10 Items for Your New Puppy's Arrival

Here are the 10 essential items to have before your new puppy arrives:

• Food:
  Feed your puppy a grain-free kibble with added supplements. We recommend Taste of the Wild High Prairie puppy formula with Tylee’s freeze-dried mixers. For additional vitamins, try Nupro or NuVet Lab supplements.
  Upon arrival, we’ll provide a gallon bag of food to help with the transition. Follow this feeding schedule:
  
  • Days 1–2: 75% our food / 25% new food
  • Days 3–4: 50% our food / 50% new food
  • Days 5–6: 25% our food / 75% new food
  • Day 7: 100% new food
    This will make the transition smoother for your puppy’s stomach.
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• Crate:
  Use a wire crate with a divider and cover, placed next to your bed. You can comfort your puppy by reaching through the holes. We provide a heartbeat snuggle toy and a litter-scented blanket to ease the transition.
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• Exercise Pen:
  Place the exercise pen in a busy area of your home where your puppy can see the family. This keeps the puppy in a safe space away from hazards like cords while still feeling part of the household.
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• Harness & Retractable Leash:
  Start with a medium-sized harness and a retractable leash to allow your puppy to explore while learning leash pressure. This prevents sudden pulls on the neck.
  Once the puppy understands leash pressure, switch to a slip lead for better control. (Note: Avoid prong collars or e-collars on young puppies. Corrections should only be used after puppies understand commands, which usually takes 6-8 months.)
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• High-Value Training Treats:
  Use treats like freeze-dried liver, hot dogs, or cheese cubes for training. Start by “charging the mark” (saying "yes" or using a clicker) and rewarding the puppy whenever it hears the mark. This helps your puppy associate the sound with positive behavior.
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• Toys:
  Buy durable, safe toys and rotate them to keep things fresh. Good toys include fire hose toys, rubber Kongs, unstuffed plush toys, and interactive puzzle toys.
  Supervise your puppy with rope toys and discard at the first sign of fraying.
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• Chew Toys:
  Rotate a variety of long-lasting chew toys. Some great options are yak chews, frozen treats, bully sticks, knuckle bones, goat hooves, antlers, dried trachea, and Nylabones.
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• Water Bucket:
  Use a stainless steel water bucket (13-16 quarts) to minimize water spillage.
  Only fill it about 3/4 full. When puppies drink, water splashes off their tongues, but the bucket helps contain the mess.
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• Grooming Supplies:
  Invest in a slicker brush for the undercoat and a good set of toenail clippers. A Dremel is also a great option for trimming nails if you train your puppy to tolerate it. These supplies will help you teach your puppy to enjoy “Lap Therapy,” making grooming a positive experience.
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These essentials will help you and your puppy settle into a smooth start together!