Getting a dog is a big decision. You have to consider your life in general and ensure you have enough time to take care of one. But deciding whether you have the time to look after one is only the first step if you’re considering taking in a pup. You still need to get all or at least some of the necessary supplies that your new friend might need.
You will need a variety of supplies in preparation for your pet and the quantity and sometimes size of these supplies often depends on the size of the pet. In this article, we will go over some of the basic supplies you would need to take care of a dog. As a first timer, you might want to consider easy to train breeds like the Golden Retriever. Click here to learn more about the Golden Retriever.
Table of Contents
Supplies You Need Before Getting a Dog
Collars
Your puppy has arrived, and you need to make it a part of the family. You also want to make sure that strangers can tell it has a home. What better way to do this than with a collar? The collar should have the dog’s name of course, and your address or phone number if you prefer. For a young pup, get something light and comfy, products made from nylon or fabric should do the trick.
A collar should not be fastened too tight or too loose. A good way to gauge the right amount of space is with the “double finger test”. If two of your fingers can fit in the space between the collar and the dog’s neck, it is properly fastened. As the dog grows, keep checking this monthly to ensure it doesn’t get too tight.
You can also put an identification chip in your dog. However, a collar makes identification a lot easier than going to a vet to scan the chip. It also lets pound services know once they spot a dog that it has a home, this ensures it gets back to you quickly if it gets lost.
Bedding
Surely you don’t want your pup catching a cold on its first night now, do you? You need to buy a bed. Fortunately, they come in a variety of sizes and styles. When it comes to bedding choices for your dog don’t think fancy, unless you’re loaded with cash. Any bed will do just fine so long as it is comfortable, your dog doesn’t know what things cost anyways.
Consider how large your pet breed grows, this way you get more use out of the product and your puppy gets more comfort. We should also mention that the bed will start to smell over time, therefore, you should ensure it is washable or has a washable removable cover.
Crate
Though this idea can be displeasing to newbies just owning a dog, a crate is actually a good thing. Dogs like warm confined areas to sleep in undisturbed. If you don’t have a crate, you will notice your dog always curling up in a quiet corner of the house.
Depending on your location and living condition, you might opt for an outdoor den with a lot of coverings, or a simple crate that can be placed at home with bedding in it. Consider your dogs’ size, especially if it is a puppy. You want a crate that can still be usable when they grow older. If you’re looking to build an outdoor den made of wood, this https://www.homestratosphere.com/ would be very helpful.
Food and Water Bowl
It is hard to forget this when preparing for your pet. If you’re getting a plastic bowl, keep in mind that your pet can easily chew through it. A stainless-steel bowl is an attractive alternative as it is easy to clean and a lot more durable.
Grooming Supplies
This list would vary depending on the breed of dog you got. Let us consider a Caucasian shepherd, for instance. They’re particularly hairy and shed a lot, thus would require extra care. But a Rottweiler, on the other hand, has really short fur that barely falls off and it would be considerably easier to care for them.
If you want a show dog, you should consider enlisting the help of a professional groomer, unless you’re one yourself. Here are the tools generally used:
- Nail trimmer.
- Dog toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Shampoo, soaps, and dog perfume if you’re into that.
- Brush and combs.
- Scissors and coat trimmers.
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Leash
You’re going to take your new buddy on a walk very soon and you would need a light and strong leash for this. You should ensure the leash is comfortable if curled around your hand or it could cause discomfort after long use.
Retractable leashes are fun for dog owners who don’t like to deal with excess lengths, the old-fashioned way (curled around your hand). Just get whatever works best for you, however, a normal leash should be used during the training process as they ensure proper discipline.
Toys
If you’re getting a young dog, this is really necessary, unless you want your furniture and shoes attacked by a bored puppy. Be careful not to get a toy with small detachable parts that can be swallowed by your pet. Also, toys like teddy bears and other products with stuffing inside them can be easily ripped and swallowed. You’re better off with a product made from durable rubber.
Dog Food
This goes without saying, but you need to buy food for your dog. If it is a puppy, you should look for wet foods that can be easily swallowed and as it grows older, you can introduce it to dry food. It’s good pet care practice to feed your dog a variety of food types in small portions, this way they don’t get bored.
Final Thoughts
With the information provided here, you should be adequately prepared to welcome your new pet home. If you live in an extremely cold area, you could also consider buying clothing for your dog. However, breeds like Siberian Huskies do not need this as they can naturally withstand cold climates.
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