Puppy Must Haves

You will need a collar with a tag including your contact information.  We also recommend a harness & leash to get them used to so when the day comes that they are fully vaccinated you can enjoy a walk together!

It's important that puppy will have a kennel with a bed &/or blanket to wind down & sleep.  We also recommend a separate playroom or gate(s) as needed to give puppy a safe place to go when not under your direct supervision.  To help puppy adjust a "Snuggle Puppy" with a heartbeat inside can help!

We feed our puppies & adult dogs Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance 30/20.  We mix the two flavors together but you could choose one!  We also recommend soft & small training treats to continue working on the basics!    

Puppies like to chew!  We recommend yak cheese chews, nylabone options, kongs, puppy tethers, and bully sticks.  When they get older hooves, horns, and antlers make great long lasting chew options.  Your puppy should be supervised with all toys & chews.

You will need a grooming rake and a slicker brush to take care of these double coats.  Your brush should NOT cut or clip the coat.  We recommend a deshedding shampoo & conditioner.  We also recommend you have toothpaste & toothbrush.  If you aren't planning to use the groomers you'll need a nail clippers and possibly a hair trimmer.

Your puppies have begun litter box training with us here at A&T.  To help puppy adjust it's best to have a litter box available in their play area until they are fully potty trained.  We recommend a shallow litter box filled with 1-2 inches of paper litter pellets.

Your puppy playpen or room should be 100% puppy proof!  It should include food & water, kennel with bed &/or blanket, litter box, and lots of toys & chews!  The flooring should be considered as accidents are bound to happen - you can get laminate remnants at reasonable prices if needed.

It will take your baby some time to adjust to it's new life away from mom & it's littermates.  A warm, dark, cozy sleeping space will help.  A Snuggle Puppy and the blanket that came home with puppy will also help.  Puppy will need your love and patience as it adjusts to new scents, sounds, sights, and more! 

- Wake up, Potty, Breakfast, Potty

- One hour to play, train, & active time!

- Naptime... one hour play = 3 hours sleep

- Repeat around lunchtime & dinnertime

- Bedtime routine may include a small snack and play session, then settle in with safe chew.

- You may need to plan to wakeup with puppy

Our adults are trained to potty bells.  They work well for us - you will need to find what works for you!  Puppy will need a way to tell you it needs to go outside.  Your puppy will tell you when they need to potty, watch for these subtle signs to help you find success.

We recommend you teach your dog a strong recall using it's name.  You will also want to reinforce manding (making eye contact with you so as to ask permission).  From there the possibilities are endless - lots of research, a good trainer, &/or puppy classes are helpful!

- Puppy's first vet visit within 72 hours

- Register for insurance through Trupanion

- Register their Microchip with your info

- Supervise puppy when not in the playpen

- Protect puppy from disease … never set puppy down outside of your house & yard