You’ve been counting the days until you can
pick up your new puppy. But are your really
ready to bring him home? You’ll need many new
items to properly train and care for your pet.
You will also need to puppy proof your home.
Here’s what you need to do:
Feeding Dishes
Stainless steel dishes are best because the
puppy can’t chew them, and they’re easy to
keep clean. Single dishes, one for food and one
for water, are recommended, as you’ll want to
make water available 24 hours a day.
Collars and Leashes
You’ll need a strudy leash and an
adjustable nylon or leather training collar with
buckles and other hardware appropriate to your
dog’s size. Don’t buy a large collar hoping
the dog will grow into it. Expect to buy several
collars over the first few months, when rapid
growth occurs. NEVER leave a choke-chain collar
on an unsupervised dog of any age. Chain collars
can get caught and choke your dog.
Do You Need A License?
Chances are, no matter where you live,
you’ll have to have a dog license. Call your
humane society or animal services centre to find
out how much they cost and how to buy one.
Attach the license to a buckle collar. You'll
need to take him into see the vet right away
also for his rabies vaccine which will also
require a tag.
Play Toys and Chewies
Puppy will need something to play with and
something to chew during painful periods of
teething. Avoid old socks and shoes, wooden toys
and bones. These items easily splinter and can
damage the delicate tissues of his mouth or
cause bowel obstructions if swallowed. (It will
also encourage him to chew your shoes!) We've
got some great new puppy teethers .
Ice cubes or frozen bagels make ideal
teething toys for puppy. Twisted frozen
washcloths can also be offered, but use them
with caution, as bits of cloth can be swallowed.
Balls should be English or Cressite rubber to be
safe. Kong brand toys are an excellent choice.
Expect to pay a little more for the safer,
better constructed toys. But keep in mind
they’ll last much longer.
Grooming Tools
The grooming tools you will need depends on
the breed you’re buying. Consult your breeder
or veterinarian.
Article submitted by: © Terri Perrin (Biography
& Additional Information
