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Puppy Necessities
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Puppy Necessities
Before bringing your puppy home, purchase the
following supplies. Preparing in advance for the
arrival of your new pal will allow you and your
puppy to spend time getting to know each other.
Food and Water Bowls
Look for a bowl that won't easily tip over and
is easy to clean. A separate bowl for food and
water will keep your puppy's feeding area clean.
You may want to buy smaller bowls at first, and
upgrade to larger ones as your puppy grows.
Collar
There are a variety of lightweight collars available
for your puppy. Some have buckles and others snap.
Regardless of the collar style you choose for
your puppy, remember to attach an identification
tag listing your puppy's name, your address and
phone number.
Your puppy's first collar should be made of lightweight
nylon or leather. To measure your puppy's collar
size, measure his neck and add two inches. To
ensure that the collar fits properly, you should
be able to slide two fingers between the collar
and your puppy's neck. If your fingers fit comfortably,
you have the right size collar. If there is extra
room, you need a smaller size. If both fingers
don't fit, the collar is too small. It may take
a while for your puppy to get used to wearing
his collar, so don't be discouraged if he is uncomfortable
and scratches his collar. Be sure to adjust the
length as your puppy grows.
Leash
Leashes come in a variety of styles – such
as leather, nylon and retractable—and in
variety of lengths. A six-foot leash is the ideal
length for both training and walking.
Always keep your puppy on his leash unless he
is in a confined area. Many states and cities
have leash laws, which make it mandatory for your
puppy to be on his leash at all times, even at
public parks and playgrounds.
Grooming Supplies
Make sure you have the proper grooming tools.
These will differ depending on your puppy's coat.
For shorthaired breeds, use a brush with natural
bristles, a rubber currycomb or a hand mitt. A
sturdy wide-toothed metal comb and perhaps a mat
splitter are needed for longhaired breeds. Be
sure to include a flea comb in your grooming supplies,
and begin by establishing a weekly grooming program
with your puppy as quickly as possible.
Toys
All puppies need toys to help them exercise and
to provide them with a safe way to satisfy their
natural desire to chew. Be sure to choose toys
that are made for puppies and cannot be splintered,
torn apart or swallowed. Large rawhide chips,
nylon chews and hard rubber balls are fun and
safe. As a general rule, if the toy can fit comfortably
in a puppy's mouth, it's too small.
Your puppy's Toy Chest should be free from the
following items:
· Sponge toys or items with hard, sharp
points or attachments, such as squeakers, which
can break off and be dangerous if swallowed.
· Shoes or other personal clothing. Giving
your puppy these items will only teach him that
it's okay to chew your shoes and rip holes in
your shirts.
· Balls of string, yarn, cellophane, twist
ties, plastic baggies and other household goods
that could get lodged in your puppy's throat causing
him to choke or suffocate.
· Children's toys made of soft rubber,
fur, wool, sponge or plastic. If your puppy swallows
a small particle of any of these materials, it
could cause digestive problems.
Puppy Food
Start your puppy on the right track with the essential
nutrition of a balanced puppy food. For more information
on feeding and nutrition, visit our Products section.
Crate or Sleeping Bed
Your puppy will need a warm, comfortable place
to sleep. A crate provides a den for your puppy
when you are not home. Crates usually come in
one of two types: a portable, enclosed, plastic
crate with handles; or a wire crate. Your puppy's
crate should be large enough for him to stand
up, turn around and lie down and should have adequate
ventilation. If you buy an adult-sized crate,
purchase partitions or place a cardboard box in
the back to provide a cozy space for your puppy.
You may want to have a separate sleeping bed for
him when you are at home. Make sure you buy a
puppy-sized bed rather than an adult-sized bed,
so your puppy will feel safe and snug. For more
information on crating read our article on house
training.
Stain and scent remover
Conventional household products may mask the odor
to humans, but not puppies. Specially formulated
stain and scent removers are needed to take the
odor away from a puppy's more sensitive nose,
as well as yours. If you use a conventional household
product to clean up after your puppy, don't be
alarmed if he keeps repeating himself at the same
spot. He's merely trying to mark his territory.
Book on puppy care
Place this handy reference guide on a shelf in
your bedroom, den or kitchen. You never know when
you'll need a quick answer.
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