August 08th, 2020

Written by myself and NK9 Dog Training & Behaviour Specialist

Pre Puppy Plans!

It’s really important we consider what we need to do and plan for before our new puppy arrives or even the decision of getting a puppy we have lots of questions:

• What breed/ sex
• Where to get a puppy/ or rescue
• What you will need to buy
• How will the puppy fit into daily routine?

Its a big life decision and also a huge commitment so we need to make sure it’s the right decision to avoid any situations of needing to re home. Even people that have had puppies before I hear them say it wasn’t like this last time, it’s harder than the last puppy! Our lives are constantly changing, as we get older and our life circumstances shift and turn. Getting a puppy should be as carefully planned as everything else in our lives.

It is also important to know the breed you are choosing. Really know the breed. The good and the bad. Be honest with yourself, is this breed right for you? Can you meet the needs of the breed? Do you know the health needs of the puppy? Do you know what medical conditions they are prone to. Are you prepared to pay Vet Bills? Are you prepared to take out Insurance?

Have you interviewed the breeders? Have you observed the parents? Do the parents come from working/ show or pet lines. Does this fit in with your lifestyle?

Is the breeder happy to keep the puppy until a minimum of 8 weeks despite how desperate you are to bring the pup home immediately.

What food is the puppy on? Is this a good food or a poor food? Has the Breeder ensured the puppy is fully vaccinated and microchipped? Has the Breeder done health tests on the parents and puppies? If the breeder has not fully vaccinated the Puppy, wormed and fleas have you spoke to the Vets about the Vaccination and worming protocol? Not all Vets stock the same Vaccinations.

Has the breeder done any Training? Any crate training, any exposure to a Car, anytime alone, does the Breeder know the personalities of all the puppies? Does Mum get a break? Does she have no interaction with the puppies?

This is all vital information to know before taking on a puppy. This isn't to give the Breeder a hard time. This is for your knowledge and safeguarding. The puppy will be in your life potentially for 20 years.

Is your lifestyle suitable for a puppy at all? Is the family on board? Do you have appropriate space for raising a puppy? Have you done much research about the needs of a puppy and into adolescents.

Step 1 – Write down what puppy’s daily routine would be like- getting up time/ going to bed time. What time you would do walks and exercise and is there someone to let out for toilet breaks during the day or would you need a dog walker or day-care

Step 2- Your lifestyle – are you planning on moving do you have children or plan to have children do you have other animals in the house these are all things we need to think about.

Step 3 -Holiday Plans – Holiday plans can chance for example you might need someone to care for the dog if you like to go away abroad or you may need to change your options and go on dog friendly holidays instead.

Step 4 -What you need to but in advance – there is a lot of products on the market we need to know exactly what we need and buy it in advance so we have everything to hand when puppy arrives this include equipment such as harnesses and leads and toys and grooming kit.

Step 5 – Vets and Insurance – We need to pick a vets and insurance plan in advance of puppy arriving just in case we need veterinary care
It can take some settling in when we first get a puppy so we need to work out a plan for the first week and adaptations.

Have you spoken to a local Vets, Dog Walker, Daycare and a Trainer or Behaviourist? Do you know their credentials? Have you spoke to a Groomer and planned a puppy intro appointment.

Do you know what toys are appropriate for a Puppy, have you planned socialisation and not just with other Dogs. Have you ensured the house is puppy proof and the garden.

Have you planned small car trips and introductions to the car. Have you planned where to take the puppy for exposure to new environments without playing with other Dogs?

There is a lot to consider and we need to ensure they get the best start!