Checklist: Eight Puppy Essentials You Probably Forgot
You’ve decided to bring a puppy into your home and heart. As a new addition, your four-legged friend is going to need supplies. If this is your first time owning a pet, there are a few items — beyond food — you’ll want to considered before welcoming your new pup.
Here are six puppy essentials you probably forgot, but will drastically improve your life:
Puppy pee pads and doggy lawns
New puppies are the cutest, aren’t they? That is until they have an accident on your carpet. Prior to picking up your pup, do a little research on house training your pet. You’ll want to have a plan in place — before you need it.
If you’re wanting to train your dog to always go outside, pee pads, like these work really well for a lot of people. There are both pros and cons to using them, however. On the plus side: they are convenient and make it easy to notice when your pup needs to go. On downside, they can send mixed messages. If not used properly, or the outdoor transition signals aren’t clear, they can teach your pup it’s ok to go in the house.
If you’re looking for an indoor option, consider a doggy lawn like this. These natural lawns will allow your pet to go indoors but they require ongoing deliveries of new grass, so they can get expensive over time. A reusable option with artificial turf is less expensive but require frequent cleaning to minimize urine smells. But both options will give your pet a break during long hours inside.
Whichever route you go, having a game plan before your pup’s arrival will help potty training go a lot smoother.
Collar and leash
Collars and leashes serve pretty important roles. Sure, they’ll keep your puppy from running off when you’re out for a walk or visiting the vet. But they can also be a way to protect your dog when she’s with you in public — from other dogs, excited kids, or speeding cars, which is why you’ll want to get the right one. Before purchasing one because it comes in a cute Hawaiian print, take a look at the different types of leashes available — and consider the job you need it to do.
If your dog is prone to chewing, you may want a chain leash. If she’s strong and energetic, you may want a martingale lead. If your pup is mellow, you’ll probably be fine with any leash.
And here’s hoping that the right leash also comes in a fun, tempting print.
Identification
In the event your dog gets separated from you, dog tags can save the day. You can find inexpensive ones online (for about $6) and have them delivered within a few days, or purchase them in-stores for a little bit more.
Dog tags can come loose, and collars can come off, so also consider microchipping, another valuable identifier. It is a tiny chip that uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip to implant your contact information into your pet. If your pet is ever lost, someone who finds him can take him to almost any veterinarian for and get the chip scanned. You’ll then be contacted so the two of you can be reunited.
Generally speaking, the cost for microchipping is about $45, though some clinics provide it at no cost when acquired with other services.
Food and water bowls
You probably remembered the puppy chow, but you may not have thought much about the food and water bowls. Instead of just using old containers from around the house, you may want to consider upgrading to a bowl designed for specific functions.
There are a lot of different options! Some, like this one from Yeti, are designed to sustain the wear and tear of a puppy. This Bergan duo, available on Chewy.com, will help ensure your pup is never hungry or thirsty. And this bacteria-reducing bowl helps keep your dog’s water clean and cool while minimizing microorganisms that might make them sick.
While using old containers is fine — and certainly less expensive — they can create big messes in the long run because they weren’t designed to survive enthusiastic pets.
Gates and crates
Dogs are territorial by nature, so one of the best ways to keep everyone happy is to give your pup a clear and consistent space. A gate will help manage this. It will ensure your dog knows where her designated area is, and that’s calming for her. Once she’s used to the space, you’ll be able to contain her easily when you need to. Even if your dog has free roam of your house when you’re there, it’s a good idea to give her a space of her own so she can retire to it when she needs a spot to relax.
Crates are another excellent option for giving your dog her own territory. If you’re considering this option, get started right away. Dogs tend to love the coziness of crates if they’re trained from an early age. Crates can also help speed the potty-training process, which is a big bonus. The main drawback to a crate is that your dog will get a little cramped if left in it for extended periods of time. If that will be the case, a gate might be the better choice for your dog.
Toys
When it comes to having fun, dogs aren’t all that different from humans. They also like things that spark joy and occupy their minds.
When your dog is young and teething, rubber chew toys with treats can keep your dog busy and prevent your pup from chewing on things around your home — which can quickly add up. As he gets older, he might like rubber balls to help work out pent up energy. He might also like a squeaky stuffy to chew on (but watch out — those can also become choking hazards). Chase toys, like a Chuckit! can offer good exercise and bonding time for both you and your dog.
You may want to try a few different types of toys because different dogs have different preferences when it comes to their favorites.
Training treats
The early, formative days are crucial for setting up good habits — so start your pup off on the right paw with training treats. They’re smaller than regular treats, which means you can hand them out liberally. Try keeping them handy in an easy-to-access doggy bag and you’ll always be able to reward him often and quickly, which is key to success.
Looking to dive deep into training and setting your pup up for success? Check out SpiritDog Training.
Stem Cell banking
If you’re interested in stem cell banking, this is the time to make arrangements for it. Gallant Stem cell banking involves your veterinarian extracting the stem cell-rich reproductive tissue during your dog’s spay/neuter procedure. This is the tissue that is always collected at the spay/neuter but would usually be discarded. As a result, there’s no pain to your pet from the collection process. The spay/neuter procedure is the only time this tissue can be harvested, so if you’re considering this proactive approach to your dog’s long-term wellbeing, timing is crucial.
The right essentials pay off in the long run
Starting off with the right essentials will help you and your pup settle into a happy routine sooner. It will also set you both up for long-term success, making life easier on both of you.
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