New pup - what will I need?! - Page 2

When I brought our new puppy home, I used a crate in my back seat. Mainly because I was driving by myself and we had about a 2 hour drive home. She did great! No sickness, no crying, no accidents. I did talk to her. You may not have that luck though......

My breeder provided me with her collar, but that is proably not the norm so I would plan accordingly.  I brought a leash and a small kennel. No food and no water until we got home. The breeder you are purchasing from should be more than happy to answer your questions. I probably had an hour long conversation with my breeder when I called the first time about the pup, and probably spent another hour at her house checking everything out. A good breeder will care enough about where their dogs are going, to not get annoyed by questions in my opinion.

She seemed disinterested in toys when we got home, and was more interested in checking everything out and running crazy in the house :)

Once she settled in, we used the large crate without the divider. I decided to purchase the larger one immediately because I didnt see the point of buying a small crate only to buy another one in  a month or so. Of course our "little" girl apparently thought the kennel was a restroom, because as soon as she she it she walked in relieved herself and came back out. We only kept her inside for about a week or so (our intention the entire time), but she wouldn't do anything if left out and would only relieve herself in that kennel.....Now I just use the kennel for transport on back of my truck, as our little girl now weighs 95 lbs.

After the phase of checking everything out (about 2 days) she began to show some interest in toys. She loves tennis balls and this plush duck thing from petsmart. Sadly the duck only "lived" a couple of days, and had to be replaced a few times.

This was my most recent experience with our pup (little over a year ago). Hope it helps!

That does help, thank you!

I filled out a big questionnaire for the breeder originally, and have driven out there to meet her and her dogs a couple of weeks ago. We spent probably 2 hours talking and throwing a ball for the dogs, I actually really enjoyed my visit and felt very comfortable around her.

She said when I pick the dog up she likes to spend LOTS of time with the new owners, so that's good too. She encourages me to ask questions, I feel really lucky to have found her.

I bought a few toys, just so I'd have something. A stuffed hippo, because I thought it looked most like another puppy so she can snuggle up at night, a puppy Kong (got for 35 lbs, as I know she'll grow fast), a polar fleece, braided tug toy and a chewy bone.

Got a leash and collar, bowls, pet stain remover...I won't buy food or treats until just before she comes home.

Going to get a crate, no-chew spray, kiddie pool :) and baby gate today.


OH! One question - I have horses and I was hoping to bring the pup down to the barn with me as soon as she's old enough. How old should she be before I do that? My plan is to sweep out one of our empty stalls, water it down with Virkon and put the baby gate across the door so she can have a little play room with some toys in the barn while I'm busy doing chores. The Virkon should help disinfect, but of course it will never be a totally sterile environment. Should I wait until she's older to bring her down to the barn? I'll be close by while she's in there.

Congratulations!! I know how excited you must be. You seemt o be all set in stuff to buy. I'd add some canned pumpkin (not pie filling) if you can get it and yogurt in case of upset stomach (also stuffing a kong with yogurt and freezing it gives them something to do). Make sure any toys she is left with dont have squeakers she can get to and swallow. Not sure about the barn but if she does well in her crate I'd just bring the crate and have her watch you from there if no one else knows of a health reason why not.

She's going to be spoiled rotten! Enjoy her and hope the time passes fast until you can pick her up! xo

mfh, yes she does, which could be part of the reason I like her so much!   

As for the pup in the barn, the crate might be a good idea, then she won't eat  the horse . They can be very tempting.
I tied my pup on her leash just out of the way, she preferred that to be locked away.  I took them down as soon as I got them.  :)

so that you can all get some sleep.....i recommend a big knuckle-bone and a cd of easy listening/instrumental music.  pups seem to relax and settle right in with music & a knuckle-bone at night.  sometimes they do well being crated next to an older buddy type dog  and sometimes they do better being crated next to your bed.  it depends on the pup.
good luck.
pjp

I have to tell you guys - I checked out a tracking class last night!


OH

EMM

GEEE

!!!!!

It was so much fun, and I didn't even have a dog! I am SO doing this with my pup, both the trainer and my breeder both said it was great to get started just as soon as she gets home. I think the breeder is happy.  :)
The people were really nice and an older lady with a more experienced beagle took me under her wing and let me come with her. She was really great at explaining everything. Her dog was really good too, it's so neat to see when they pick up the scent, it's like a light bulb goes on.

The trainer confused me, she asked if I wanted to do schutzhund tracking or regular tracking? I have no earthly idea - what is the difference?!

Also checked out a training school, they do puppy agility. Is that ok on their joints? I know it's baby agility obstacles, but is it still safe for GSD pups? I'm really interested in SAR and while I'm not sure I'll be able to get my certification, I'm hoping to persue it a bit and see how it goes. I'm just worried that I won't be able to commit to the training schedule, I think it's pretty intensive. I was thinking the tracking and the obedience/agility would be a good start? Are any of these sports going to interfere with one another, training wise? The tracking dogs seem to pull a bit and are at times a bit unruly (IMO). I really want a well mannered dog.

Pup is 2 weeks old tomorrow. ARGHHHHHH, this is taking forever for her to grow! LOL

SchH trackng the dog has the nose to the ground the whole time, S&R they track in the air and on the ground. 6 more weeks! 

A bully stick was the best purchase I made.

Yes Wish, those things are great, expensive but great.

Had to bump this - I get my puppy tomorrow!!!!!

I'm so excited! I know it's a female, likely one of the black ones. Send me good vibes that the right pup will pick me tomorrow!  :D