I have my puppy coming in a couple of weeks and need to get prepared! Can anyone recommend a good puppy book? An idiots guide I guess with everything in it from fleas, vaccinations, house training, developmment etc etc etc

This is my first puppy and I need to get some info under my belt!

Thanks
Emma
x

Hi Emma, Gwen Bailey's "The Perfect Puppy" is invaluable and covers pretty much everything.

What breed is your pup? Can't wait to see some pictures

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Yep - I'd recommend this book as well, it covers most of the basics.
When you get your pup take it down to the vets for a check up and they'll be able to give you loads of advice re vacs etc.

I would sign up for puppy classes and get an insurance that is a life time policy.

Bet you can't wait, it's so exiting getting a puppy!

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A dog Possesses Beauty, Without Vanity,Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, And all the Virtues of Man, Without his Vices.

I will Third the Gwn Bailey Perfect Puppy book too

and ask lots of questions on petforum

She is a Black Lab x Spaniel, I am getting her from a rescue centre. I can't wait!

Thanks for the book tip, I will definately get that one!

This book might also be worth a read:

100 Ways to Train the Perfect Dog: Amazon.co.uk: Sarah Fisher, Marie Miller: Books

A few other basic things to bear in mind are:

1.Insurance (choose a good lifetime policy- so that you don't get caught out each year with the pre-existing conditions problem)

2. classes- start looking around asap. Go and watch a few classes and see what you think of them.
I'd recommend trainers from the APDT or APBC as they are registered trainers and sufficently qualified (as they say anyone can be a dog trainer these days).

Check out you local classes on here:
Welcome to APDT - Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK
or here
The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors


3. Check out local vets.

Other things you'll need before pup arrives:
Collar and lead (normal/extender/longline)
Tags
Bowls and stand
Food ( a good complete as natural as possible diet- the rescue may recommend one? otherwise naturediet would be a good one to start on Naturediet)
Bedding
Crate (if you plan on crate training that is)
Toys
Kong (this will be helpful I should think when training your pup to be left).
Treats (you could even make these or stuff like sausages, frankfuters, cheese work well).
Brushes and grooming kit (vet may give you some though as I know mine does)

It'd also be a good idea to talk to your vet about microchipping if the rescue hasn't already had them chipped.
Also if you want to restrict the pup to certain parts of the house to start with child stair gates or a puppy pen might come in handy.

Hope that helps and have lots of fun with your new pup. Bet you can't wait!

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Dogs leave paw prints on your heart