In addition to shopping for all the essentials and getting ready for training, there are certain preparations you need to make and things you should consider when bringing home your new Crooked Star Bulldogge puppy.

Set up your home. Like children, puppies come with “stuff”. Dedicate a room or space in your home for your puppy and their things. This space should include a feeding area and a crate. Make sure it’s close to where you and your family usually congregate so your puppy doesn’t feel isolated and alone.  With that said,  your new puppy will sleep 16-20 hours per day, therefore, find a place for his crate that is out of the way and not in a high traffic area but can still see and hear what is going on.

Use puppy gates to block off potentially dangerous areas such as stairways or basements. Make sure to puppy-proof your home by securing cabinets, tucking away wires, and removing any toxic plants and other objects from areas your puppy can access.

Chris and I highly suggest keeping your puppy’s universe extremely small, by doing so, you have a better chance of everyone succeeding.

For those with other dogs at home already, please don’t forget about their area as well.  Up to this point, they have not had to share their space, their toys, or even you with other animals. Some dogs, particularly an older one, may not see the puppy in the same light as your do.

Find a veterinarian. Your puppy should be seen by a veterinarian within 72 hours after you bring them home. As part of your puppy contract, Crooked Star Bulldogges requires the new puppy receives a clean bill of health for the owner’s veterinarian. This does two things. First, we want to ensure the puppy’s health and want the new owner to verify what we already know but secondly, by requiring a vet visit within 72 hours, it ensures the puppy has an existing patient in the unfortunate change the puppy need urgent care.

Set up your schedule. A new puppy requires a lot of dedication and attention. Establish a routine and schedule with other family members, and designate duties so everyone knows their responsibilities. If you have to be away from your puppy for extended periods of time for work, consider hiring a trusted dog sitter, who can come to your home and let your puppy out for playtime and potty breaks.