go to dark, quiet places to rest. Kennels are helpful to keep your puppy safe from harm, to use in travel, and for her to sleep in. A kennel will not only bring you peace of mind and some rest in between play times, but it will provide a place for your puppy to call hers.

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