It is always an exciting time preparing for a new puppy and you can quickly get overwhelmed and begin to worry that you are not prepared for her arrival, especially if you are a first time owner.
Here are a few things that you should consider buying before your new bundle of joy comes home.
1. A Harness
Your Cavapoo puppy will need exercise every day so you will need a harness and leash to control where they go and what they do.
When your puppy is leashed then you can safely put her on the ground if she needs to do a wee or poop.
Please do not buy a retractable lead. They are dangerous to people and for your dog.
People have had serious rope burns from the lead zipping back and when the lead is fully extended then you have absolutely no control over your puppy.
So, a normal lead is the best way to go.
A harness is much better than a collar. They are easier on the dog's neck and back and give you much better control over your puppy.
Rabbitgoo Dog Harness,No-Pull Pet Harness with 2 Leash Clips
The Rabbitgoo Dog Harness has 2 Neck Straps and 2 Chest Straps that makes sure that this body harness fits your dog perfectly.
The harness features a no-pull design so that you can have better control of your dog by attaching the leash to the front clip.
If your puppy pulls then they will be turned around therefore stopping them from going forward.
It has soft and breathable padding ensuring a comfortable fit. The material is durable and weather-proof.
This harness comes in 9 different colors so you should be able to find the perfect color for your Cavapoo.
PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash
All you need is a simple lead that can attach to your Cavapoo's harness.
The Petsafe Nylon dog leash is the perfect partner that you need.
It is strong and durable with an easy to use bolt snap.
It is available in different lengths and also different widths.
2. Food and Water Bowls
There are many types and shapes of bowls available. Some are made from stainless steel while others can be made from plastic or ceramics.
Stainless steel bowls are the most hygienic.
Some puppies will refuse to eat or drink if they do not like the bowl. If this happens then try a different type of bowl.
Here is a perfect stainless steel bowl set that is not only functional but beautiful as well.
Vivaglory Dog Bowls Stainless Steel Water and Food Feeder with Non Spill Skid Resistant Silicone Mat for Pets Puppy Small Medium Dogs
Made of high-quality stainless steel, this dog bowl set offers a healthier alternative to plastic.
The silicone mat is flexible, waterproof, and easy-to-clean.
Simply rinse in the sink with warm soapy water, wipe with a cloth, or place it in the dishwasher as it is 100% dishwasher safe.
3. A Crate
A crate is a must have product because it helps so much with potty training.
It also provides a safe place for your Cavapoo puppy to sleep in at night or when you are travelling.
Crate training your puppy will be very beneficial for later on if she ever needs to be crated because of injury or kept over at the Vet.
Get her used to it at a young age. You will not be sorry.
3. A Playpen
Playpens allow for larger containment areas to keep your puppy safe and secure and out of harm’s way when they are unsupervised.
They are especially useful during the day time when you need to leave your puppy for a few hours or when you pop out to run errands.
There should be enough space for a bed, water bowl and play area.
The shape of the playpen can be changed to suit the available space. Extra panels can be added to make it bigger.
4. Dog Beds
You will need a bed that you can put in her crate or play pen and also a bed in an area where she will sleep during the day.
The bed needs to be cozy and provide comfort when she sleeps.
I like beds with side bolster panels so that your pup can rest her head on them.
A good dog bed needs to be washable and durable.
5. Toys, toys and more toys
Puppies chew. Just like human babies, puppies have to have something to chew on when they are teething.
Toys are needed for play time as well and to keep your Cavapoo puppy occupied when you are not around.
I highly recommend the KONG Toy brand because they last a lot longer than other toys and are excellent for puppies that love to chew.
Buy some plush toys, chew toys ans toys that you can play fetch with.
5. Potty Training
Until your puppy has had it's second lot of vaccinations, it is advisable not to let them go for walks, have access to a common garden or have contact with any other dogs.
It is quite difficult for people that do not have access to a garden with regards to potty training and it is crucial that potty training starts straight away.
I am not a fan of pee pads because it is made from a material that can cause your puppy to think your carpet is also a pee pad.
However, I have found a solution that I am happy with.
Bark Potty is a relatively new product that can be used while you are waiting for your puppy to have it's last vaccinations.
The reason I like this product is because it is made from natural bark which is an outside product and therefore will not confuse your puppy when you want them to also eliminate outside.
Bark Potty replaces up to 60 pee pads and lasts for roughly one month.
It also naturally eliminates odors and is recyclable.
Click on the photo below for more information.
Hi, I am bringing home new puppy in a week should I start with one crate in my bedroom for night and one in living area where we hang out?
Also at night I watch Tv.. will this be ok if its past bedtime.. what if the puppy whines alot at bedtime? So glad to find your website
Hi Julie,
Yes, that sounds great.
I watch TV every night and the pups fall asleep in the lounge.
When I am ready to go to bed, I wake them up and then I carry them out to go and pee.
Once done then I carry them upstairs and put them in the crate and say ‘good night’.
They normally go straight back to sleep.
Then twice in the night I get up and carry them outside to pee and then again, once done, I carry them back to the bedroom and put them back in the crate.
Every puppy is different though.
You get puppies that are just a breeze and never cry and are happy to sleep in there crate from day one.
Then you get other puppies that cry and whine and are very stressed.
Also, a lot depends on the breeder and if they have already started crate training or not.
Hopefully you will get the easy puppy but if you don’t then do not panic.
You will just need to be very consistent and decide what you would be happy with and what you are not prepared to compromise on.
I once had a very difficult pup and ended up allowing her to sleep on the bed with me.
I was going to let her sleep there anyway. I just wanted the initial potty training to happen first so that she did not pee on my bed.
She never did pee on my bed :))
You will need to adjust along the way and every day it gets easier and easier.
Pups are great and it is awesome watching how they change as they mature :))
Exciting times ahead!
Hi! When I first get my new puppy (she isn’t potty trained yet), what should I put in the crate? I don’t want to put her expensive dog bed because I fear she might rip it up or pee on it. Also, should I put a toy or two in her crate at bedtime? Thank you so much!
If you are talking about her crate for night time then I would suggest rather putting a comfy blanket in there.
That way if she does pee on it then you can just wash it. The crate needs to just have enough space for her blanket.
You can put a soft toy in there for her to snuggle with. Make sure the toy is bigger than her so she can lie over it.
Do not put any water in there.
Take her out at least 3 times during the night for the first few weeks. Then go down to twice a night.
Then once a night until she can hold it in for the whole night.
If she is sleeping then gently pick her up and carry her outside.
Once she has done her pee then pick her up and put her back in her crate without saying anything.
She should go straight back to sleep.