New puppy.

I've been rather busy these last few weeks after welcoming a new member to our small family. We now have a little girl Shih Tzu puppy called Dotti. I thought it was the right time to get her as being off from uni I can dedicate all the hours that a puppy needs. 

I wasn't very prepared before getting her, because although we had been talking about it for months, we'd only been looking for a day. Luckily we got her in the morning so still had plenty of time to get all the important stuff she needed. So if you have decided on getting one, I would advise at least getting the essentials ready.

1. Cage (This must feel as though it's her safe place, where she sleeps, so keep the door open in the day. It must not be used as somewhere to put her if she is naughty as she'll grow to resent it) 
2. Bed (She needs to feel extra special, especially on the first night as she will be scared and missing her mummy. I have two one for the house and one for the cage. But one is a must) 
3. Toys (Even on the first night she needs toys to settle her in and play. At least one soft toy and one hard puppy toy)
4. Small bowls (For water and food)
5. Puppy milk (She will be used to milk so make sure you don't cut it from her diet altogether)

You need to find out what food she is on and keep her on this. Also, ask if there is a toy she can have so she has the smell of her mummy and siblings on it and doesn't feel as lost. 

This stuff can wait a couple of days, but are still needed.

1. Instead of puppy pads I am using Pampers changing mats, which are cheaper and put newspaper on top. This way she doesn't get used to going on a mat. But you could use puppy pads if you like. 

2. Toy collar and lead. Even though she won't have had her vaccines quite yet, try training her in the garden.

3. Buy Johnsons baby shampoo to wash them.

4. Pet wipes. For dirty paws and keeping them smelling good.

5. Grooming brush. (Plus scissors for a Shih Tzu)

6. Different types of toys. (Rotate regularly, keeping half out and half away)

7. Travel bottle.

I have been surprised at the price of things at Pets at Home. I thought it would be expensive but it's really competitive, cheaper than most of the supermarket stuff. The one near me had just opened up a vets inside and were offering a half price vaccination and microchip which was a great help cost wise.

This is Dotti all sleepy on her first night at home cuddled in her new bed with her mummy's toy.

This is Dotti today, a bundle of energy.