Bringing home a new whippet puppy is an exciting experience, but preparation is key to ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your new furry family member. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do, what to buy, and what to research before your puppy arrives.
To-Do List: Puppy-Proofing Your Home
Whippets are naturally curious, and puppies love to explore the world with their mouths. Ensuring your home is safe before your puppy arrives is essential.
Here are the key steps:
1. Get on the Ground and Look for Hazards
What looks safe from an adult’s perspective might not be from a puppy’s point of view. Crawl around at puppy height and check for:
Small objects that may have fallen under furniture (coins, buttons, toys, etc.)
Loose cords or wires that could be chewed on
Gaps in or under furniture where a puppy could get stuck
2. Secure Electrical Cords
Puppies often chew on cords, which can be dangerous. To prevent accidents:
Use cord covers or tape cords to the wall
Keep cords out of reach where possible
3. Check for Toxic Plants
Some houseplants and outdoor plants can be toxic to dogs. Research all plants in your home and yard, and remove or relocate any that could be harmful. Common toxic plants include:
Lilies
Aloe Vera
Ivy
Azaleas
Sago Palm
4. Secure the Trash & Cleaning Supplies
Use a sturdy, latching trash can to prevent your puppy from getting into the garbage.
Store household cleaners, medications, and chemicals in locked cabinets.
5. Block Off Unsafe Areas
Use baby gates or puppy pens to restrict access to areas where your puppy could get into trouble.
To Buy: Essential Supplies for Your Puppy
Having the right gear before your puppy comes home will make the transition much easier.
1. Food & Water Bowls
A set of food and water bowls, plus an extra water bowl for outside.
Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are best, as they are easy to clean and don’t hold bacteria like plastic.
2. Puppy Collar & ID Tag
A small, adjustable collar that fits snugly but allows room for growth.
An ID tag with your contact details.
3. Crate & Bedding
A properly sized crate for safe sleeping and training. We like to use a 36 inch crate.
Several thinner beds for the crate while potty training (so you can rotate them through the wash).
Later, a thicker, more comfortable bed for when your puppy is holding their bladder overnight.
Thick trash bags to cover foam inserts in beds, lined with puppy pads to prevent accidents from soaking through.
4. Comfy Beds for Around the House
Soft, supportive beds in areas where your puppy will spend time.
5. Cleaning Supplies
Enzymatic cleaner to effectively clean up potty accidents and remove odors.
Puppy pads for crate and bed lining to protect against accidents.
Every puppy from our program is trained to use fake grass potties, so having a fake grass potty tray at home helps maintain their routine.
6. Puppy Potty
We highly recommend using a fake grass potty system for your puppy’s indoor potty needs. Our puppies are trained to use these in the house, making house training easier for new owners. We use and recommend the Pet Loo brand for its durability and ease of cleaning.
7. Enrichment & Training Toys
Stuffable toys (Kongs, Toppls): Perfect for stuffing with raw meat or other treats and freezing for a long-lasting snack.
Interactive toys: Tug toys, Chuckit balls, frisbees, and flirt poles encourage engagement and play with you.
Chews: Cow hooves and goat horns help satisfy the intense chewing needs of teething puppies.
8. First Aid Kit
A basic pet first aid kit should include:
Bandages
Antiseptic wipes
Tweezers
Styptic powder (to stop minor bleeding)
A digital thermometer
Collar vs. Harness: Which is Best?
When choosing between a collar and a harness for your whippet, there are several important factors to consider.
Why We Recommend Collars
Better Movement: Harnesses create restriction over the upper arm, leading to restricted movement that can contribute to arthritis with long-term use.
Safety Concerns: Due to their deep chests, whippets can easily back out of normal harnesses. The only recommended harnesses are the Ruffwear Flagline and Ruffwear Webmaster, as they have a third belly strap to prevent escape.
Training Impact: Harnesses are often associated with less training. Regardless of the tool you use, a dog needs proper training. A harness is not an easy solution to avoid training.
Encourages Pulling: Harnesses were originally designed for sled dogs to distribute weight evenly across the chest, making it more comfortable for dogs to pull. Many modern harnesses still encourage pulling, which can lead to unwanted leash habits.
For these reasons, we recommend using a collar for everyday use and training, while a properly fitted harness may be used for specific activities when necessary.
Important Research & Training Preparation
Training and socialisation start from day one. To set yourself up for success, familiarise yourself with these essential training topics before your puppy comes home.
1. Relaxation Training
Teaching your puppy how to relax and settle will make them a calm and well-adjusted companion. Relaxation Training
2. Separation Anxiety Prevention
Start working on this from the very first day to prevent future anxiety issues. Prevention Cure Additional Info
3. Crate Training
Teaching your puppy that their crate is a safe and positive place is crucial. Crate Training Guide Additional Crate Training Info
4. Recall Training
Teaching your puppy to reliably come when called is essential for their safety. Ensure this is always a positive interaction between you and your puppy by acting joyful and giving treats, recalling is never to be used for punishment, this will create distrust.
5. Understanding Dog Body Language
Learning how to read your puppy’s signals will help you communicate effectively and prevent misunderstandings. Dog Body Language
6. Puppy Fear Periods
Understanding developmental fear stages will help you navigate them successfully. Puppy Fear Periods
7. Socialisation & Handling Exercises
Expose your puppy to new experiences in a positive way to build confidence. Handling exercises such as gently touching their paws, ears, and mouth will help prepare them for nail trims, grooming and vet visits. Additionally, introducing them to different surfaces, sounds, and environments will build resilience. Socialisation Guide Additional Socialisation Tips
Final Thoughts
Bringing home a new puppy is a big responsibility, but with the right preparation, it will be a fun and rewarding experience. By puppy-proofing your home, gathering essential supplies, and researching key training topics, you’ll set the stage for a happy, well-adjusted whippet. Happy puppy parenting!
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