| Whether you are bringing home a new puppy from a | | | | you do your research though. Crate training, when |
| breeder or adopting an older dog from a local shelter, | | | | done correctly, can be an invaluable tool. But when |
| the excitement is still the same. There is so much joy | | | | done incorrectly it can be a nightmare for you and |
| in bringing your new dog or puppy home for the first | | | | your pooch. |
| time. This ball of fur will become an important | | | | 6. Dog Bed: Dogs are naturally den animals. As such, |
| member of your family and as such deserves a | | | | they need their own haven where they can feel safe |
| smooth transition into your household. Many people, | | | | and sound. They need a place where they can go |
| especially new dog owners, often overlook what | | | | when they need rest or when they are feeling |
| needs to be done before they bring their new dog | | | | stressed. For many dogs, this sanctuary is usually |
| home. This article focuses on the top 10 must have | | | | their bed. If you don't provide your pup with a good |
| dog supplies for every new dog owner. Whether you | | | | unique dog bed of its own, it will usually find a way |
| buy new or borrow, having these items will make | | | | to create its own den, usually at the expense of |
| your pup a much happier pooch. In addition, being | | | | your couch or favorite chair! You'll be able to find |
| prepared will make the transition to becoming a dog | | | | large dog beds, small dog beds and designer dog |
| owner much easier on you. | | | | beds online or in your local pet shop. Dogs tend to |
| 1. Dog Food: Obviously you want to make sure you | | | | sleep about 12-16 hours per day, so make sure you |
| have dog food on hand before you bring your new | | | | invest in a good quality bed. |
| pup home. The trick here though is figuring out which | | | | 7. Dog Toys: Dogs need stimulation in their lives. A |
| one! There are so many different dog foods on the | | | | fun toy will keep them stimulated and happy. Dog |
| market today that it can be confusing for a new | | | | toys are a great way to bond with your new pup as |
| owner. An important thing to remember is that if you | | | | well. In addition to this, if you have a good selection |
| are bringing home a puppy, make sure you buy | | | | of toys on hand your dog is less likely to chew on |
| "Puppy" food which is specifically formulated for | | | | your furniture or shoes! You can find some of the |
| puppies. A dog who is over 1-2 years of age should | | | | best dog toys online or in your local pet shop. |
| be on an adult food. Take note of your dog's | | | | 8. Healthy Dog Treats: The importance of a dog |
| appearance before bringing them home and choose a | | | | treat shouldn't be underestimated. Use all natural dog |
| food accordingly. For example, if they are overweight | | | | treats, or organic treats, when training your new pup |
| choose a light formula. If it is a small dog choose a | | | | and as a reward for good behavior. Try and use |
| formula specifically for small dogs. You can also check | | | | healthy dog treats that are low in fat and made with |
| with your vet to see what food they recommend. | | | | quality ingredients like real meat and/or vegetables. |
| 2. Dog Collar and Leash: Make sure you buy the | | | | Some dogs have allergies, in which case you can buy |
| appropriate size dog collar and leash before you bring | | | | wheat free dog treats. |
| your new pup home. Just as with humans, exercise is | | | | 9. Grooming Tools: If your new dog has hair on the |
| a very important part of a dog's life. Walking your | | | | long side or if it is a breed that needs regular |
| dog should be a daily occurrence and so you will need | | | | grooming, make sure you invest in a pet brush |
| an appropriate collar and leash. There are so many | | | | (preferably a 'slicker' brush), dog comb and nail |
| unique, cute dog collars to choose that you're sure to | | | | clippers. Even if you will be getting your pup groomed |
| find a collar that fits you and your dog's personality! | | | | by a professional groomer, you will still need to |
| 3. ID Tag: One of the first things you should do is | | | | maintain their hair in-between grooming appointments. |
| attach an ID tag to your dog's collar. It should have | | | | If you do not keep your dog knot free they will |
| at least two phone numbers listed in case your pup | | | | more than likely get matted which can result in your |
| wanders away from home. You can also list your | | | | groomer having to shave the hair very short. |
| dog's name and your address if desired. You can get | | | | 10. Dog Shampoo: All natural dog shampoo or organic |
| these online or from your local pet shop. | | | | shampoo that is made specifically for dogs is the |
| 4. Food and Water Bowls: If you don't like the idea | | | | best. You will even find shampoo for allergies if your |
| of using bowls you already have at home, make sure | | | | new pup suffers from itchy skin. You can also use |
| you buy at least two dog bowls for food and water. | | | | flea shampoo as part of your dog's flea and tick |
| If your pup will be spending a good amount of time | | | | treatment. |
| in your fenced yard it would be beneficial to have a | | | | Now that you are prepared, the transition from |
| third water bowl outside. All dogs need access to | | | | non-dog owner to dog owner will be a much easier |
| water at all times. | | | | one. You will probably find that there are other things |
| 5. Dog Crate: This is more for puppies than for the | | | | you may need or want before you bring your new |
| older dog who is already house trained. Crate training | | | | dog home. But this is a good list to get you started. |
| is essential in getting your dog house trained easily | | | | It's always a good idea to talk to a vet, dog trainer |
| and in a timely manner. Crates are also good for | | | | or other dog owners if you have any questions or |
| keeping your new puppy out of trouble. Make sure | | | | concerns. Good luck and enjoy your new pup! |