Preparing for Puppy

Over the last couple of weeks I have been thinking about all the things I need to do to prepare for the puppy  You think I'd be perfectly calm and prepared since I've spent the last 7.5 years working with puppies and their owners, but for some reason I still feel the need to pour through my dog books and devour (again) everything that has to do with raising a puppy.  None of it's new and it's all things I say weekly to my clients, but I still feel the need to review it for myself since it's been 9 years since my last puppy.  And who knows, maybe raising this puppy will change some of the advice I give to clients.  I might find that someone sounds great in theory but it's much harder to do in practice and just not practical for the average pet owner.  Or maybe I'll learn a few tricks that are not in the books and I didn't discover the first time around.

I have a checklist started for all the things I need to buy and set up.  I haven't purchased much yet, except for a tab leash and a clip and go leash since they were on sale.  Since I have several months I'm looking around for the best prices before I start stocking up.

My list:

• Crate - I currently have one with a divider that should last several months.  After that my boss has a large one she can loan me
• Chew Toys - Puppy Kong, several normal kongs, nylabones (edible and nonedible), bullysticks, antlers, marrow bones, Monster Mouth
• New water bowl - Indi's dinky one isn't going to cut it for a large water loving dog
• Big rug/mat - goes under the water bowl since wood floors and a water loving dog do not always mix well
• Leash and collar - I'd like a matching set, but might have to wait until he's finished growing
• Toys - Tennis balls, tug toys, soccer ball to supplement Indi's huge toy box
• Shampoo - he's going to go through a lot more than my short haired 20 pound terrier
• Clickers - you can never have too many
• Food - I need to stock up on raw food
• Treats - who knows if he'll like the things Indi likes, which is mostly string cheese
• Large square piece of vinyl flooring - to put under the ex-pen so the wood floor doesn't get scratched up by the pen or messed up from spilled water or any accidents

I'm probably forgetting something obvious...

I have my socialization checklists, which I'll post later on, but they include all the things to expose the puppy to so I do not forget something. I also put some of my friends with kids on notice that I will be emailing them at the end of summer for some puppy parties.  What kid wouldn't want to come play with a puppy, right? I should have the toddler and preschool age down pat. Every time I drive somewhere I am scanning for new areas I can take the puppy so he gets out in the world as much as possible.  I think about my day and where I might need to go and if the puppy will be welcomed to come along.

I have been reviewing my friend's puppy blog to see all the good things she had done with her pup. 

I've been reading my Agility Right from the Start book and reread Dr. Ian Dunbar's puppy books.

I've realized I need to put away some things around the house that will be too tempting for a pup.  I also should clean out the garage so we can eventually buy a freezer like we've been talking about, since this puppy is going to need a lot more room for his raw food.

My friend Madeline sent me this video today so this has now be put on my list of things to do with the puppy.

Hannah, mommy to Litter #1