Preparing for a new puppy is often a daunting task.
We've put together a list of things we recommend to have on hand when your new fur-baby comes home and a few suggestions for when they grow.
No one likes a mess in the house, we highly recommend pee pads to help potty train your new puppy, especially since the little one can not be outside or around other animals until their 3rd set of vaccines. This prevents any possibility of contracting parvo and other life threatening diseases the young one isn't ready for.
FOOD AND WATER BOWLS
COMFORT IS KEY FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND.
We suggest getting two beds, one for inside the crate and one for the common area to sleep during the day or lounge on for a random nap. Remember, if you allow your pup to sleep in your bed with you, they will likely get spoiled and want to do it all the time. :)
We suggest getting two beds, one for inside the crate and one for the common area to sleep during the day or lounge on for a random nap. Remember, if you allow your pup to sleep in your bed with you, they will likely get spoiled and want to do it all the time. :)
We recommend crate training from day one. Crates are designed to make your dog feel secure in their own domain. It can also help aide in potty training and for discipline purposes. When you first bring your puppy home, surround the crate with a play pen to give it a bit of room to roam and play in a controlled environment.
PUPPY PROOF YOUR HOUSE
It is recommended to cordon off areas you don't want your dog in from day one. Be consistent - STAY OUT OF THE KITCHEN, STOP AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS, SIT BEFORE OPENING THE FRONT DOOR, etc.
Sadly, we have heard many horror stories of dogs getting injured or killed by preventable accidents such as when they bolt outside from the front door or getting into places they shouldn't and find things to eat they shouldn't be ingesting. (see our FAQs page for a list of foods that can poison a dog.
Sadly, we have heard many horror stories of dogs getting injured or killed by preventable accidents such as when they bolt outside from the front door or getting into places they shouldn't and find things to eat they shouldn't be ingesting. (see our FAQs page for a list of foods that can poison a dog.
TOOLS FOR WALKING THE POOCH
PLAYING OUTDOORS
Teaching a dog to walk obediently using a harness will help. Choose one with a handle on the top. This will allow you to pick the dog up or remove it from danger easier. Another tip is to use the lower hook for the leash, on the chest of the dog, just below the mouth. This will help you to train your dog not to pull as you walk.
You can vary the walks using a Gentle Leader rather than a harness. This device allows you to easily control the walk since it uses the snout to guide the dog rather than a collar around the neck.
On long walks, make sure your dog stays hydrated. Please be conscious of your neighbors and the environment and clean up your dogs poop. No one likes to unknowingly step into a pile of poo...
You can vary the walks using a Gentle Leader rather than a harness. This device allows you to easily control the walk since it uses the snout to guide the dog rather than a collar around the neck.
On long walks, make sure your dog stays hydrated. Please be conscious of your neighbors and the environment and clean up your dogs poop. No one likes to unknowingly step into a pile of poo...
TRAINING TOOLS
A trained puppy is a happy puppy.
A trained puppy is a happy puppy.
CHEW TOY ESSENTIALS
Be mindful of rope and other materials that fray. Dogs love to eat anything and everything. Save yourself a visit to the vet and throw away toys that have small and loose ends, you don't want a piece of rope or cloth to get lodged in the intestines, which can lead to very costly bills and possibly the loss of a friend.
These are the balls we found to be the most durable and fun both inside and out.
It's a dog's life...
GROOMING
It is essential you maintain your dog's coat. Brushing the coat on a regular basis will help prevent matting. Many owners who fail to do this often find themselves with a shaved down dog after a groomer's visit. This is because badly matted dogs cannot be combed out without risking injuring or causing severe pain to your best furry friend.
It is recommended to give your dog a bath every few weeks to keep their coats clean. Don't over do it though, because you can risk drying out their skin and causing rashes and irritation.
It is recommended to give your dog a bath every few weeks to keep their coats clean. Don't over do it though, because you can risk drying out their skin and causing rashes and irritation.
For at home grooming, we recommend using the Andis trimmers to keep your pup tidy and without any matts. By learning how to groom yourself, you can save hundreds of dollars. Use the 10 Blade to trim the pads of the feet. Make sure you are aware of the blade's temperature as you are grooming your furry friend, you don't want to burn them. We recommend getting a few blades to keep on hand. Don't be afraid to try your hand at grooming, remember, your pup's hair grows back, if you botch it on the first few tries.