Season 1: episode 1 Puppy Preppers 101

How dark is too dark for a Podcast?
Coffee is good on rainy days.

The worst movies of all time:
Katie: Joe Dirt 2
Anna: The Sandlot 2, and any unnecessary sequel
Jimmy: Battlefield Earth starring the guy from Grease and the New Hairspray

This Episodes Topic: How to Prep Your Home for the Puppy
If done the right way, is a lot of work.

Every puppy is different, so there are always unexpected no matter your experience level.

1. Be mindful of where you will have your dog. Your dog is going to piss and shit on the floor no matter how vigilant and prepared you are.

• Don't let your dog hang out where it's not okay for them to have accidents.
• Have a space prepared.
• Block off areas you don't want the puppy to access using x-pens or baby gates.
• Have the crate setup in advance before the puppy comes home.

2. Make sure to adapt to the dog's abilities. The will surprise you.

• They may chew faster than you expect
• They may be smarter than you expect
• It's not your dogs fault if he is a genius
• Have a plan B before you need it

3. Safe and helpful toys and chews for puppies

• Nylabones
• Kong Bones
• Himalayan yaks milk chews (microwave the small pieces for a soft teeth).
• Anything they can sharpen their teeth on and satisfy their chew habit.
• Filled and frozen Kong toys
• Raw Bones (consult with vet first)
• Bully-sticks
• Make sure to pick everything up in multi-dog households
• Always supervise chew habits
• The more they have to chew on, the less they chew on inappropriate things.
• DO NOT GIVE DOGS RAWHIDE

4. What kind of equipment should we get for the puppy?

• Flat collars, and a flat leash
• Front-clip harnesses, Ruff-Wear brand
• Balance harnesses
• Slip-leads, non-chain

5. What to have in the car when you actually pickup the puppy.

• Towels
• Seat protection
• Adaptil sprays and synthetic pheromones. Get from pet stores or the vet
• Poop bags. On road trips, as soon as your puppy wakes up they will need a potty break.
• Water
• Treats

6. Puppy-proof Your Life

• Don't leave anything where your puppy can chew it.
• Be mindful of toxic and poisonous things where the dog can get them.
• Block dangerous areas of the house like stairs until your dog is comfortable with them
• Don't leave the puppy unattended unless completely contained in a crate or pen
• Keep your puppy away from irreplaceable things.
• Don't leave socks and underwear where your dog can get them

7. Have a Plan for Your Schedule

• Don't leave your puppy home for too long.
• Schedule a puppy sitter if you can't let your dog out every 3-4 hours
• Slowly introduce people in small increments
• Get rid of your kids when you first bring the puppy home, so the first day isn't too overwhelming. 

8. Prep the Yard

• No electric fences, no invisible fences
• Use a long-line early on if you prefer to keep the puppy close
• Make yard furniture considerations
• Make sure plants aren't toxic for dogs
• Consider the yard products you have used to make sure they aren't toxic for the puppy.
• Make sure there aren't weaknesses in the fence
• Have a sandbox for the puppy to dig in and satisfy their dig habit.

If you have ideas, considerations, or questions please reach out to us!