WHAT YOU MIGHT LIKE TO HAVE FOR YOUR NEW PUPPY.
Collar and Leash typically the x-small size collar will fit your puppy from the time he goes home with you until he is finished growing. Typically a size 6 to 10 fits an adult well. Do not buy a cat-collar as I did because they are small. They are made to break open and if your dog "jerks" on the leash, he could easily break free. This is pretty scary when there is a lot of traffic in the area! A 4 foot or 6 foot leash is good.
Flexi Leash These are really nice for taking the puppy on a long walk or out in your yard for some running exercise if you do not have a fenced area. Also good for allowing the dog a little "privacy" distance from you while pottying. Just remember to keep the leash short and locked when in the company of other dogs.
Crate, approx. 17x24x20 I personally prefer the wire crates, but the enclosed plastics are just a good. If you have an upstairs bedroom, I recommend buying two crates so you don't need to carry one back and forth.
Travel Crate or Bag so puppy can go with you most of the time. I really like the Wheel Away brand carriers. I have seen them at Target recently. When you travel, remember to bring bottled water and a roll of paper towels "just in case".
Crate Pad and Snuggle Blanket (I recommend at least two so you can have one while washing the other)
X-Pen, from a dog supply store or a baby store. Not a requirement, but many people have found these to be very useful for the first year. It allows you to set up a space where the puppy is safe and secure, has room to move around and play with his toys and sleep. Add a litter box and he has a place to eliminate if you are gone for a long time. Always provide water and food if you like.
Baby Gate, to block off areas of the house from your puppy. The first couple of months, he should only have access to one or two rooms, gradually increase his freedom area.
Food and Water Dishes, choose your favorite; glass, metal, plastic, ceramic
Water, we recommend bottled water for the first week, slowly mixing in your own water. A change in water often gives a puppy diarhea. Keep this in mind when you travel and always use bottled water for your dog.
Food, we prefer Rachel Ray's Nutrish for puppies, or ProPlan Focus Puppy, or ProPlan Small Breed Puppy, or any other good quality food. Again, if you wish to change food, slowly mix the new food with the old to avoid stomach upset.
Treats, always think "Cheerios" or smaller when offering a treat to your puppy. Cheerios and other cereals are acceptable treats. Keep in mind the amount of treats you have given your dog along with his food so you do not over-feed. Green beans and carrots are good treats. When training, I use tiny bits of hotdog, cheese, chicken, beef, etc. It's a good idea to think of treats in "value order", a Cheerio is much less valuable than a piece of liver. Start your training with lower-value treats. Always make your dog earn his treat - sit, spin, speak, kennel, etc.
Foods to avoid, chocolate, grapes and raisins are very toxic, also stay away from onions and use garlic in small amounts.
Artificial Grass Pan if you intend to continue offering this method to your puppy. (It comes in very handy during inclement weather.) Also, it makes life much easier if you can offer an x-pen with a potty box to your dog, especially if you are gone for more than a couple of hours.
Litter Pan and LitterThe product we use is Second Nature by Purina.
Toys, what can I say here? I love to buy new toys for the dogs. Remember to look in the infant department of your local store to find great, and safe, puppy toys. Stuffed animals with stitched eyes, etc are best. Infant "pop beads" are great. There are now "educational" toys available for dogs which help them learn to think and work out puzzles. My favorite brand is "Petstages" - great quality and variety.
Bed My puppies love to snuggle up in the round beds and we always have several scattered in the living room for them. I'll admit it, I'm a bed-junkie. I have lots of them!
