Puppy Preparation

Things to do in advance

Read below for our guide on things to do and buy before you bring your new puppy home.
For information about what to do when your new puppy actually arrives, see our Puppy Care page.

PUPPY PROOFING

You will need to make sure your yard and house are puppy proof. Your yard will need to be fully fenced with no areas that present a possible escape option. Swimming pools are a serious hazard and pool fences will need to be improved if a puppy can squeeze through it. It is also a good idea to keep your puppy from general view of the passing public to prevent people from stealing your dog. Your house will also need to be prepared – section off any areas that you don’t want your puppy to access, remove items that you don’t want your puppy to chew, and remove any potential hazards to your puppy, such as electrical cords.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR YOUR PUPPY

  • A warm bed/crate/kennel which is placed where your puppy is going to feel safe and secure to sleep
  • Food dishes, one for water and one for food. Stainless steel is better as it cannot be chewed up
  • You will need to purchase some Advocate for puppies/small dogs. This will need to be put on your puppy as soon as you get him/her home. Advocate is a very good product and it will protect your puppy from heartworm, fleas, lice, gastrointestinal worm, lungworms, ear mites, sarcoptic mange, and Demodex mites.
  • A leash, collar, and an ID tag. The ID tag should have your phone number on it and be placed on your puppy’s collar.
  • You will need some toys to play with your puppy, as well as to keep them occupied whilst you are not there. Chew toys, soft toys, and puzzle toys such as the Kong range are all good selections.
  • Paper towel or puppy training pads! Your puppy is going to have accidents during the toilet training phase.
  • Other things that can be handy to have are healthy treats to use for training, a book on how to raise your puppy, and knowledge of positive training techniques (this is particularly useful for people who have not had a puppy before).

Helpful Shopping List for Your New Puppy

  • Fresh beef or chicken mince can be purchased from your local butcher, supermarket. or pet food store. Split and freeze appropriate size portions in the freezer.
  • You will need to purchase Advocate for dogs 4-10kg. This will need to be applied when you take your puppy home. Advocate can be purchased from your local pet store.
  • You will need 2 x stainless steel dishes, one for water and one for food. These can be purchased from your local pet store.
  • You will need a dog collar, leash, and ID tag. These can be purchased from your local pet store.
  • You will need a warm bed for your puppy to sleep in. Remember that your puppy will grow up, so buy something that he/she will fit in as an adult. These can be purchased from your local pet supply store.
  • You will need some paper towel or puppy training pads if you plan on having your puppy inside.
  • Dog training treats can be used to help you train your new puppy. Training treats are available from Supermarkets and your local pet store.

PET INSURANCE

We highly recommend purchasing Pet Insurance for the new addition to your family. Pets are a valued member of your family and at some stage during their life they will require veterinary assistance – and this can be an expensive experience. Pet Insurance can help alleviate the stress associated with the extra expense, while putting your mind at ease knowing that your pet will receive the treatment they need. Research the different policies offered by Australian insurance companies and make sure you are purchasing the level of cover that is best for your pet, at an affordable price.

ONGOING SUPPORT

We offer ongoing support for you and your puppy. We are always available to provide advice and answer any questions you may have over the lifetime of your puppy. Many of our families keep in contact and send pictures of their puppy’s progress, keeping us updated about the new addition to their family.