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You’ve done your research and carefully selected a new dog or puppy to bring home. The day of the big arrival is at hand, but are you really ready? There is some essential equipment that every dog owner needs, so before you bring home your new dog, take a minute to be sure you have these items on hand.
Grooming Tools If you are bringing home a dog with a low-maintenance coat, you won’t need much in the way of grooming supplies. Make sure you have the following: - Bottle of dog shampoo for Fido’s first bath
- Soft-bristled brush or hound glove for short-haired dogs or a wide-tooth comb for wire-haired breeds
- Nail clippers
- Cotton balls or special eye and ear wipes formulated for dogs
- Toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs
If you opted for a long-haired or more high-maintenance breed of dog you will also need these: - Detangling conditioner that is safe for dogs
- Pin brush
- Trimming scissors
- Electric dog clippers if you plan to cut your dog’s hair at home
Food Be sure to find out what type of food your new dog has been eating. Even if you plan to switch to a different type of food, you should still buy some of what your dog is used to eating and mix the two foods gradually until the dog is eating only the new food. Additionally, you’ll want to get food bowls that are durable and easy to clean. Some dogs don’t like the taste that metal bowls can give to water, so ceramic or plastic bowls are the best choice. If you like to keep things neat, you may also want to get a plastic mat to put beneath the dog’s bowls. Collar and Name Tag It’s very likely that at some point your dog will go missing. Most dogs that have appropriate name tags are returned to their owners while those without identification seldom are. Most large pet stores have machines that can engrave name tags on demand. When choosing a collar for your new dog, the most important thing to remember when buying a permanent dog collar is to avoid chain training collars which can become snagged when a dog is running loose. The best materials for a dog collar are leather and nylon. Dog Bed or Blanket Decide now, before your new dog even sets foot in your house, where your dog will sleep and stick to your guns. It’s easy to say, “the dog is not allowed on the couch,” but if the dog manages to get away with snoozing on the sofa even one time, you can kiss your rule goodbye. If you aren’t willing to share your furniture with your new dog, give him a comfortable dog bed as an alternative. If your dog has a nice, warm place to sleep, he’ll never miss the couch. Toys Toys are essential for every dog, but playful puppies are especially prone to destructive behavior if you don’t give them toys. Avoid giving your dog old children’s toys as small parts can break off and choke your new friend. The best option is to take your pet to one of the big chain pet stores like Pet Co or Petsmart and let him choose his own preferred style of toy. Interactive toys that dispense food or treats are an especially good way to keep your dog’s mind and body active. Copyright © 2007 Pound Dog Rescue.
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