help me prepare for owning a puppy

We are going to be puppy parents soon (a standard poodle - about 12 weeks old) and I have never owned a dog before.

I want to be as prepared as possible. What do I need? What does a typical day/schedule look like?

TIA!

Re: help me prepare for owning a puppy

When I got my pup many moons ago we got a crate and crate trained him. Pretty much he went out to use the bathroom when we opened the crate.

If its possible I would highly recommend keeping your new pup on a schedule so potty training is a little easier.

Congrats on being puppy parents!!!

Re: help me prepare for owning a puppy

Congrats!
I became a mommy to a mini poodle last year. Are you getting it from a breeder? If so they should give you a Puppy supply list

Here are a few of the basics:
-A few cartons of plain yogurt to mix with the dry kibble. 1 Teaspoon for the 1st few days to ease stress diarrhea
-Bowls
-Crate
-leash
-Toys that are appropriate for pups
-Bitter apple spray to keep puppy from chewing inappropriately
-vineger and water solution in a spray bottle for accidents
-Brush

Use to crate to train him. We didnt want to at first so potty training wasnt going to well at first. When you started using the crate it went well. Expect a few sleepless nights- puppy will be crying at night.


I hope this helps.

Re: help me prepare for owning a puppy

We let her out after naps, playtime, eating or drinking.....she was let out a LOT in the beginning to help train her to go outside. Now she holds it till she's let out, usually no more than 4 hrs at this point.

In the beginning we took the water up a few hours before bedtime too.

We play to tire her out before bedtime at 11:00pm and she usually sleeps straight through to 6:30am.

Our 5-month old puppy gets 3-4 walks a day, that range from 15-40 minutes each. She does obedience class once a week & homework daily. We take her everywhere & socialize her as much as possible which i think is the most important thing.

It's a lot of work so glad you're preparing now ! Congrats & good luck !!