When planning for your new puppy, please clear your schedule and have at least 2-4 days home (more is better) with your new puppy to get him on a routine prior to returning to work.

Please have someone available whom can come in mid-day once you return to work for 1-2 weeks, to potty & play with your puppy. This will give your puppy a little break daily, while adjusting to your work schedule. Your puppy is very young and will not be able to go long periods of time in the crate at first.

    You'll need to make your first vet appointment for your puppy's wellness exam within 3 business days of picking your puppy up. We will provide you with an immunization record for your veterinarian when you arrive for pick-up. The wellness exam is just that, no vaccinations should be given at the wellness exam.

***Please note, many vets are booking out, so you may want to schedule your appointment sooner than later.

Your puppy will need a crate, recommended sizes below. All sizes come with a movable divider to make it smaller while potty training.

•  "Xtra large" size crate for a standard (55-70 lbs) 
•  "Large" size for a mini (25-35 lbs) 
•  "Medium" size crate for a petite (15-25 lbs) 
•  "Small" crate for a micro (10-15 lbs)

   Do not let the size of the crate scare you, it's not about a dogs weight, it's about them being able to stand up without hitting their head and stretch out fully as an adult.

    We use the wire crate your puppy can see out of and be a part of things even when crated. This is the type of crate your puppy is acclimated to already and we highly recommend you get the same, we get them at Fleet Farm.

    You will need plenty of toys, things that have dangly legs, things that crackle and crunch etc…a “Kong” is a must have (do not get the pink or blue as they are able to be chewed).

Your puppy will of course have a natural urge to chew so you will need things like Pig ears, Bully sticks, and/or rawhide rolls. Rawhide is not recommended in small twists, or bone shapes, but I do like rawhide as it helps baby teeth come out and keeps adult teeth clean. We get the oversized 10-12 inch rolls, once the puppy/dog chews it down to 1/3 of its size, we toss them so our dogs do not gum up the remaining amount and accidentally get it lodged in his throat.

    You are welcome to hold your puppy on the way home, you will want to bring a towel in case he gets sick. Although we try to feed early in the day so their tummies are empty when picked up, this is not always effective. You are also welcome to bring a crate if you prefer him to ride in that instead, but it may be a bit loud on the way home since he will be concerned about the transition of things on pick-up day.