So often, when we get ready to send a baby home with his or her new family, we're asked what type of things they will need, so we decided to make a list.  We hope this will be helpful to anyone who will be taking a new puppy home  soon!

CK Customers Only:  For your convenience, some of the products recommended below are now available to be purchased and delivered to you with your new puppy.  For more information, ask about our puppy supplies available when you call!

1.  Love & patience.
That’s first thing to have ready for your new puppy! Before we can teach puppies anything, they need to feel safe and loved. New babies need lots of patient care to help them learn and grow into the special members of your family that they will become.

2. Cages, crates, gates, & x-pens: Having structure in your home will help your puppy feel more secure, and make fewer mistakes through the training process. A baby gate or an x-pen (short for exercise pen) is a great way to section off a space that’s safe for your puppy. A cage (typically wire) or crate (typically plastic) added to that space becomes like their own little bedroom. Cages or crates are really valuable training tools, too. Crating encourages puppies to wait before going potty because they won’t want to go in their beds. Having experience with a crate will make it easier when used for traveling, being left with a vet, or at the groomers. There are many varieties available. For the Bichon family breeds, a good crate size is one that is 24” -28”, or listed for use as up to 20 lbs.

3.  Food & treats: Excellent quality foods specifically designed for the growth of a puppy is necessary for overall good health. The food we use is Kirkland Signature, Super Premium Puppy, chicken, rice, and vegetable formula, carried by Costco. Alternatively, we recommend Science Diet Puppy Small Bites, or any other high quality brand in a formula for puppies. You can find excellent food options at most pet supply stores, and often at your vets office, as well. For treats, we’re a big fan of Charlie Bears; they have simple, clean ingredients, and the pups love them, too!

4.  Dishes: Food and water bowls are really personal preference; there isn’t a right or wrong type to select. We like wide-based, stainless steel bowls; they’re less likely to be knocked over and can be regularly washed and disinfected. We avoid plastics; they’re often chewed or scratched and better able to trap germs. Please remember, it’s important to keep puppy bowls clean, with plenty of fresh water available.

5.  Collars, Harnesses & Leashes: For an 8 - 12 wk old Coton or Havanese, typically an extra-small, or small, sized collar will fit best. For the comfort of your puppy, we recommend collars and leashes that are light weight. It’s often uncomfortable for puppies to have something tugging at their necks; using a harness when connecting to a leash is more gentle way to go.  

6.  Shampoo: We recommend bathing your puppy in a gentle shampoo that’s soothing to the skin, such as an oatmeal based formula. In answer to the question that we’re so frequently asked about what makes our puppies smell so good....it's called Fresh ‘n Clean Cologne Spray, Fresh Floral Scent. We bathe our puppies in a mild shampoo, then after they’re completely dry, we give them a little mist of cologne.    

7.  Brushes: For the Bichon Family of dogs, slicker or pin brushes work best. These tools are great for regular coat care; they help keep tangles from developing, and maintain the fluff of their hair. After a bath, be sure to brush your puppy all the way through while blow drying gently until the coat is completely dry.

8.  Toys & teething: The options available for a new puppy are too many to mention. In general, you'll just need to make sure they’re safe for little ones. Like human babies, young pups often explore by putting things in their mouths. You'll want to avoid small things that can be easily swallowed. All puppies also go through a teething stage; it’s helpful for them to have something safe to chew on. There are lots of good teething products on the market these days. Rawhide bones are NEVER a good choice; they’re too soft to benefit the teeth, and often break off in chunks that can cause choking or an intestinal blockage. It’s always best to supervise young puppies during their play time with any toys or teething things you give them. This is our little boy, Leo at 6 weeks of age, already selecting his favorite toy! Leo above at 9 weeks of age.  He took his duck home with him when he made the transition to his new family. All of our Coton de Tulear and Havanese babies make their journeys taking a special blanket or toy with the familiar, comforting scent of home.

9.  Bedding: It’s nice for puppies to have their very own, special bed to sleep on in their new puppy space. We like things that can be easily thrown into the washing machine for regular cleaning. The first few nights in a new home, away from mommy, litter mates, and the humans your puppy has known can be difficult. Giving your baby some stuffed toys to cuddle with will help them feel a little bit more secure during the transition, too.

10.  A Veterinarian: Someone that comes highly recommend can be a little harder to get in for a visit with quickly, but is usually well worth the wait. It's important to feel as comfortable with your vet as your own family physician. When you call to make an appointment, letting them know you have a new puppy will often help get you on the schedule more quickly. You’ll want to have your new puppy examined as soon as possible. Be sure to take the list of all vaccines, or other medications, your new puppy has had so your vet can review it, and get you set up for all your puppy’s follow up routine care. 

Click Here to learn more about our Vets!

Puppies are like children and require proper care, please make sure you are prepared for the responsibility. These little ones will be depending on you to provide them with everything they need to stay healthy and happy. In return, they will offer you lots of laughs, a lifetime of genuine love and pure devotion.