What to Buy for your New Puppy
- Pedigree Puppy Dry Food
- Feeding bowls - Stainless steel dishes are recommended.
- Collar - Your puppy will arrive with a puppy collar. You may want to wait to purchase another collar until the puppy is close to outgrowing his puppy collar.
- Lead (Leash) - Although, it is not necessary to lead train before 10-12 weeks, it is good to have a lead on hand to protect the puppy in areas that are not fenced. Training classes will require a 6 foot lead, rather than a 4 foot lead.
- Crate - Wire or plastic crates are recommended. Wire crates are great because the puppy can see out in all directions You may want to cover the crate at night with a blanket to avoid drafts and encourage sleep. Most wire crates comes with a divider that can limit the space in the crate until house training is completed. With a divider, you can purchase the crate that will be a suitable size for your puppy as a full grown adult. Plastic crates also work well and are easy to wash. Helpful tips about house training your puppy are on our Potty Training your Puppy page.
- Bedding - Washable bedding, such as towels, is best for the crate. Accidents will happen.
- Carpet Cleaner - Be prepared with a product that will take care of the stains and eliminate the odors that can cause the puppy to return to the same spot.
- Bitter Apple - This product will help train your puppy not to chew the items that are not his toys. I have found it to be safe for plants, carpeting, furniture, and shoes, but read the product label before applying it to surfaces.
- Chew Toys - A good variety of chew toys will help your puppy occupied and not bored. My favorites are Nylabones and Kongs. Avoid rawhide, it is not completely digestible and can cause intestinal blockage.
- Play toys - Ropes and stuffed toys with sqeakers are recommended. If the stuffed toy is torn, be careful to take the sqeaker and throw it away.
- Treats - Treats should be used mainly for training. Never give your puppy a treat without asking for a simple behavior task to be performed. The puppy should learn to earn the treat. Do not use treats in excess. This can cause diarrhea and upset stomach. Puppies are very happy to receive praise or a treat.
- Grooming Products
- Shampoo - Choose a tearless puppy shampoo.
- Brushes - A medium slicker brush and a comb. During the puppy to adult coat transition a matt breaker may be of use.
- Ear Cleaning Solution
- Nail Clippers and Kwik Stop - scissor or guillotine type clippers
- Blunt Trimming Scissors - To trim between the eyes, ears and feet.
Please contact us with any questions that you may have about caring for your puppy. We will be very happy to help.
