What to Buy Before Puppy Comes Home
We prefer to give our business to pet supply stores that do not sell dogs or
cats; you will have to consult your own ethics on this one. Some of the products listed below must be purchased through your *Veterinarian.
Vari-kennel deluxe
(large)
Absolutely essential. You'll want to get some
inexpensive bedding that is easily washable - something you won't mind throwing out after just a few uses should the puppy decide to do some
serious chewing. I suggest sheets from Value Village - fold them into a neat rectangle and they provide a cozy bed. |
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OR
Home Training & Travel Crate (large)
The crate should be equipped with a “crate mat” - something soft and comfy for your puppy to curl up on.
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Food and water bowls
Stainless steel and/or crockery. Do NOT buy plastic. Plastic dishes can harbor bacteria, which can lead to infections in the
mouth and nose. I use stainless steel and crockery (crockery is heavy and difficult to tip over). Get several of the dinner bowls, they go in the
dishwasher after every meal and it’s so much more convenient to have spares.
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Food
Your puppy has been raised on Purina Pro Plan. I highly recommend you
keep him on it! My dogs' beautiful coats, shining eyes and healthy weight are testament to it is quality. If it is necessary to change brands, do
so very slowly, blending the Pro Plan with the new food in ever decreasing amounts over at least a week. Housebreaking is hard enough without
dealing with ‘the runs’. |
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Collar and lead
You will need a nylon webbing collar that is adjustable, so it
can grow with your puppy. Buy one that will fit a 10” neck as the smallest size. Get a matching lead at the same time, 6 feet or 4 feet, whatever
you are more comfortable with. Don't choose a lead with an enormous heavy snap - it will bonk the puppy on the head! |
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Flexi-lead
This is a lead that extends and retracts, for walking in the park (keep it short and locked when on the sidewalk, they can get into traffic SO
quickly). I like the one that extends up to 16’, for large dogs. If you can find it, get the one with the webbing lead, not the cord. It’s much easier
to see and less likely to cause rope-burns on your shorts-clad legs in summer.
Toys and
Chews
Nylabone makes excellent chewing toys. My guys all particularly
favor the 6” circle and the ‘Y’ shaped one. When they are grown up, you’ll need the toughest ones; baby teeth do better with their softer chews
called Gumabone. Stuffed toys made especially for dogs are great, and may help with any separation anxiety your puppy has after leaving his
siblings. Cow hooves are very appreciated for chewing, but I warn you - they can be smelly. I do not recommend rawhide - it has been known to
cause death through choking and bowel blockages.
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Baby gate(s)
You'll need one if you plan to restrict your puppy’s access to certain areas of the house (it’s a very good idea - especially keeping the front door
inaccessible).
Exercise
Pen
A good investment! Excellent for containing puppy now and in the
future, inside and out. Essential when traveling or visiting friends with an unfenced yard. Use it inside when puppy is a baby and you have to be
out for more than a couple of hours - just put paper or litter in one end and a bed and water dish in the other. If you want to use it when the
puppy is grown, buy a 48" high pen. |
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Grooming supplies
Brush:
A rubber grooming brush is great for removing dead hair - my personal
favorite is a little pink number called the Zoom Groom.
Nail clippers:
The scissors type is a little easier to use. You can probably use people
nail clippers for the first month or so. You may want to buy a little container of a product called QuikStop. If you cut too much off and the
nail bleeds, a dab of QuikStop will stop the bleeding.
Ear cleaning:
A bag of cotton balls, and a bottle of *Epi-Otic.
Shampoo:
*Choose a mild, possibly oatmeal-based shampoo.
Flea and Heartworm control:
*Sentinel tablets, once per month, will protect your puppy from fleas,
heartworms, and many other parasites. |
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Clean-up:
You will need a
supply of a good cleaner/deodorizer especially made for dirty mistakes
on the carpet. I recommend the heavy duty shop type paper towels
for carpet cleaning tasks. After spot cleaning we soak the area
with the solution, put down a thick layer of fresh paper towels, cover
with a small piece of plywood and weight it with a heavy object for a
few hours..
