New Puppy Guide

1. Puppy Proof the Home

Your puppy will see your home as an exciting playground to explore and sniff—but also to get into trouble! Puppy-proofing your home will help protect your belongings and keep your puppy safe.

 

Here’s how:

• Unplug or conceal electrical cords to prevent chewing and shocks.

• Avoid feeding table scraps, and keep toxic foods like chocolate, raisins, and sugar-free gum out of reach.

• Store cleaning supplies in secured cabinets with childproof latches.

• Keep medications in high cabinets, far from curious paws.

• Close toilet lids to prevent drinking or accidental falls.

• Secure windows, doors, and blind cords to avoid escapes or accidents.

• Remove small choking hazards like coins, paperclips, and jewelry.

• Store sharp objects such as scissors and razors out of reach.

• Secure trashcans to prevent ingestion of harmful items.

• Move poisonous plants away from your puppy’s reach.

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👉 Learn more about harmful plants here

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2. Puppy Proof Your Yard

Puppies love outdoor adventures! Make sure your yard is safe for them to explore:

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• Fence your yard to prevent escapes and ensure the fence is secure.

• Remove toxic plants to avoid accidental ingestion.

• Fence off pools to prevent accidents, and teach your puppy pool safety.

• Designate a potty area for your puppy.

• Trim grass and brush to reduce the risk of ticks.

• Avoid chemical treatments like fertilizers and insecticides, as they can harm puppies.

• Provide shade and fresh water, especially during hot weather.

• Always supervise your puppy outdoors to keep them safe from hazards and predators.

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3. Register with a Vet

When adopting a puppy from Cocoa Doodles, schedule a check-up within 7 days to activate our Well Puppy Warranty.

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• Find a vet you trust by asking friends, family, or local Facebook groups for recommendations. 

• Be sure to check reviews for a vet on Google, Yelp an Facebook.

• Your vet will guide you on a puppy shot schedule, deworming, and general care.

• Locate a nearby emergency clinic for peace of mind in urgent situations.

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4. Stock Up on Puppy Supplies

Prepare your home with these essential puppy items:

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• Puppy Food: We recommend Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food.

• Dog Beds: Have at least two for easy rotation or multi-level homes. Try Veehoo Cooling Elevated Dog Bed or Furhaven Orthopedic Pet Beds.

• Bowls: Choose stainless steel or ceramic for food and water.

• Toys: Avoid items small enough to swallow. Favorites include:

  • KONG Extreme Dog Toy

  • KONG - Wubba - Dog Tug of War and Fetch Toy

  • KONG Cozie Spunky the Monkey Dog Toy

• Dog Crate: Use a crate with a divider. Great options include the Ovation Folding Dog Crate.

• Treats: Essential for training. Try Zuke’s Puppy Naturals Training Treats or Old Mother Hubbard Crunchy Treats.

• Collar and Leash: While we provide a starter set, upgrade at 12-16 weeks with products like Vivaglory Dog Leash or PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness.

• Treat Pouch: Great for training on the go. We recommend the PetSafe Treat Pouch Sport.

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5. Training

Training your puppy will take time and patience, but the rewards are well worth it! Start with basic commands and crate training to build a strong foundation. Visit our Puppy Training page for detailed tips and advice.