Bringing your new puppy home is a wonderful and exciting experience. It will be hard work, there’s no doubt about that, but hugely rewarding when you begin to establish a relationship for life. There are so many dog products available, so it should be easy and fun to pick out the equipment you’ll need for life with a puppy. Here are some essentials to make starting that journey together a little smoother and more fun:
- Collar & lead
You will need these from day one, even if you won’t be walking them just yet. A collar holds essential identification information which will eventually have a lead attached to it. Ideally, the first collar will fit well, not too tight but not too loose either. You should be able to place two fingers between the collar and your puppy’s neck.
When you begin to use a lead, these become important for controlling walks and obedience training. They should be comfortable for both you and your dog, and about 4-foot-long for puppy’s undergoing obedience training. For a great range of Dog Collars and Leads, visit https://iwoof.com/
- Crates
Having a crate is a must for puppy owners. This confined space provides them comfort, allows you to monitor them and helps with house training. You’ll also require a carrier for trips to the vet, a play pen and a baby gate if you wish confine your puppy to certain areas of the house. Make sure your pup has room to stretch, stand, turn around and lie down in their crate.
- Bed
A warm, safe and comfy bed is a necessity for all dogs and can be placed inside a crate to make it feel cosy. There are a huge variety available, including fleece-covered or sheepskin beds for extra comfort. If your puppy chews on the bedding, replace it with a towel or blanket instead until they have outgrown this phase.
- Bowls
Of course, your new pet will need some vessels from which to feed and drink. They come in all colours, materials, sizes and patterns, so choose something practical that fits with your home décor. Plastic is usually the cheapest option but as they are lightweight, can be carried around by your pup. Any scratches that form can also harbour bacteria and be tricky to sanitise. Stainless steel is a great option as it’s usually a little too heavy to be used as a toy and are easy to keep clean and hygienic.
- Diet
Puppies might be small and cute, but all that energy requires a lot of calories for growth. They will be on a specially formulated diet for the first year which supplies on the nutrition they need to develop healthy skin, coat, bones and organs. These growth and development diets are made by most pet food companies, but if you’re unsure which to buy, speak to your vet or pet store. You want to guarantee that food contains the correct nutritional requirements, including the right levels of calories, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, fat and minerals.
- Grooming
Grooming is important, for keeping your dog looking and feeling good and for helping them learn how to behave during grooming time. Your puppy will require washing, combing, brushing, toenail clipping, ear cleaning and teeth brushing. Set up a grooming routine as soon as possible and have the equipment ready to introduce form an early age. Some items include:
A bristle brush
Comb
Shampoo
Nail clippers
Scissors
A special towel
Toothbrush and dog paste