Puppy Supplies

OK so it is getting close….and that means time to go shopping. Here is a list of some of the must haves for your new puppy.

Leash and Collar. Your puppy will need a collar that can be adjusted easily. The collar should fit snuggly so it won’t slip off but not too tight; you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and the pup’s neck. Make sure to check this frequently because your puppy will be growing quickly. A leash is needed for walks, potty break and training. I would recommend a short leash in the beginning so you are in control during the training process….you do not want a dog that is going to pull you around the neighborhood- you want one that will walk by your side.

Crate and playpen. We are big on crate training and playpens not only because it keeps your puppy safe when you are unable to watch them but it also helps with the potty training process. For those of you whose puppy is flying you can use the crate they arrive in for a while. It is the perfect size for when they are little. I would recommend a 36” crate for the females and 42” crate for the males. Here is an example: http://www.petsmart.com/supplies-training/crates/midwest-icrate-dog-crate-zid36-7142/cat-36-catid-100086?var_id=36-7142&_t=pfm%3Dsearch. These crates will be too big for your puppy at first so make sure you use a divider to section the place off where your new puppy will sleep. You do not want them to have the whole crate because dogs do not like to go potty where they sleep….if they have the option to go to the other end of the crate to potty then come back to sleep that makes the potty training process a lot harder. Make sure your puppy is able to stand up, lie down, turn around and stretch inside the crate.

Food and Water bowls. There are many different types of doggy dishes to choose from. I would recommend using a stainless steel bowl because they are easy to clean and sanitize (unlike plastic bowls which can easily get scratched and hold bacteria and residue in these areas). They also cannot be chewed up by a new teething puppy.

Food. We feed Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy. It is the light orange bag. Check our blog for a visual of the bag

Grooming. We use baby shampoo on all of our puppies and adult dogs. You will also need a brush, nail clippers (make sure to only cut the hook of the nail off. If you are uncertain have your vet show you the proper way) and tooth brush. Start a regular grooming routine as soon as your puppy joins you- this will make the process a lot easier when they are adults.

Toys. Puppies love toys. We recommend strong durable, well-made toys (like kong toys) that are sized appropriately for your dog. Cheaper is not always better- you do not want a toy that your dog can easily take apart and swallow small pieces. Rope toys are also good as they help floss teeth while the puppy plays. Also make sure to get fetching toys such as tennis balls.

These are just the basics that you will need for when your new puppy joins you. Happy Shopping :)