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Your Puppy’s Essential Needs

Food and Water Bowls: A puppy needs a variety of basic items. Topping the list are a food dish and a separate water bowl. A mat to put them on is also necessary in order to save the floor from slurped water and spilled food. If your puppy has long, hanging ears, get dishes specially made to keep their ears out of the food or water. Consider bowls with weighted bases or non-slip bottoms so your pet cannot push them all around the room. For a dog that will be very tall, two dishes in a raised stand will keep food and water where they belong and at a comfortable height. Lightweight plastic bowls are not a good idea especially for a teething, chewing puppy. If your puppy is in an exercise pen, a water bowl is available that hangs on the wire and can be raised as he grows.

Food: Begin with whatever dog food the breeder was feeding, or ask your veterinarian for advice. You may also buy a top-quality food made especially for puppies. Vets today agree that it is not necessary to add vitamins or minerals to a quality dog food for a healthy puppy. Too many vitamins are actually detrimental, especially for large breeds.

Cookies and treats: Small, plain dog biscuits are ideal for "good puppy" rewards and an occasional treat. Fancy flavored treats are okay for adult dogs, but young puppies do better on a blander diet and fewer treats!

Collar and Leash: Collars come in all colors and styles. Just keep in mind that the puppy will outgrow several collars until he reaches his full size and he may go through as many as six different collar sizes as he grows. It is very sad to see a little puppy weighed down with a heavy chain collar and a leash strong enough to restrain a horse! Be sure each collar and leash you select matches the current size and strength of your puppy. Take him with you to the pet store to be sure you get the right collar, and keep in mind that you will probably be back in a couple of months for a bigger one. The leash will last longer, unless your puppy is allowed to use it as a teething toy, which is definitely not a recommended game.

Collars that can tighten around the dog's neck are meant to be used only as training devices and removed when the lesson is over. They are not intended for continuous wear because they are dangerous. If this type of collar catches on any immovable object, the dog can easily strangle in his efforts to get free. Stay with soft buckle or snap-closure collars for everyday wear. If you go for "motivational training," you will be staying with the soft collar.

More Equipment For Your Puppy

Before your new puppy arrives home, you will need to buy a certain amount of equipment. It is a good idea to obtain them beforehand in preparation for your puppy’s arrival. Essential equipment that you will need are food, water and food bowls, a crate or a pen, and collars and leashes. Below is a list of other necessary equipment for your new puppy.

Grooming supplies: There are a variety of brushes and combs available; choose those which are suitable for your dog’s coat. Other supplies you may need are towels, scissors, clippers, stripping combs, and shears.

Deodorizer and Cleaner: During the house-training of your puppy there are bound to be some "accidents." Because puppies tend to return to the scene where they detect the smell of urine and feces, it is important that these spots be cleaned properly using a product that effectively neutralizes the odor. For cleaning puppy accidents on nonporous hard surfaces, as well as on carpeting, it is best to use a pet deodorizer/cleaner designed for this purpose, which you can obtain at a pet store or online.

Toys: Every puppy needs several toys to play with. Examples of recommended toys are a meat-scented nylon bone, tennis ball, and play ring to avoid boredom and control chewing. It is better to start puppies out on nylon bones as opposed to rawhide ones, since they are much more durable and less expensive in the long run.

Folding gate: This is necessary in order to confine a pup to a particular area. The gate should be sturdy, made of a material other than wood (which is chewable) and have slats that are small enough to prevent a puppy from sticking his head through and getting caught.

Dog bed: This is excellent for giving pups a secure sense of place when they sleep. The best dog beds use a combination of cedar chips and fiberfill; cedar chips are a natural repellent to fleas and ticks, and fiberfill helps preserve the bed's shape and softness. Make sure that the cover is removable, washable, and durable.

Pooper scooper: To make cleanup of the soiling area easier.

Suitable, high-quality dog food: Last but not least, before you buy a large quantity of dog food, it is best to talk to your breeder or veterinarian. Choosing a suitable, high-quality dog food is an important factor in your dog's health, and it pays to check with professionals before you make your decision.

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