Puppy Owner Resources
Whether you're preparing for a new puppy or already have one at home, we've gathered some of our favorite educational resources to help you every step of the way.
Raising a puppy is an ongoing learning experience. The resources below reflect the training philosophy we believe in and the information we often share with our own puppy families.
📚 Free Puppy Training Books
Dr. Ian Dunbar's books have helped educate puppy owners for decades. These two free books are packed with practical information on puppy development, training, and socialization.
📖 Before You Get Your New Puppy
A practical guide to preparing for your puppy's arrival, including socialization, bite inhibition, house training, and more.
📖 After You Get Your New Puppy
Learn how to navigate your puppy's first weeks at home with advice on house training, chewing, barking, socialization, and common puppy behaviors.
🚽 Crate & Potty Training
Crate training and potty training often go hand in hand, helping puppies develop good habits while providing them with a safe, secure place to rest. When introduced properly, a crate becomes a valuable training tool rather than a form of punishment.
At Bark to Basics, puppies begin age-appropriate potty training and crate introduction while they are still with us, giving them a strong foundation before they ever go home. For additional guidance, we recommend this excellent crate training resource from the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT).
💉 Puppy Vaccinations
Vaccinations play an important role in protecting your puppy from several serious and potentially life-threatening diseases while their immune system is still developing. Your veterinarian will recommend a vaccination schedule based on your puppy's age, health, and individual needs.
Until your puppy has completed their vaccination series, it's important to be thoughtful about where they go and which dogs they interact with. While puppies still need positive socialization during this time, those experiences should take place in clean, controlled environments to help reduce the risk of disease exposure.
For more information about recommended vaccination schedules and what to expect at each stage, we recommend the American Kennel Club's vaccination guide.
🦠 Canine Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs. Because the virus can survive in the environment for extended periods, it's important to protect young puppies by following your veterinarian's vaccination recommendations and avoiding unnecessary exposure to high-risk areas until they are fully vaccinated.
To learn more about recognizing, preventing, and understanding parvovirus, we recommend reviewing the following fact sheet.
☠️ Toxic Foods & Household Toxins
Many common foods, plants, medications, and household products that are safe for people can be dangerous—or even life-threatening—to dogs. Knowing which items to avoid and what to do in an emergency can help protect your puppy from accidental poisoning.
The following resources provide reliable information about common toxins, emergency contacts, and foods to avoid.
