When you bring a new puppy into your life, it’s not just the thrill of getting another furry member to love on that will make this experience so special.
It is also how much work goes into caring for them and preparing their home before they even arrive!
The joys involved in welcoming an adorable ball-of-energy named Fido or Fluffy are endless, but there may be some tasks that need more attention than others when bringing up any pup: from big to small.
That’s why we’ve created this New Puppy Checklist as a guide for you during this very special and, at times, hectic time!
Just like welcoming a new baby into the family, there are a lot of important things to consider before your puppy comes home.
You’ll want to make sure you have everything they need in terms of food, shelter, sleep, toys, and more.
Plus, you’ll want to do your research on the best way to house train them and socialize them so they grow up to be confident, happy, and well-rounded dogs.
The checklist below covers all of the basics of what you’ll need to do (and buy!) before your new puppy comes home.
Of course, every dog is unique so you may need to adjust some things based on your individual pup’s needs.
The Ultimate New Puppy Supplies: The Basics
Prepare for the arrival of your puppy by making sure you have all you’ll need.
Food
American bully pups need a good quality, high-protein diet to help them grow strong and healthy. Be sure to get them the best-suited food for their growing needs and read up on feeding them a raw diet.
We recommend these frozen raw meals (they deliver!)
Treats
Training your new pup can be a daunting task, but with the help of treats, it can be much easier.
When positive behaviors occur during training, give your pup a small treat as a way to reinforce that behavior.
However, treats should not make up more than 10% of your pet’s overall diet. Be sure to get a variety of healthy, all-natural treats that your pup will love.
With some patience and consistency, you’ll be able to successfully train your pup in no time.
Check out our top recommended training treats here!
Feeding bowls
Your pup will need a place to eat and drink, so get two feeding bowls- one for food and one for water.
We recommend these Stainless Steel Bowls because they’re durable, easy to clean, and can’t be easily tipped over.
Collar, Harness, Leash, Tag
You are going to be walking your new pup A LOT. So you’re going to need the proper supplies for walks, runs, and hikes.
Start by getting a comfortable, adjustable collar or harness that will fit your pup as they grow. Then, get a leash that is the right length for you and your pup. We recommend a 6-foot leash for most dogs.
Do not bother with a retractable leash as your pup will outgrow it in no time! Save your money and hassle and go straight for a solid, comfortable leash.
As for a tag, make sure you get one with your pup’s name and your contact information on it. That way, if they ever get lost, someone can easily get in touch with you to bring them home.
Crate or Kennel
A crate or kennel is a great way to help your new pup feel safe and secure in their new home.
It will also be a valuable tool for potty training as dogs generally do not like to soil the space where they sleep.
When choosing a crate or kennel, be sure to get one that is the right size for your pup. They should be able to stand up and turn around comfortably.
You can always get a bigger one as they grow, but if it’s too big, they may use one end as a bathroom and the other as a bedroom!
Dog Bed
Your pup will need a soft and comfy place to sleep. These are relatively inexpensive, and you can find them at most pet stores.
A durable blanket or bed may be ideal for teething pups, along with close monitoring.
Cleaning products
Accidents may happen when your new puppy is first housebroken. Seek out an enzyme cleaner to assist you remove urine stains, and stick to pet-safe cleaners.
Be prepared for shedding and dog hair in your home. Using a vacuum with pet-hair extensions or attachments can be useful.
Puppy toys
Your new puppy will require mental stimulation, and toys are an excellent method to play with and interact with your new dog.
Look for toys made specifically for puppies; they’re usually smaller and better suited to their puppy teeth.
Consider interactive treat toys and puzzle toys to keep your puppy occupied and entertained. Make time each day for playing, as well as bonding
Grooming tools and supplies
You’ll want to have some basic grooming products on hand even if you plan to bring your puppy to the groomer.
A comb, brush, nail clippers, and styptic powder are all necessary tools for any dog owner. Always use dog-friendly shampoo when bathing your puppy at home.
Never bathe your dog with human shampoo as it can strip the natural oils from their skin and coat and result in skin conditions.
Pet first-aid kit + Styptic powder
If your pup ever gets a cut or scrape, it’s important to have a pet first-aid kit on hand. This should include supplies like gauze, bandages, cotton swabs, and hydrogen peroxide.
You should also get some styptic powder to stop any bleeding. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
A pet first-aid kit is a must for any pet owner. You never know when your pet might need it!
Medications and remedies: Ask your veterinarian about any drugs or treatments that you should give your puppy.
It’s possible that your puppy will require flea and tick prevention, as well as a monthly heartworm preventive, in addition to the other essential services offered by his grooming provider.
Bully Pup Training Tips
As any experienced dog owner knows, training a new puppy takes time and patience. But with a little guidance, even first-time dog owners can successfully potty train their bully pups. The key is to be consistent with your training methods and to reward your pup for good behavior. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Choose a designated potty area and take your pup there regularly, especially after meals or naps. If they relieve themselves in the designated spot, praise them lavishly.
2. Never punish your pup for accidents – this will only make them fearful and less likely to want to use the potty area. Instead, clean up accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent and discourage repeat accidents.
3. Crate training is another effective way to potty train your pup, as most dogs will not soil their sleeping area. Start by confining your pup to the crate for short periods of time and gradually increase the duration as they learn that the crate is not a punishment.
4. In addition to regular potty breaks, take your pup out frequently during the day to give them opportunities to relieve themselves. This is especially important if they are still in the process of being housebroken.
5. Be patient and consistent with your training, and eventually, your bully pup will be fully potty trained!
6. Always use positive reinforcement. Never, ever physically or emotionally abuse your bully pup. You want them to have positive associations with being trained, not negative ones.
Punishment is never the answer when training your new puppy. Dogs are much more likely to respond positively to rewards than they are to punishment. So whenever your pup does something right, make sure to praise them, give them a treat, or both! This will reinforce good behavior and help them to learn more quickly.
7. Socialize your puppy. This is one of the most important things you can do for them. Bully breeds often get a bad rap, but this is usually due to a lack of socialization.
Make sure to introduce your puppy to as many different people, places, and experiences as possible so that they grow up to be confident and well-adjusted dogs.
8. Learn about bully body language.
Most people are familiar with the basic body language cues that dogs use to communicate, such as wagging their tails or baring their teeth. However, there is a lot of variation in how different dogs express themselves, and it can be difficult to interpret all of the different signals.
A qualified dog trainer can help you to brush up on your dog’s behavioral knowledge and learn to read the body language of other dogs. This can be extremely useful when you are dealing with multiple dogs, as it can help you to avoid confrontations before they start.
In addition, knowing what to look for can help you to identify potential problems early on and take steps to prevent them from escalating.
9. Be consistent.
Your training routines, rules, and expectations should be consistent from day to day. This will help your pup to understand what is expected of them and make it more likely that they will behave accordingly.
10. Have realistic expectations.
Keep in mind that puppies are still learning, and they will make mistakes. It is important to be patient and forgiving during the training process. Do not expect your pup to be perfect, and do not get angry or frustrated when they have an accident or act out.
Remember that you are the one in charge, and it is up to you to set your pup up for success.
Preparing Your Home For Your New Arrival
Aside from shopping for all of the necessities and getting ready for training, there are a few things you should do before bringing home a new puppy.
Setting up your home may include deciding on a designated space or room for your pup, puppy-proofing your home, and creating a feeding and potty schedule.
Decide on a designated space or room for your pup.
Your puppy will need their own space in your home where they feel safe and can retreat to when they need some downtime. This can be a crate, a small room, or even just a corner of a room that is blocked off with baby gates.
Puppy-proof your home.
Before bringing your new puppy home, take some time to do a thorough check of your home and make sure that it is safe for them. This may include picking up any small objects that could be choking hazards, removing any poisonous plants, and blockading any stairs or other dangerous areas.
Create a feeding and potty schedule.
Puppies need to eat several times a day, and they will need to go to the bathroom frequently as well. It is important to establish a regular feeding and potty schedule for your pup so that they can learn to control their bowels and bladder. This will make housebreaking much easier in the long run.
Get Registered At A Dog Vet
As soon as you know you’re getting a new bully pup, one of the first things on your to-do list should be to find a qualified veterinarian.
A good vet will be able to provide routine care and vaccinations, as well as offer guidance on common puppy health problems. They can also answer any questions you have about caring for your new pup.
In addition, if you’re ever in a situation where your puppy needs emergency medical care, it’s important to have a vet that you can rely on.
Bringing Home Your New Puppy
After you have prepared your home and gathered all of the supplies you need, it is finally time to bring your new puppy home!
- Introduce your puppy to their designated space.
- As soon as you get home, take your puppy to their designated space and let them explore. This will help them to feel comfortable in their new surroundings and start to get used to their new home.
- Make sure to give them plenty of praise and attention, but don’t overwhelm them with too much stimulation.
- Start to establish a routine. One of the best things you can do for your new puppy is to start establishing a regular routine. This may include set times for meals, walks, and playtime. A regular routine will help your puppy to feel comfortable and secure, and it will make it easier for them to learn the rules and expectations of their new home.
- Start training your puppy. One of the most important things you can do for your new puppy is to start training them as soon as possible. Training will help your puppy to learn how to behave, and it will also help to strengthen the bond between you and your pup.
Basic Commands
Some basic commands that you should teach your new puppy include:
“Sit”
“Stay”
“Down”
“Come”
“Leave it”
Once you have mastered the basics, you can also begin to teach your pup things like eating on command, fetching, and rolling over.
These are all very important in establishing authority and boundaries, especially if you want an obedient dog.
Other Important Considerations
Pet insurance:
While some pet owners choose to self-insure their American Bully by setting aside money each month to cover anticipated medical expenses, others opt for pet insurance. Pet insurance can be a useful way to help offset the cost of unexpected veterinary bills, and it can also provide peace of mind in case of an emergency.
The cost of pet insurance varies depending on the type of animal you have and the coverage choices available to you, but it is typically much less expensive than paying out-of-pocket for unexpected medical bills.
Whether or not you decide to buy pet insurance for your American Bully, it is important to remember that regular veterinary care is essential for keeping your pup healthy and happy.
Vaccinations
All puppies need to be vaccinated against common diseases, such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Puppies should start their vaccinations at around 6-8 weeks of age, and they should receive a booster shot every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. After that, they will need to get a booster shot once a year for the rest of their life.
It is important to note that some vaccinations, such as the rabies vaccine, are required by law in many states.
Spaying/neutering
You may decide to spay (female) or neuter (male) your American Bully. Spaying and neutering have many benefits, including;
- reducing the risk of certain health problems,
- preventing unwanted litter,
- and helping to reduce pet overpopulation.
While there is no perfect time to spay or neuter your pet, most veterinarians recommend doing it when your pup is between 4 and 6 months old.
Microchipping
Another important consideration for new puppy owners is microchipping. Microchipping is a permanent form of identification that can help to reunite you with your pet if they are ever lost or stolen.
A microchip is a tiny chip that is injected under the skin, and it can be read by a special scanner. The chip contains your contact information, so if your pet is found, it can be returned to you quickly and easily.
Flea Treatment & Deworming
All puppies need to be treated for fleas and worms. Flea treatment is important for preventing itching and irritation, and it can also help to prevent the spread of disease. Deworming is important for preventing worms from taking up residence in your pup’s digestive system, where they can cause serious health problems.
Your local pet supplies chain or veterinarian can recommend an appropriate flea treatment and dewormer for your American Bully.
Doggy daycare
American Bullies need human interaction and do not do well if left alone for long periods of time. American Bullies can be high-energy dogs and need daily exercise. If you work full-time and cannot provide your American Bully with the exercise and stimulation it needs, doggy daycare may be a good option for you.
Doggy daycare providers can give your American Bully the attention it needs during the day while you are at work. American Bullies in doggy daycare can also benefit from the socialization and training that most daycare providers offer.
Likewise, if you need to travel or go on vacation, you may want to consider boarding your American Bully at a pet-friendly hotel or with a trusted friend or family member.
Final Words
The most important thing you can do for your new American Bully puppy is to provide it with love, attention, and proper care. By following this new puppy checklist, you can be sure that you are on the right track.
Being prepared for your new puppy’s arrival will allow you to focus on bonding with your new pet as soon as you bring them home!
