*This post is sponsored by Breeder’s Edge® Many new puppy owners have expectations of the puppy they are about to take home. For example, new families want to know the puppy is up-to-date on vaccinations, dewormings and microchips. And they expect to receive health and genetics records. However, creating priceless puppies goes beyond that. While the previously mentioned expectations cost money, the following experiences are priceless; unless that is you can put a price on frustration, doubt, fear and stress. Create a checklist and be confident in telling the new owners their puppy has:

• Been sleeping in its own bed for at least two weeks. The nighttime cries of a puppy that is not used to sleeping in its own bed are not only stressful on a new family, but it’s more stress for an already stressed puppy. There will be many firsts in a puppy’s life and giving him as many experiences that he may have in his new home while he is in a safe and familiar place with you will help reduce the potential stress when he leaves you.

• Had at least three car rides. This gives you confidence to let the new family know the puppy does not have motion sickness issues. This is important because many families take outings together, and that means the puppy too! Trips to the dog park, camping, vacation and even trips to the vet, nobody wants a vomiting puppy to take care of. Ginger snaps before travel may reduce nausea.

• Been collar and leash trained. The Breeder’s Edge Perfect Fit Training Collar  is ideal for collar training. Having a puppy with a collar and leash on when he goes home is much safer than in their arms or the arms of a child. In addition, including a Breeder’s Edge Take Me Home Collar and Leash set is a great addition to your puppy pack.

• Been started on puppy litter training. Many new families fail at potty training and soiling on the carpet is discouraging for a new family and can make them question if the puppy was a good idea. Breeders that start puppy litter training at three weeks of age while still in the whelping box have a cleaner area for puppies and puppies will transition to doing their business outside much easier.

• Been going up and down steps. Steps are scary for a puppy, especially the down. Puppies can easily fall down steps and get injured. Training puppies to be more adventurous by learning to go up and down stairs also builds their confidence to be social and happy with meeting new people and other dogs.

• Been introduced to cats. Cats can be very scary for puppies, and painful if not introduced the right way. Puppies can be very obnoxious toward cats. If able, introducing your puppies to cats in a safe way will instill caution when needed and respect by both parties and make for a happy home to coexist.

• Been introduced to larger breeds. Many households have multiple breeds and at times a puppy may have never seen a large breed dog. Yes, momma was full grown, but she wasn’t a Great Dane or a Golden Retriever. Your puppies need diverse  socialization to many things to help them be a confident puppy and not fearful or a nuisance to the family members, including the other four-legged ones.

• Been introduced to kids. There are very few puppies who never have any interaction with kids; therefore, it’s important they are comfortable around kids and understand that kids make noises and smell funny but will be their best friend forever. Consider holding a “Puppy Party”. Invite a diverse group of people you know to come and interact with the puppies. This will give the puppies exposure to all ages, races and personality types.

• Been desensitized to loud noises. Even not-so-loud things like the sounds of a refrigerator or turning on the fan in the car can be scary for a young puppy. Turning on the stereo, television, even the beep of a microwave should be recognized as sounds that are familiar and not scary when they go to their forever home.

Checking off these “priceless” items along with the puppy’s genetics and health records and other useful items in your puppy pack will help set your puppies and their new families up for success.

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