Sienna Brick Road

Editor’s note: SBR welcomes the following article from R. Hudon from For Healthy Dogs.com

Let’s start off with the basics, because some puppies can be expensive and most people can’t afford to go out and spend another large chunk of money on supplies. If you know in advance that you’re getting your puppy it’s a good idea to start buying items here and there so it’s not such a financial burden all at once. Here are the things you must have before bringing your puppy home.

Food
The first and most obvious item on the list, a good quality puppy food. Find out the type of food the breeder has started the puppy on and if it is a good quality food and it is available to you then it’s usually recommended to continue feeding the puppy the same food. If you wish to change the food just make sure you do it gradually. You might have to purchase a small portion of the food the breeder was using to mix with the new food. Sometimes the breeder will supply you with a bit of food for this purpose. If you’re not sure what type of food to feed your puppy, read ‘The Quick Guide to Choosing the Right Dog Food’

Food Bowl
Your puppy will need a food and water dish. There are many different dishes, bowls and feeders available nowadays but there are only really two things you should look for. Try to avoid plastic bowls as they can harbor bacteria and the plastic can leach chemicals into the food or water. It’s best to use a stainless steel or ceramic bowl for your new puppy. Second, find a bowl with a good sturdy base that’s not easy for a clumsy puppy to tip over.

Bed
Choosing a bed for your puppy depends on how you are planning on training him. If you are going to train your puppy to stay off the beds and furniture, then you must provide him his own place to sleep. If you are planning on crate training your puppy then you can just use the crate as a bed by throwing in a blanket or some towels. Puppies chew everything so don’t use your best towels. If you decide to buy a new bed for your puppy keep in mind it may get chewed or peed on! This is why some people prefer to wait until the puppy is older before buying a new bed. An excellent product for puppies is a plastic dog bed. They are easy to clean, chew-resistant and you can use your own towels, blanket or cushion for the bedding.

Collar with Identification Tag
It’s important to start getting your puppy used to collars and leashes early. Make sure your puppy’s first collar is comfortable and adjustable. The more comfortable the collar is, the easier it will be for your puppy to accept it. Try to find a collar that is soft or padded on the inside. You must get a collar that is adjustable as your puppy will grow fast and will outgrow a collar quickly. It’s important that your puppy’s collar has some form of identification in case your puppy runs away or gets separated from you for any reason.

Leash
A regular 6 foot leash is perfect for a new puppy. You can also buy a training lead which is basically a really long leash and you can get them as long as 50 feet.

Toys
All puppies need toys and it doesn’t have to be expensive. An old stuffed animal can make a great companion for a puppy. You can even buy pillows or plush puppy toys that have a heartbeat to calm and comfort your puppy at night or when he is alone. A puppy should always have something safe to chew on because if not they will start to chew other things they aren’t supposed to. Teething toys are also a necessity once your puppy’s new teeth start coming in.

Crate
A crate is an excellent training tool for puppies as well as a cozy place to call his own. When looking for a crate, keep in mind that your puppy is going to grow and if you get a ‘puppy-sized’ crate, you’re just going to have to get a new one once he outgrows it. A crate should be big enough for him to stand up and turn around in. One way to solve this problem is to purchase a crate that will hold the puppy when he is full-grown and place a cardboard box or something in the back to make the crate space more suitable to your puppy’s size. Some crates come with dividers which works great as well. If the crate is too big your puppy will be more likely to have accidents inside the crate.

Training Pads
Again, this item depends on how you are planning to housebreak your puppy. If you are planning on using training pads, just make sure you get a size large enough for your puppy to pee on without making a mess.
Once you’ve acquired all the basic items and your puppy is adjusting to his new home, you can start stocking up on the rest of the supplies that your puppy may eventually need. Some items are optional as they may not apply to your puppy’s situation.
• Puppy Shampoo & Conditioner
• Puppy Brush or Comb
• Puppy Toothbrush
• Puppy Carrier (for small dogs)
• Safety Gate
• Exercise Pen or Play Yard
• Tie-Out Cable
• Bitter Apple (to deter your puppy from chewing, licking)
• Stain/Odor Neutralizer (for eliminating any sign of ‘mistakes’ in the house)
• Training Books
For more information as well as product recommendations for all of your new puppy’s needs, visit For Healthy Dogs.com

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