Four Essential Purchases for Your Adorable New Puppy
Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, but it can also be a little overwhelming. From choosing the right food and water bowls to selecting the perfect toys and chews, there are several essential purchases you'll need to make to create a thriving environment for your new pup. In this post, I'll be sharing four essential purchases that every new puppy owner should consider, including crates and bedding, food and water bowls, leashes and collars, and toys and chews. I'll provide you with helpful tips and information, based on my personal experience raising pups, to help you make informed decisions and ensure that your new puppy has everything they need to thrive and be happy in their new home. Whether you're a first-time puppy owner or a seasoned pro, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to create the perfect environment for your new pup.
A crate is essential for your new puppy as it provides a safe and comfortable space for them to sleep and relax. Not only does it give them a sense of security, but it also helps with potty training and preventing destructive behavior. It's important to choose the right size crate for your puppy, allowing them to stand up and turn around comfortably but not too much space for them to use one end as a bathroom and the other as a bedroom. Bedding is also important as it provides extra comfort and warmth, especially during the night. It's best to choose machine-washable and easy-dry bedding options. I loved using an expandable dog crate for my pups. I purchased the appropriate height for when they would be full grown and used the divider to keep their space contained appropriately as they grew.
Crate training is a key part of the process of getting your puppy used to their new home. It helps them understand that the crate is their own personal space, and it's where they should feel safe and secure. Start with short periods of time and gradually increase the duration, rewarding them with treats and praise. With the right crate, bedding and training, your puppy will have a positive association with their crate and will be happy to use it as their own personal space. Give yourself a high five when your puppy goes into their crate on their own and then give them praise and treats :).
When it comes to feeding your new puppy, having the right food and water bowls is super important. Stainless steel bowls are my personal favorite as they are durable, easy to clean and don't hold on to odors. They are also rust-resistant, so they can be used for a long time (going on five years with my current setup). Ceramic bowls are also a good choice but may break if your puppy is rough with them. Slow-feeder bowls are a great option as well, they encourage your puppy to eat at a slower pace which can help prevent bloat and other health issues. When it comes to water bowls, it's important to choose a bowl that is large enough to hold enough water for your puppy to stay hydrated. This is going to depend on the size and growth rate of your puppy. Consider getting a heavy-duty bowl or one with a non-slip bottom to help prevent spills. It's also important to clean your puppy's food and water bowls often to prevent the growth of bacteria and maintain good hygiene. By selecting the right food and water bowls for your new puppy, you'll be able to provide them with the nutrition they need to do all those cute and adorable puppy things!
As your new puppy is ready to start exploring the big world on walks, having the right leash and collar is crucial. A flat adjustable collar with an ID tag is a great option for a new puppy, it's comfortable and easy to adjust as your puppy grows. You may also want to consider a harness, especially if your puppy is a puller. A harness can help distribute the pressure evenly across the chest and shoulders, reducing the strain on the neck. When it comes to leashes, a 6-foot standard leash made of nylon is a good option, it's sturdy and easy to handle. I do not recommend retractable leashes for puppies as they can be dangerous and confusing for them to understand.
Leash training is an important part of socializing and training your new puppy. Start by getting your puppy used to wearing the collar and leash in the house. Let them wander around the house with the leash slack on the ground, reward them with treats and praise. Beware some puppies will start to chew on the leash. If you are training a “leave it” or “drop it” command, use the same praise and treats for releasing the leash. Once they are comfortable with it, you can start taking them for short walks around your neighborhood. Bring along treats and focus on them walking beside you, not in front of you. It's important to be consistent and patient when training your puppy, they will make mistakes but with positive reinforcement and repetition they will learn. It never hurts to try again or take a step backward to reinforce the positive behavior. Always be aware of your puppy's behavior and body language, if they show any signs of discomfort or stress, take a break, and try again later. With the right leash and collar and proper leash training, you and your new puppy will be able to enjoy many happy walks together.
Providing your new puppy with appropriate toys and chews is a great way to ensure their physical and mental well-being. Toys can help to keep your puppy entertained, alleviate boredom, and provide an outlet for their natural instincts to chew. Chew toys are especially important as they help to keep your puppy's teeth and gums healthy and can also help to ease teething pain. My pup, Koda, loves to chew and has earned the nickname the “destroykin”. Channeling his chewing was imperative to his development as a puppy.
When choosing toys and chews for your new puppy, it's important to select age-appropriate options. Puppies have different needs than adult dogs, so look for toys that are small enough for your puppy to handle, but durable enough to withstand their sharp teeth. Soft rubber toys and interactive toys are great options for puppies. Check out the toy size recommendations from each brand to avoid sizes that could be choking hazards. Also, be aware of toys that have stuffing or small parts that can be easily ripped off and swallowed.
When it comes to chews, look for options that are made from durable materials, such as nylon or rubber. Avoid rawhide chews as they can be a choking hazard and may cause digestive issues. Make sure to supervise your puppy while they are playing and chewing, and always remove toys and chews that are showing signs of wear and tear. By providing your new puppy with appropriate toys and chews, you'll be able to keep them happy and entertained while also promoting their overall health and well-being.
Congratulations on bringing your new puppy home! By following the tips and information provided in this blog post, you'll be well on your way to creating a thriving environment for your new pup. From a comfortable and secure crate to durable and appropriate toys and chews, the four essential purchases we've discussed will provide your new puppy with everything they need to be happy and healthy in their new home. Remember to always choose age-appropriate items and to supervise your puppy when they are playing or chewing. Keep in mind that puppies have different needs than adult dogs, so be patient and consistent with your training and socialization. Also, remember that your new pup is a living being that will have its own personality and preferences, so don't hesitate to adjust or change things as you learn more about your new companion. As a final note, don't forget to enjoy the journey of having a new puppy and all the love and joy they bring to your life.
Bonus! Here is a list of some of my favorite brands to help you!
