Preparing for Your Puppy
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PictureAn 8-9 week old puppy will weigh 15-20 pounds.
Begin preparing to take your puppy home by reading the Raising Puppies page on our website and the additional resources on raising puppies that are linked to that page.  Even if you have a lot of experience raising puppies, we encourage you to read all of the puppy training information so that you'll know how we've raised your puppy during his first 8 weeks of life and have a plan in place for raising your puppy during the next critical 8 weeks.  Puppy training needs to be in place as soon as your puppy goes through your door, so take some time now to get prepared!

Now is a also good time to make a list of people who are going to meet your puppy in the next 8 weeks.  Your puppy will have met at least 100 people before you take him home.  Set a goal for him to meet another 100 people before he's 16 weeks old.  Also, look for a Puppy Kindergarten in your area and get your puppy enrolled.  

What You Will Need Immediately:
  • Crate:  At this point, you don't want a crate that will fit an adult Swissy, you want a small crate for puppy crate training.  Buy an inexpensive crate that can accommodate an approximately 50-60 pound dog.  Realize that you may need to buy a larger crate before too long.  Consider borrowing a small crate from someone you know. 
  • Comfortable bedding for crate
  • Kong Toys and Sterilized Bones:  Have several Kong Toys and sterilized bones (in which kibble can be stuffed) for your puppy. There are many types and sizes available.  Provide a variety for your puppy to keep him occupied while he's in his crate.
  • Puppy gate, or x-pen to create a long-term confinement space for your puppy if you need to leave your puppy alone for an extended period of time. 
  • Potty surface for your long-term confinement area.  We recommend using a crate liner with kitty litter in it for the potty area.  You could also use pine chips, mulch, or shredded paper.  Crate liners can be purchased onliine or in any pet supply store.   
  • Small, dried liver dog treats
  • Water bowl
  • Food bowl 
  • Collar and leash
  • Several "Clickers" (optional, but recommended)