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Collar and ID Tag
– Start puppies off with a lightweight collar and
replace it when they grow. Puppies should have small ID
tags, which are not only more comfortable, but are less
likely to get caught in an object and pose a choking
hazard than large tags. Oddly shaped novelty tags like
bones should also be avoided.
Coat – Puppies
cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adult
dogs. At very young ages, they cannot even warm
themselves by shivering. Their own coats are not fully
developed. So in the cooler months, a puppy should go
home with a coat.
Leash – A
standard six-foot leash is ideal for new dogs,
especially when they’re learning to heel when walking.
Bed – Even pets
who sleep with their owners will appreciate a bed of
their own for naps. Beds with removable, machine
washable covers are the most practical option.
Crate – This is
an essential training and housebreaking tool; plus a
crate’s den-like coziness also helps many dogs feel more
secure. Choose a crate that will be large enough for the
adult dog to turn around and lie down in, but not so
large that he can urinate at one end and then retreat to
the other. Collars should always be removed before the
dog is placed in the crate (collars in crates are
choking hazards).
Carrier – Smaller
and more portable than a crate, a dog carrier is needed
for trips to the veterinarian, or when traveling - dogs
should never be loose in a car. Choose a well-ventilated
carrier with “lips” on the sides to prevent the openings
being blocked by other objects.
Food and Water Bowl
– Choose a sturdy and durable model that is easy to
wash. It’s best to have separate bowls for food and
water, rather than a two-in-one product that places one
against the other. This will keep the food from getting
wet and spoiling faster, and it will help water stay
clean.
Premium Dog Food
Appropriate for Age – It is essential to feed
puppies a puppy formula developed for their size. This
is especially true of large breed puppies.
Brush and Comb –
Choose the style and size of brush and comb that best
suits the individual dog’s coat.
Dog Shampoo –
Today’s quality dog shampoos come in as many varieties
as human shampoos, each designed for different coat
types and colors. Since dogs bathe less frequently than
we do (and often roll around in some very stinky stuff)
their shampoo needs to work harder than ours, so it has
to be of a higher quality. Use a puppy shampoo on
puppies.
Nail Clippers and
File – Use tools designed for dogs, not the “human”
variety.
Styptic Powder or Gel
– Always keep some handy in case the “quick” of the nail
is accidentally cut during clipping.
Dog Toothbrush and
Paste – At-home dental care is one of the most
important things dog lovers can do to protect the health
of their pets. Starting puppies early gets them
accustomed to the idea of having their teeth brushed.
Human toothbrushes and pastes are not suitable for dogs.
Ear Cleaner – All
dogs should have their ears cleaned regularly to guard
against infection. Ear cleaners are available in liquid
or “wet wipe” form.
Pet Stain and Odor
Remover – If a pet has an “accident” and the owner
removes it with a regular cleaner, the scent will remain
long after the stain has gone. Products formulated for
pet accidents remove the scent completely.
Chew Toy – Most
dogs chew to relieve stress and boredom, so if the
furniture is to be spared, they need to have something
that's OK to gnaw on. A chew toy gives dogs an
appropriate outlet for this natural behavior, but when
choosing a toy, safety must be the prime consideration.
Training Reward Treats – Dogs learn best when
they’re rewarded immediately for their correct behavior
without the owner breaking eye contact – a gap of even a
few seconds causes them to forget what the reward is
for. Having some reward treats close at hand at all
times keeps the learning process moving along
seamlessly. Choosing a healthy, bite-sized treat avoids
excess weight gain.
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