If you’re about to welcome a new puppy into your home you must have to have these essential products that will satisfy your puppy needs and make your life easier.
In this article, we’re going to look at our top 9 puppy essentials that every new owner should have after getting a puppy.
1. Collar & Leash
Dog leashes benefit you, your neighborhood, and your pet. Providing improved companionship and a well-trained leash-obedient dog which is a pleasure to walk with. Commonly a dog leash can be referred to as your “pet’s lifeline,” protecting your pet from traffic, and unrestrained animals. But overall an obedient and well-behaved dog is a positive reflection of its owner!
Tips: for comfort and obedience training make sure your leash has a loop that is easy to grip. Furthermore, using a 4 to 5-foot leash with your puppy will help prevent your dog from sniffing droppings from other animals and help with obedience training.
2. Dog Bed
Dogs will cuddle with you without your consent and can be greedy by stealing the bed and sheets. If you rather not have that happen then I suggest getting your new puppy his own bed and training him early on that his bed is his and your is yours.
There is a lot to consider by letting your dog sleep with you such as urine, fleas, vomit, gas, obsessive licking, and space violations. Sleeping with your dog has a similar risk profile to sleeping with a feral human child possessing below average intelligence, long fingernails, and lot of love. Therefore, proceed with caution.
3. Toys
Puppies & dogs are like kids they need something to focus their attention on. By getting your puppy toys you will help keep them busy while improving their physical and mental skills. If your dog is entertained, they won’t get bored and chew on anything they find or dig in your yard.
Types of toys for enjoyment, comfort and stimulation can include:
- Soft toys for cuddling
- Treat toys
- Bones to chew on
- Tug toys
- Squeakers or crinkly toys
4. Water & Food Bowls
If a dog has a metal tag and you have a metal food or water bowl the clinging of the metal can be very annoying for the dog. That is why I suggest ceramic, or a plastic bowls. In the summer months bacteria growth can grow very fast. The best way to tackle this problem is have multiple bowls and pre-wash before putting into the dish washer which will kill any bacteria with very, very hot water. Therefore, by having multiple sets, you just wash one while you use another. You do not want to deal with your pooch getting food poisoning.
The common issue that occurs is a slippery “biofilm” will colonize on the sides of the pet dish and if not cleaned can cause an accumulation of endotoxins.
5. Travel Carriers
When getting your new puppy your going to need a way to bring him home safely. Furthermore, this crate, or containment device will allow you to monitor, and house train him or her.
When choosing a good crate, you want to make sure it is ergonomic as he or she should be able to stand up, lie down, turn around, and stretch inside.
Tip: some owners will keep their dogs in travel carriers in their rooms when they go to sleep. Getting your dog his own bed will give your dog a better quality of life.
6. Grooming Supplies
Puppies need to be groomed too and by sixteen weeks of age, about the time when the puppy’s shots will be complete you can start the full grooming and bathing process. You should associate grooming as fun time with your puppy by associating it with treats and rewards! When grooming your puppy, you should introduce it slowly through a gentle process of encouragement and rewards. Let your puppy examine and sniff the brush. Furthermore, handle sensitive areas, like paws and ears, for several days before attempting to groom. Touching the nails with the clippers before trying to cut them.
Grooming tools:
- Comb & brush
- Scissors
- Towels
- Nail clippers
- Blow dryer
- Shampoo & conditioner
7. Puppy Food
Puppies have different dietary and nutritional needs than adult dogs. Consult your breeder & veterinary for the proper food for that breed of dog. Soft food is safer for your puppy as for most of his life all he has known is his Mom’s milk7
8. Dog Gates
Having a gated area in your home for your puppy can be very useful especially during potty training, or if you have a newborn in the home. Furthermore, if you cannot keep a watchful eye on your puppy restricting areas to prevent him from roaming to areas where he/she could potentially hurt himself.
9. Puppy Training & Obedience Books
Getting a puppy especially if your new to it can be overwhelming. Knowing what to do beforehand can help save you stress and give your puppy a head start. Training is an important part of any dog’s life, it provides mental stimulation which helps keep your dog happy, if this is combined with exercise your puppy will be tired at the end of the day and is far more likely to sleep the night without disturbing you.
Tip: research has found that most dogs prize their favorite treat as a reward when they have an opportunity to earn it first!
