These new dog supplies will help make sure your dog stays healthy and happy as she eases into her new home.
You need: Dog crate
The biggest mistake new pet parents sometimes make is not sufficiently controlling the environment of their new dog. A dog crate can be a convenient way to help you do just that for short periods, particularly with housetraining. Durable plastic crates are easy to clean and perfect for traveling. Wire crates are another option—they offer more ventilation and a full view, and you can cover them with a towel at night to create a cozier atmosphere. Look for a crate that is easy to open and close and just large enough that your dog can stand up and turn around in it easily. You might also consider getting an oversized crate with an adjustable divider panel so that you can slowly expand the room your dog has as she grows and also begins to understand that she shouldn't do her business in the crate. Here are the first 5 things to train your puppy.
You need: Baby gate and puppy playpen
A gate and a playpen can assist with supervision: A gate prevents your dog from entering rooms you don’t want her to go into, while a playpen allows her to run around and play in a confined area. Gates are also essential for blocking staircases. Keep one up until your dog is at least six months old and can navigate the stairs on her own. Choosing a gate that’s durable and made of a material other than wood. Make sure no openings on the gate are large enough for the dog to stick her head through—she can wind up getting stuck or strangled. As for a playpen, make sure it is sturdy and that your dog can’t chew through it or climb out of it.
You need: Bowls
Your dog will need at least one bowl for food and one for water. Get a few extras so that you can wash them every day and easily swap out a dirty water bowl with a clean one. Did you know a dog bowl is dirtier than a toilet seat? Stainless steel is your best bet because it’s durable and won’t chip. Heavy ceramic is another option, but make sure it doesn’t contain lead, which can be toxic to your dog. Avoid anything with dyes, and stay away from plastic if possible—some dogs are allergic to it while many like to chew on it, and pieces might splinter off.
You need: Food
Find out what your dog has been eating at the place where you found her and buy a small bag of that food. Suddenly switching from one food to another can cause diarrhea (just what you need with a dog who isn’t housetrained yet!). When it’s time to change foods, Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution goes into more detail about how to choose the right one for your dog, or get advice from your vet or pet store.
You need: ID
If your dog were to run away and get lost, an ID tag that hooks onto your dog’s collar can be the key to reuniting with her. It’s up to you what the tag says; at least include your phone number so if someone finds your dog, they can contact you. Some people opt to also include their name, address, their dog’s name, and other identifying details.
You need: Collar or harness
Your dog will need a collar right away to hold her ID tag and eventually her rabies tag. At first, just pick up a simple adjustable nylon or leather collar that buckles together. You should be able to slip only two fingers under the collar. For safety reasons, take the collar off when your dog is in her crate. While a collar is essential for your dog’s ID tags, a harness is also great for most dogs for general control, safety, and training—especially for puppies eight months and younger, small breeds, those with short noses such as Pugs and Boxers, and dogs with thin necks such as Greyhounds. Choose one that’s easy to get on and off.