Must Have Puppy Essentials

Bringing home a pup is a memorable experience. Making sure you have the puppy essentials is key to getting off on the right foot. There are things to take into account before bringing home your new four-legged friend. Before talking about the essential puppy goodies you need for success, lets talk about assessing the home you are bringing your pup to.

Who lives in the house?

Kids

Keep in mind, as the adult you are responsible for this pup. Meaning, you may need to train your children. For starters, pick up all children’s toys and potential hazards and remove them from areas where your pup will be. Never leave your kids unsupervised with your new dog. Even the most loving dog can nip or scratch, especially a puppy in a playful mood. Have your children learn how to care for your new member of the family, by watching what you do. Children may need to be reminded that dogs are not toys, and they can’t be pulled, yanked, or tossed in any way. Take the time to acclimate your children and your new puppy and things will be easier in the long run. Making sure you have all your puppy essentials will ensure a smooth start too.

Pets

If you are bringing a puppy into a home with an already existing pet, your first introduction is extremely important. For dogs, introduce them outside, preferably in neutral territory. Then, after they sniff each other, go for a short walk before brining them into the house together. Plan to crate or fence off your new puppy when you can’t supervise them, as it may take some time for the dogs to learn each other.

Plants & Toys

Take a look at a room at floor level – or puppy level. Are there toys down low? If so, remove them. Your new pup is going to be very curious and will use its mouth to explore. That being said, know if your houseplants are considered toxic to animals if ingested, and remove them immediately. A puppy’s need to chew and eat random things goes with the territory of having a dog.

Their Own Space

Something to consider on your puppy essentials list should be to create a space that is just theirs. This can be a crate, or a room, or simply a bed. It sounds simple enough but just as you will want to snuggle your puppy, and he/she will want to snuggle you, you will have to get things done during the day, so establishing a space for them early on, will help them feel secure in times you can’t snuggle.

Situations That Involve Puppy Essentials

Crate Trainings

If you need to be out of the house for long periods of time, consider crate training. Check out American Kennel Club (AKC) for information on how to do this and how to get started on the right foot with it.

House Breaking

Although training your dog to poop and pee outside is tedious in the beginning, it is 100% your job to do so. Understand that a puppy is not defecating in your house out of spite, so if they have an accident, and they will, it is your fault, not theirs! Before learning how frequently your pup will need to go out, set a timer if you have to, and take them out every 20-30 min. Once you get to know them and their frequency, adjust the time and learn their signs. Sniffing and walking in circles are good indicators that they have to go to the bathroom. For more information on potty training your dog visit akc.org or click here for some tips.

Another tip, ALWAYS let them out after they have been sleeping. And, ALWAYS praise them when they go out and do their business.

Socializing with Dogs & People

The more you socialize your new puppy with other dogs and people, the better off they will be. Take them on walks, let them sniff passerbys or go to the dog park. Exposing them to other people and animals is a good way to keep anxiety levels down as they come in contact with other living things.

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The Products that make for Puppy Essentials

Crate

When you think about a crate there are many options available. Things to consider before purchasing include getting one large enough that when your dog is full size, they can fully turn around and adjust themselves. Look for size recommendations based on the breed and full size weight estimates.

Also consider the material makeup of the crate. Generally you will have metal or plastic options. Some crates are easier to transport, so if you plan on taking your pup on the road, you will save yourself a hassle later if you think about this sooner.

Bowls

Same with the crate, the material of the bowls is up to you but do consider the size of the dog. I would recommend having your main bowls, one each for food and water; and then an additional bowl for travel, and possibly one for outside.

Collar- Leash- Harness

Its always fun to pick out a special color and style for your pooch, and chances are you will purchase more than one of these in your pup’s lifetime. Depending on the breed will determine if a collar or harness will be better for your dog. Regardless of what you pick, you will need a leash or two as well.

Bed

Even if you plan to have your pup sleep in your bed, they’ll need and want a spot that is just theirs. We have a few beds we move around the house that follow the sunshine, and the dogs love it!.

Container for Food

Whether you prefer to buy in bulk or purchase smaller bags, plan on storage in a sealed container so you don’t develop a problem with pests.

Food

There are many options available; know your breed and their needs and read up on recommendations or talk to your breeder or vet for what’s best for your dog. Here are a few varieties you may come across when you search:

• TruDog offers freeze dried options & fortified toppers
• Cherrybrook has a few varieties worth checking out if you are unsure where to begin

Toys/Chews/Treats

All puppies chew! Have a variety of items available so they’ll stay away from your stuff; ie, shoes, furniture, children’s toys etc. They are chewing because they are teething and so its up to you as their owner to provide relief.

• Tug toys, balls, soft & squeaky toys will keep you pup entertained
• Bones and chews as close to the real thing will help with the urge to chew
• Treats are great to have on hand for training

Final Thoughts

Put in the time to train and acclimate your pup to people and situations. By doing so, you will not only have a well behaved companion, but you will have a dog that everybody will want around.

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.

Rodger A. Caras