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We want to make sure you're prepared, that's why we created a
5 Step Preparation Checklist
When your puppy arrives in your home they are similar to a toddler; think 1-3 year olds. Short attention spans, lots of naps, spouts of more energy and curiosity about anything and everything. They do sleep a lot (naps are important, let them sleep they are growing and need the rest), but when they are awake and out running around with you, it is all hands on deck. It is our job to teach our puppy the rules of our home and how to best interact with us.
So where do we start? Well, that's what this whole checklist is for. Let's dive in!
#1 Puppy Shopping List
We have a list on our website with links to all our recommended puppy products to help make the shopping easier for you! Click here (bluegrassbernedoodles.com/puppyproducts) to access it.
Our Favorite Dog Food
It is not uncommon for a puppy to have stress as they get acclimated to their new home. We have fed your puppy on a premium, all-natural dog food called pawTree. It is crucial that you stay on the same dog food your puppy has been on for at least 2-3 months to reduce the stress on their system and for optimal health. We also suggest GasPro for life it makes a big difference for loose stool, bad gas, and sensitive stomatchs. Salmon Oil is another biggie it helps with seasonal allergies, itching, dry skin, dull coats and so much more!
#1 If you order the XL size (which is really (3) 10lb bags) you'll save 30% off the price of a single bag. We feed ours the White Fish and Brown Rice Blend.
#2 Choose EZ ship for all items. This is TOTALLY flexible (modify, extend, cancel etc.) and you'll get FREE SHIPPING with 3 or more non-pet food items! We love love love GasPro Plus and the Salmon Oil! Only have 1 or 2 items? You'll still save 25% on shipping - AND earn PawClub points for future orders!
#3 Use code INTRO4U10 or INTRO4U20 to save up to 20% on your first order.
#4 Remember you have a 90-day guarantee. USE EVERY BIT of your order and if you're not happy, pawTree will refund you 100%.
food
Getting Started Quick List
For access to our extended Puppy Product List click here
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PawTree Food
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Food Bowls
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Crate/Raised Bed
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Leash & Collar with name tag and your contact information
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Puppy Care - brush, comb, nail clippers, shampoo and conditioner, ear cleaner, tooth brush.
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Toys - several to play with, chew toys for their teeth (They lose their baby teeth and grow in new ones just like young kids)
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Exercise fencing, area - first aid, styptic powder, pumpkin
#2 Educate Yourself and Set Expectations
We highly recommend the online puppy school, Baxter & Bella. You will have lifetime direct access to the trainers, the classes and all the info for LIFE for all your dogs. They are professional service dog trainers and have wonderful big hearts. They even offer one on one calls at no extra cost! They have regular group events too where you can jump in and learn or even ask questions!
In short, their system is as much about teaching your dog how to act, as it is about coaching you on how to train and teaching you how to successfully integrate a canine companion into your life, family and home! What's more, they are offering our families an instant 25% savings on their lifetime membership, which includes more than 75 lessons, over 100 how-to videos, printable charts and checklists, unlimited one-on-one professional help, online classes and courses, training games and activities, in addition to so much more. All for less money than what most people will pay participate in typical puppy courses - IT'S A GAME CHANGER!
Use Discount Code: INSPIRE for 25% OFF
Training
You can easily see why we recommend Baxter & Bella so highly! This Online Puppy School was designed and developed for new animal owners just like you. Guiding puppy parents through the entire process from before your dog arrives, helping you to establish a solid training foundation, detailing how to properly set up your house for success. This teaches you exactly what to do and how to do it for optimal outcomes and then providing you and your puppy with a LIFETIME of unlimited ongoing support. As you work toward achieving better animal ownership and experience the very best in canine companionship! Don't let it overwhelm you though... think of it as a buffet to pick and choose what you need.
#3 Prep the Family/Family Meeting
-Select an Alpha/Pack leader in your family
-Everyone is responsible (pack mentality)
-Set rules, common language, expectations
-Family Chore Chart
-Complete Baxter & Bella Puppy Prep
prep fam
#4 Prep the House
(Inside and Out)
Inside:
Puppy proofing - get down on your puppies level and look for low dangers, chemicals, chords, mouse traps, toys, valuables, etc.
Stairs, beds, couches - puppy joints are still developing so climbing and jumping can cause stress on their joints, so they don't need to jump off any high areas.
Plants - Make sure to remove plants or move them to a higher location, as some may be poisonous to your puppy.
Designated water and food location - designate where the puppy will sleep or rest in their crate.
Get some Bitter Apple spray to distract them from chewing on your things! It's safe to use on furniture/fabrics etc.
Outside:
Walk around and look for trouble (hole under a fence, plants, anything puppy level that you wouldn't want them chewing on or eating.)
Designated potty area
Explore your neighborhood for socialization opportunities
Complete puppy prep through Baxter & Bella
prep house
#5 Questions for Breeder at Pickup
Write down any questions you have on your phone, when you pick up your puppy you're likely to get distracted and forget to ask questions so make sure to have them readily accessible. However, we are always available to you when you have questions!
One question we get a lot is, "How do we best prepare for and successfully train our new puppy?" This isn't a big surprise as everyone wants a calm, well-mannered, and better-behaved family pet. More often than not, they simply don't know how to achieve this despite the reality that all new puppy parents become full time dog trainers the day they bring home their new canine companion.
That's why we've partnered with Baxter and Bella the Online Puppy School. With more than 65 step-by-step lessons, over 100 how-to video demonstrations, printable charts, and checklists and the training tips, tricks, tools, and techniques that lead to successful puppy parenting. To save 25% use discount code INSPIRE
30 Days of Free
Pet Insurance
Once activated, you'll have 30 days of free pet insurance through TruPanion. It takes 5 minutes to sign up. They don't even require a credit card to get it started. There are literally no strings attached so please take advantage of it. We have seen accidents happen and this came in handy. You have to sign up in the first 24 hours of bringing your pup home. This is completely free for our families for 30 days. You just call or get online access to it. They do have the rule you activate within 1 day of them being home.
Call 1-855-266-2156
Code BR1NS62719
insurance
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