The top 10 things you need for your new dog

Congrats on your new puppy! If you’ve never owned a canine before, this article will tell you about all the vital things your new pooch will need.

1) A name – At the top of the list (if she or he doesn’t already have one) is a name. For some ideas and inspiration, check out this website for great male dog names and female dog names.

2) A crate or cage – A crate is a rugged container mainly used to safely carry and shelter your puppy. It should be big  enough for your canine to fully stand up and turn around in.  Some owners use a crate or cage to train their puppies and to supply their pups with an area that is their private space.

3) A dog collar, tag and leash – these three things are necessary for safety and identification.  Make sure that a tag or other form of identification (bearing your name, current residence and telephone number) is firmly hooked to your dog’s collar so that if your puppy get’s lost, it can be returned to you.  Also, for the safety of your dog and others, don’t walk your pooch without a leash. Leashes come in a mixture of designs, including retractable leashes or ones with lights for night walking.

4) Dog food – lots of dog foods are made with low quality ingredients and innutritious fillers. If you would like your pooch to live a long, cheerful life (and if you don’t want unnecessary veterinary bills), make sure that you feed them a high caliber dog food!  See this article to inform yourself about dog food ingredients and find out how you can buy top quality food at low prices.

5) Water and food bowls – you can get them in all shapes and sizes. Separate food and water bowls are easier to fill than ones that are connected. There are some that are electronically operated so that your pup can be fed even if you’re not at home.  Use your lifestyle and budget to guide your choice.  A must is to ALWAYS leave your dog with access to plenty of fresh water.

6) Dog treats and chews – canines love to chew (especially puppies) so it’s not a bad idea to give them something to chew on besides your shoes and other personal items.   There are tons of options – rawhide, freeze-dried meat and dental dog treats (like Greenies) are just some of them.

7) Dog brush – keep your pooch looking healthy and stop shedding by brushing him a few times a week.  For serious shedders, products like the FURminator deshedding tool are really good at minimizing the amount of hair your dog leaves around the house.

Flea and tick treatments – if you want to keep your house clear of fleas and ticks (and who doesn’t) it’s a good idea to treat your puppy with a product that kills and repels for up to 30 days (such as those made by Frontline) or to use a dog collar that repels pests as well.

9) Dog bed – a dog bed will help your puppy sleep comfortably and also provide him with an area in your home that is their very own place. (It might also deter them from trying to get onto your own bed!)

10) Dog toys – like dog treats and chews, dog toys will help prevent your dog from chewing the things you don’t want chewed!   They’re also a great way to play with and exercise your pup, which helps diminish problem behaviors.  Look for items that you can play fetch with or that will keep your dog active such as the KONG dog toy that bounces in random directions.