preparing for your puppy

Photo: Michelle & Steviejosh Starfire - "Star"
Before you bring your puppy home you will need to get ready! The more prepared you are, the easier you will
Purchase:
- an untippable food & water dish.
- a natural bristle brush
- a collar and lead. The collar should be the correct size for the puppy the day you bring him home. Size the collar by making sure that two fingers can slip underneath it easily. Be prepared to buy a new collar every 2 months or so until your dog is full-grown, and a new lead if your puppy chews through it!
We recommend Black Dog Products - a pooper scooper & bags
- a crate. Download Puppy Crate Training (PDF)
Choice of Crate: This is very important when it comes to the humane treatment of your puppy. The puppy should have enough room to move around and be comfortable in. If the crate is too large - the puppy might even relieve himself inside the crate. It is cruel to leave your puppy inside the crate for too long. Night time is crate time and often even very young puppies can go the entire night without soiling their crates. You will want the puppy to slowly get used to the crate. The puppy needs to feel that the crate is his haven, so put his/ her bedding & blanket and the puppy’s favourite toys in there. We also put a treat or two in the crate to tempt the puppy. Never force your dog inside the crate. It is his safe haven in his new home . - good quality nail clippers
- grooming products i.e brushes, combs, slickers, shampoo (we recommend Plush Puppy Products - http://www.plushpuppy.com.au
- suitable inside & outside bedding
- a storage bin for dry food
- puppy chews (contact Judith @ K9 & Katz Kitchen for suitable, edible chews for your puppy
also
- check with the Breeder what food your puppy is eating. Do not change the puppy's diet which has been recommended by the Breeder. Make sure you have a supply ready if your breeder has not arranged for a bag of formula to go with puppy
- contact your Vet & make an appointment for your puppies first visit within 48 hours of picking your puppy up.
- try to arrange to pick up the puppy from the breeder in the morning, this will give the puppy most of the day to travel & settle in to his/her new home.
- it is an idea to bring a travel blanket & or a large towel as we always advise the new owner to nurse the puppy on his/her first long car trip
- contact the German Shepherd Dog Club to ask about becoming a member of your nearest Branch.
-
list of Branches:
ACT - ph. Wolf Meffert 02 6230 2456
Newcastle & Hunter Region - ph. Sean Lynch 02 4981 7358
New South Wales
Campbelltown - ph. Allan Phillips 02 9606 6484
Cumberland - ph. David Kilner 02 9622 0775
Erskine Park - ph. Terry Jarvis 02 9606 5351
Northern Rivers - ph. Lyn Gregor 02 6647 3185
Victorian Country Branches
Ballarat – ph. Doug Ellery 03 5330 1981
Bendigo – ph. Margaret Phillips 03 5442 7094
Geelong – ph. Colin Gissing 03 5255 2253
Gippsland -ph. Julie Jordan 03 5127 3873
Wodonga– ph. Gordon Cole 02 6025 2730
Victorian Metro Branches
Eastern – ph. Denise Nicholson 03 5968 3859
Malvern – ph. Jacinta Poole 03 9886 3891
Northern- ph. Vince Ebejer 0411 462-358
Skye - ph. Ken Smith 03 9546 7695
Western- ph. Bernie Lester 03 9311 8228
Western Australia – ph. Ian Marr 08 9305 2193Our puppies love their caterpillar tunnel - they play, sleep & eat in it!
Following articles are all

Need a name for your Litter or puppy? - Wot's in a Name?
- German Shepherd Dog League NSW
Quality leads, collars & training merchandise - About Us
- Advice about Breeders
- A brief history of the GSD
- Bloat
- Bonding with your new puppy
- Canine nutrition
- Cleaning up toileting accidents
- Crate training
- Definitions of breeders
- Ears
- Ear mites
- Elements of temperament
- Frequently asked questions
- Introducing the new dog to the new baby
- Long Coats
- Long Term Health Effects of Spay/Neuter
- More on crate training
- Puppy barking training
- puppy growth & feeding
- Puppy vocalisations
- Selling dogs overseas
- Separation Anxiety
- Spay & Neuter
- Puppy Early Years
- The seven stages
- Socialisation Tips
- Understanding your dog
- Welcoming your new puppy
- What causes Travel Sickness
- Your new puppy at home
Contact Details
NOREEN SYMES
Postal Address: PO BOX 75
ELPHINSTONE, Victoria 3448
Ph: 03 5473 3521
Email: alfynor@bigpond.com
Click here for link to ARTEMIS website
