Congratulations on bringing a new dog home! First or fifth, it is a tornado of excitement and, let´s face it, a bit of stress. There are so many thoughts and preparations to consider, which is why we play the role of the fairy godmother ensuring that you have the essentials ready before your new pup moves in. No one wants to run around at midnight looking for a dog bed while the poor fellow is howling away!
Best of all? You certainly don’t have to overdo it. Just get the basic stuff for now, then spoil your pooch later with their favorites–whatever that might be: toys, treats, or cozy napping places–as you learn a lot more about his or her personality and preferences.
Here is our delineated ultimate list of essentials to grab before gifting yourself a new best friend:
Collar
Any collar that your new dog tags along with is never really good enough; there is logic henceforth to invest in a sturdy collar that guarantees safety. A good collar provides a location for an ID tag and a secure attachment up to the leash. Want to go the extra mile? Try out a reflective collar for better visibility or get a custom version infused with your dog’s name and your contact information.
Control
Very many trainers will advise a harness to be used for walks; this becomes more important for a dog that pulls or might slip out of a collar. With a harness, one can have more control, thus keeping the walks safe and easy. The front-clip harness for that energetic pup may be the answer in doing wonders for some reduction in pulling.
Leash
Sturdy leash: A must-have and standard 6-foot leases do well for most dogs. It allows your dog to have some freedom of movement while staying under control. You might consider getting one with two handles to allow you extra control in crowded places, or perhaps a long one for training purposes once your dog has mastered walking. And remember, a strong clip is important for your dog’s safety!
copyright
A good copyright will make your dog’s first car ride home and future vet visits so much easier. Choose a copyright that has enough space for your dog to stand, sit, and turn around comfortably; it also provides for added safety in the car when secured by a seatbelt. If your dog prefers retreating to a cozy corner, he’d probably love the place being copyright-like.
Car Restraint
To give your dog something more to view from and help him relax during short car rides, try a safety harness or booster seat. Both will keep your dog safe and secure while riding, so he does not distract you and will not be injured in case of an accident.
Dog Bowls
Choose ceramic or metal bowls (plastic is an acceptable choice that can harbor bacteria and scratches) that are big enough to accommodate your dog’s meals and heavy enough to make them hard to overturn. You don’t need any fancy stuff- just something practical to facilitate mealtime!
Dog Food and Treats
Finding an excellent quality and nutritious diet for your canine is still a task that demands a bit of research, but nothing worthwhile comes easy. Purchase the dog food of best quality that is specifically for his current life stage-whether puppy, adult, or senior. Ask the shelter what the dog had been previously eating so that you may be able to gradually switch this food into the new diet. Also, concerning the doggie treats, you might want to grab just a couple of training treats and perhaps a longer-lasting chew or two for your dog to enjoy playing and being happy!
Dog bed
Dog beds do better than these! Despite the fact that your pooch might love to hang out on the couch or your bed, it is important for him to have a space to himself, where he can rest in comfort. Pick one which will be easy to clean and suitable for your breed. Do consider a bed for the inside of the crate if you are thinking of using crate training for your dog.
Dog gates
Dog gates are an easy and effective way to restrict access in your home while your new dog is getting acclimatized, especially if you have some furniture you want him to stay off or if you want to keep him from getting into trouble while you are figuring him out.
Dog toys
This is where the real fun starts: shopping for dog toys! You probably won’t need a fully stocked toy box right away, but having a variety of toys will help you figure out what your particular dog enjoysYour dog should have, firstly, one stuffed animal for cuddling; one interactive toy to keep him stimulated; and a durable chew toy. If the larger toys could pose a choking hazard to smaller dogs, always err on the side of caution.
Grooming Supplies
Keeping your dog looking clean and comfortable is aided by having grooming tools. Depending on the kind of coat your dog is having, you might need brushes, dog shampoo (no human shampoo, please! It is not pH-balanced for dogs!), and nail clippers. Some dogs require more grooming than others; thus, take notice of when their coat and nails need attention and have everything on hand to keep them groomed.
Cleaning Supplies
Dogs can be mess-makers, and even the cleanest of pooches would muddle the floor or experience an accident every so often. Be ready with cleaning agents that are dog-friendly: wipes, multi-surface cleaner, enzymatic odor eliminator, and pee pads are among some very important supplies. Store a cleaning kit in a convenient spot for quick clean-ups!
Dog Poop Bags
Yes, the entire unattractive affair of cleaning up after your pooch. Never be caught without a dog poop bag, so be sure to keep a supply in your pocket or bag at all times. Go for biodegradable bags, just to make it a little easier on Mother Earth!
Senior-Dog Supplies
If you are bringing home a senior dog, special needs may arise. A heated bed, ramps to help them get up and down furniture, or some sort of lifting harness may come in handy. Ask the shelter for advice on what would be best for your senior dog, and be ready to pamper them during their transition into the new forever home.
Be it for a dog of any age or size, this checklist covers everything to make their settling in journey as smooth as possible. Collars, toys, grooming supplies, cleaning supplies-everything to ensure that your dog feels secure, comfortable, and loved.
Congratulations on your newly acquired furry friend-an entire level of joy, companionship, and unconditional love has now opened up for you!
boldinmind