Have you decided to bring a new puppy or dog home? Do you know what the 8 Things You Need Before You Bring A Puppy Home? We have recently rescued a puppy and I was at a lost for what I truly needed. There are a zillion things that they sell but I have compiled a list of what is a must.
1- A crate – this is a definite. Your new best friend wants to have a place to get away from you and/or the children. He or she needs a place where they can be comfortable and know that they. Are safe. Remind your children that when the dog is in the crate to leave them alone. They need a time-out too.
2- Collar and Leash – make sure you get the right kind of collar or harness for the type of dog you have. We had to get a no slip collar for our baby. Make sure that the collar has metal rings on them where they connect to the leash so that they will not break. When choosing your leash, choose what is comfortable for you to use. I opted for one that has a soft handle and long cord for our walks. **You may want to get a back up in a case one breaks.
3- Food bowl and Water Dish – Aagin there are so many choices and you may be tempted to get ceramic bowls. I too wanted one of these but they break. And if they break there can be many little shards of pottery that could puncture the skin. If you choose plastic and your dog in a chewer, they can bite off little pieces and make themselves sick. Opt for a stainless steel variety with a rubber bottom so they do not slide across the floor.
4- Food– Ask what kind of food the puppy is currently on. If you are going to change the food, do it gradually otherwise you will have one sick puppy!
5- Blankets/Bed – provide your dog with a bed or pillow where they know they can lay down. Also put some blankets in the crate so they can be comfortable. Don’t use good things until you know if your dog is house trained.
6- Brush and Shampoo – Every dog needs a brush for grooming. Make sure that you buy the one that is best for the type of fur that your dog has. We got this really cool looking brush made by Kong. It does not look like a regular dog brush but works both wet and dry and you can use it with shampoo to really massage down into your dogs coat. When choosing shampoo also think about the type of coat/skin that your dog has.
7- Chew Bones and Toys – all dogs need toys to play with. If you do not provide something for them to chew on they will find something themselves. A good Nyla bone and rope toys are good options. So are the Kong balls that you can fill will treats or peanut butter to keep them busy.
8- Treats – these are a must for training. house training, sit, stay and all other commands that you want your dog to learn.
So these are my list of 8 things you need before you bring your dog or puppy home. There are plenty of other things you can get to make your life a little easier. A wireless fence, a dog run, a cover for the dogs crate, a sweater, etc. But most of all, dogs need love and understanding. There will be accidents and let’s face it life happens so just take it all in stride and you will make a best friend for life.