So, you have decided to get a new puppy. Before bringing your new puppy home you will need to go shopping to buy supplies for her. While there are many things you can get for your puppy this article highlights the items every puppy owner should have.
You will need to get a crate for her. The crate should be large enough to accommodate your puppy when they become fully grown but not too big as giving them too much room can cause problems in Potty-Training. When housebreaking your puppy it is important not to give them too much room in their crate, this discourages them from relieving themselves in their crate. It is important not to leave puppies in their crate for extended periods of time while they are being potty-trained. They need to be given the opportunity to relieve themselves in the correct location to achieve successful housetraining. Most crates today come with a divider that will allow you to purchase a crate that will be large enough for your puppy when she becomes fully grown yet limit the space for the puppy while she is still small.
You will also need to make sure to have proper bedding for your puppy. A soft mat or blanket should be used to line their new crate. This will give the puppy a comfortable place to sleep and thus make their crate a more welcoming place for them. This bedding will not replace the feeling they had when they were with their littermates, but it will give them a soft warm place to snuggle.
Your new puppy will need plenty of toys and chews also. Puppies go through a teething stage just like babies and thus have a natural need to chew. It is important for them to have the appropriate items to chew on in order to discourage them from chewing on your favorite shoes, walls, carpet, etc. Your new puppy should be supervised with all new toys to determine if they are safe for her. After you feel comfortable that the toys are large enough to not be swallowed and safe for the puppy, he can be allowed to play with the toys with minimal supervision.
You will also need to buy a leash and collar for your puppy. The best choice for puppies is a nylon leash and collar which is both strong enough to withstand chewing, which should be discouraged from the start, and also safe for your puppy. When buying a collar for your puppy you should make sure it is the correct size for them. A correct fitting collar should not be too tight or too loose around your puppy's neck. You should be able to fit one to two fingers between the collar and your puppy's neck. A harness can also be used for small dogs where a correct fitting collar is not available.
You should also purchase food and water bowls for your new puppy. You can choose between the plastic, ceramic and stainless steel variety of bowls. Beware of the plastic bowls if your puppy loves to chew as they are easier to chew. For larger dogs you may want to consider a bowl stand to raise the bowls to a more comfortable position for the dog and help reduce possible bloating.
You will unfortunately need cleaning supplies for your home while your puppy is being housebroken. Accidents will inevitably happen as your puppy does not have control over their bladder and bowels until around 5-6 months of age. Despite this fact, it is still important to use proper housetraining from the start. The earlier you start the easier it will be for your puppy to learn.
Above are many of the basic necessities you will need for raising a puppy. Along the way you are likely to discover that you will need more supplies than just those noted above. You may need grooming supplies, bathing supplies, gates, medication, etc. Remember your puppy is always learning so keep your eye on them and discourage incorrect behavior immediately. With proper training and supervision you will have years of endless fun with your new well behaved puppy.
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