Bringing home your new puppy is a wonderful and exciting experience. It will be hard work, no doubt about it, but very rewarding when you start building a lifelong relationship. There are so many dog products available, so it should be easy and fun to choose the equipment that you need to live with a puppy. Here are a few important items to make the start of your journey a little smoother and more enjoyable:
- Collar & Lead
You will need this from the first day, even if you’re not going to walk them first. A collar storing essential identification information that will ultimately have a lead attached to it. Ideally, the first collar would fit well, not too tight but not too loose either. You should be able to place two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. For Designer Dog Collars, visit https://iwoof.com
When you start using the lead, it becomes important to control your dog when on the streets and conduct obedience training. Leads should be comfortable for you and your dog, and about 4-foot-long to undergo obedience training a puppy.
- Crates
Having a crate is a must for dog owners. This enclosed space gives them comfort, allowing you to monitor them and help with house training. You will also require a crate or carrier for trips to the vet, a play pen and a baby gate if you want to restrict your dog to certain areas of the house. Make sure your dog has room to lie down, stand up, turn around in their crate.
- Bed
A warm bed, safe and comfortable is a must for all dogs and can be placed inside the crate to make her feel comfortable. There is a wide range available, including fur or sheepskin-covered bed for extra comfort. If your dog chews on the bed, replace with a towel or blanket instead until they have gone beyond this phase.
- Bowl
Of course, your new pet will need some bowls from which to feed and drink. They come in all colours, materials, sizes and patterns, so choose something practical to match your home decor. Plastic is usually the cheapest option but because they are lightweight, can be carried around by your dog. Any scratches that form also can harbour bacteria and be complicated to clean. Stainless steel is a great choice as it’s usually a bit too heavy to be used as a toy and easy to keep clean and hygienic.
- Diet
Puppies may be small and cute, but all that energy requires a lot of calories for growth. They will be on a diet specially formulated for the first year that supplies the nutrients they need to develop healthy skin, coat, bones and organs. Growth and development is supported by the food available from most of the pet food companies, but if you are unsure of where to buy, talk to your veterinarian or pet store. You want to ensure that food contains the correct nutritional requirements, including appropriate levels of calories, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, fats and minerals.
- Grooming
Grooming is important to keep your dog looking and feeling good and to help them learn how to behave during the grooming time. Your puppy will need washing, combing, brushing, nail clipping, ear cleaning and teeth brushing. Arrange a care routine as soon as possible and have the equipment ready to introduce from an early age. Some of the items include:
A brush with bristles
Comb
Shampoo
Nail clipper
Scissor
A special towel
Dog toothbrush and paste
