Our Ultimate Puppy Checklist

I'm proud of you!

So by now you've made this glorious and wonderful decision of getting a new best friend. You said yes. And I’m proud of you for that and so is Bea. Bringing a puppy into your home is a truly exciting and deeply rewarding experience, but it does require some (aka a lot of) preparation. Did you know that Bea loves lists? Well in the pic on the right you can see the face she makes whenever she sees or hears about lists. Wait...is lists the right word?!

Anyway, we’ve compiled a checklist, our ultimate puppy checklist, to help you get ready:

The list

1. Puppy-proof Your Home: Just like with a human baby (and yes you can used to comparing a puppy with a human baby now, don't fight it), you'll want to ensure your home is safe for a curious, exploring and wild puppy. Some steps we thought of are:

   - Securing cabinets and trash cans (they smell pawsome!).

   - Removing toxic plants from accessible areas. (Check out this toxic plants list)

   - Removing all chemicals (cleaning aids, etc)

   - Covering or securing electrical cords (Chewster will chew!)

   - Removing small objects that could be swallowed. Check again!

2. Designate a Sleeping Area: Set up a comfortable and quiet area where your puppy can sleep. This could be a crate, a cozy bed, or a designated area in a quiet corner. We gave Bea a box. That might sound a bit strange, but it really helped her in countless situations. The box is solely her domain. I don't reach into it, I don't place anything inside it (after the inital bedding), etc. And she has constant access to it, so she can take herself out of any situation that might be too much for her.

3. Get Essential Supplies: (Check out this detailed list and be prepared to absolutley freak out with joy while shopping)

   - Food and water bowls

   - Quality food for puppies

   - Collar / harness (yes, please!)

- Leash (maybe a check cord or rope)

   - ID tags (unless they are provided by your local authority)

   - Bed / crate / box

   - Toys (nothing squeaky though)

   - Puppy training pads or outdoor potty training supplies

4. Find a Veterinarian: Research and select a veterinarian for regular check-ups, vaccinations, and emergencies. If possible find a good one that is really close to you.

5. Schedule Training Classes: We highly recommend enrolling in puppy training classes to start teaching basic commands and socialization skills early. Especially the social aspects of training classes are so important for every dog.

6. Create a Routine: Establish a feeding, potty, and exercise schedule for your puppy to help them adjust to their new forever home. Play it through, adjust, repeat. And do it all again once the puppy is actually home.

7. Prepare for Potty Training: Decide whether you'll be training your puppy to go outside or use indoor potty pads, and set up the appropriate area with supplies. We really think walking your dog (ie. going outside) is essential for a myriad of reasons. So get good shoes for you as well. Don't worry if you life in a populated area with loads of concrete, your dog will adjust to the surface.

8. Set Boundaries: Decide which areas of your home your puppy will have access to and establish boundaries. We did that and we were adamant about not letting Bea get in our bed. We managed to keep this rule up exactly zero nights.

9. Arrange for Time Off: Plan to spend time at home during the initial adjustment period to bond with your puppy. You'll need this time. Because actually seeing your new dog in your home hits hard.

10. Pet Insurance: Look into pet insurance options to help cover unexpected medical expenses. Here in Austria the insurance is mandatory and most household insurances include at least one dog for free.

Get some tissues, in case someone will cut loads of onions.

Bonus points

11. Budget for Expenses: Factor in the costs of food, grooming, toys, veterinary care, and other expenses. We talked about the costs that come with having a dog. But just make sure to check your financial situation.

12. Emotional Preparation: A puppy requires time, patience, and dedication. Be prepared for the joys and challenges of puppyhood. Especially the first couple of days will take their toll. We know that you cannot actually prepare for that, but just be advised that it will be a bit thicker than you thought.

Do you have any other items that need to go on that list? Please share them and your thoughts in the comments!

Also: I meant snacks. You can see the face she makes when she sees or hears about snacks.