PUPPY ITEMS
I've created this page for new puppy owners. As you are anxiously waited for
you new family member you might as well go shopping and get those needed
items before puppy gets home!These are not all necessary items, but will give
you ideas on things you may want to get.
You'll want a food and water dish for
your new puppy. I recommend either
stainless steel like these or the
ceramic/crock material.
You will need some kind of containment are for your puppy. I would suggest either a
portable exercise pen (on left~various sizes) or the Iris Dog Pen (on right). These come
in 2 sizes. Get the taller one if you will be putting the puppy's crate inside as a bed. You
can find these on Amazon. (See our example below for a containment area).
Your puppy has been raised on Kirkland
(Costco) Puppy Food. I would keep your
puppy on it for the first year and then
gradually switch to the adult food.
These are some basic grooming supplies you will
probably want to have on hand. Starting on the left of
the photo; a slicker brush, a pin brush, a comb, nail
clippers and kwik stop. (Kwik stop is for those
occasional times when you accidentally quick the dog
and the toenail bleeds a bit.)
Puppy shampoo:) Don't be tempted to use people
shampoo. Use something formulated for dogs, and the
puppy shampoo will probably be even milder. Use warm
water and make sure and put cotton plugs in the ears to
prevent water from getting in. You can also use a bit of
petroleum jelly placed along the eye rim to protect the eyes
from soap suds. Make sure and rinse the coat thoroughly or
you may in up with an itchy puppy.
This is a great thing to start from
puppyhood! Get your puppy used to
having it's mouth handled and teeth brushed.
Only use toothpaste designed for dogs as
human toothpaste can upset their tummies.
You can also use something like an old
washrag with a bit of baking soda paste to
rub over the teeth. All this will help prevent
tartar and gum disease and save a lot of
money for you and problems for your dog in
the long run.
You will need a stationary collar to attach an
id tag too or you may prefer a harness. A
nice 6' leash is handy or the flexi-leashes work
well too. Never leave a training collar aka
choke or slip collar on you dog.
Kong brand toys are great! The ones that
can be stuffed with food or treats work well
to keep your puppy entertained and busy for
a while too. You might even feed him/her their
daily ration from the Kong! (The one in the
middle works well for this.)
Nylabone is also a good brand for
chew bones for you puppy. They
come in various sizes and flavors too.
I've found that even some of the
smaller dogs like the big knuckle
bone in the middle.
The Buster Cube is anther interactive
toy that can be filled with food or treats
to keep you puppy entertained while he's
by himself. I believe they come in two sizes.
Our course squeaky toys, rope toys, balls
and others are fun to have, although not
necessary.
Bully Sticks! These are one of the best chew toys you can get
for your dog. Made of meat, not cowhide. They come in various
sizes and shapes as shown in the photo. These are better then
rawhides or pigs ears. (Pork products are not good for dogs!)
They are a bit expensive, but if you're only going to get a few
toys or chews I would definite suggest this be on your list.
Some type of
small, soft treats
are always nice to
have for training
purposes.
You will probably want some type of bed for your puppy.
I really like these sheepskin looking ones as they come in
different sizes, are washable, fit in crates and are fairly
inexpensive. Buy two, so you have an extra while the other
is being laundered.
This is what I recommend for your new puppy...a nice, safe confined
area when you are not able to have the puppy right with you under
your supervision or you have to be at work, etc.
It is a small area, but that way the puppy doesn't have a lot of
options when it comes to potty accidents. This is Maggie and she is
only 2 lbs. so her area is small, probably 2' x 2'. Bigger puppies may
have a larger area, especially if you are using a crate as their bed/den
place.
Here Maggie has her bed, water, food and potty box (she usually
has a toy in there too.) As a puppy gets older and more
trustworthy, the area can be enlarged. Even if you are training your
puppy to potty outside this is a nice set up if you're away during the
day. Then resume your outside training when you're home!
For an indoor potty area, I would recommend the UGODOG.
Buy one with an extra pair of grate tops to switch out when the
other is dirty. You can find these at www.ugodog.net
I highly recommende a crate for your new pup. They're great for potty training,
travel or just nap time! If your pup is shipped you will recieve a crate similar to this.
(21"x16"x16") (zip ties & paper for shipping). This size will fit most pups for a long
time, if not indefintiely. If your pup is going to be more the 15-18# size you may
want the next one larger.