What is absolutely essential to purchase for a new puppy?

smiler34

Hi guys we are looking at getting a small puppy he is 9 weeks old, we have read lots of info on training etc but I would like opinions on what is essential to purchase for a new puppy. Thanks

GwylimT

Lead, collar, bed, food, poo bags and toys.

D&DD

INSURANCE!!!!


Our Rosie came with a lovely basket of bits from her breeder including a fleece she slept on with her mum for a couple of days so maybe if your breeder doesn't do similar take a blanket there before you get her so she can get used to your scent and she can use it before she comes home.


Perfect puppy book and you may want to stock up on papers or puppy pads.
We never had to use any but I know others do.

catkins

I would say a crate. My present dog is the first that has ever had a crate (have had over 10 dogs over the years) and I swear by it. Just make sure you get your dog used to it.

Person_one

GwylimT wrote: »

Lead, collar, bed, food, poo bags and toys.

That sounds about right! Don't forget food and water bowls, and a car harness or travel crate for safe trips to the vet and so on.

About crates in the house, don't get one just because, read up lots and lots on crate training and decide before pup arrives if its something you want to do. Personally, I wouldn't, but lots of people do these days and find them useful.

lostinrates

catkins wrote: »

I would say a crate. My present dog is the first that has ever had a crate (have had over 10 dogs over the years) and I swear by it. Just make sure you get your dog used to it.

We have a crate for the first time and I consider it useful , my small dog obviously feels confident and comfortable in it, but I don't think its essential. It was helpful particularly when he was very wee and I ( more than he) was worried about him living with two very big dogs when I wasn't at hand.

That said, my little dog has a very big crate, and my other dogs don't fit in an off the shelf crate. I cannot see us ever getting another crate, my little dog looks big in the big crate, the idea of him in what's considered a size appropriate one doesn't sit well with me. These days he uses it as a bed overnight, that's all.

DigForVictory

Insurance & a robust sense of humour?

soupdragon10

I would add a stock of dog safe disinfectant as puppies are likely to have accidents even with pads and frequent loo breaks.






I would also add a chew of some kind for when the wee mite starts teething to avoid your shoes being used.

trolleyrun

Training treats
Alarm clock for when you have to get up every hour for pee breaks during housetraining
Patience
More patience
Harness
Patience
More patience
Sense of humour
Mop and bucket
Patience
More patience

(Can you see the pattern? )

catkins

lostinrates wrote: »

We have a crate for the first time and I consider it useful , my small dog obviously feels confident and comfortable in it, but I don't think its essential. It was helpful particularly when he was very wee and I ( more than he) was worried about him living with two very big dogs when I wasn't at hand.

That said, my little dog has a very big crate, and my other dogs don't fit in an off the shelf crate. I cannot see us ever getting another crate, my little dog looks big in the big crate, the idea of him in what's considered a size appropriate one doesn't sit well with me. These days he uses it as a bed overnight, that's all.

The only reason me and OH decided to use a crate with the dog we have now was because the house we now live in is totally open plan downstairs and really is not easy to make dog friendly. With all our other dogs we just made sure wherever they slept or were left if we went out was totally safe.


We were worried about tv wires, computer wires etc. Our pups breeder uses crates and so as a young pup our dog was used to them and would go in and sleep in one.


We only really used it overnight, when we went out and when we ate so he didn't learn to pester us. Now he is almost 2 we rarely actually put him in there but he goes in of his own accord quite a lot. I know he spends quite a lot of the night in there and if he sees us come out of the kitchen with a plate in our hand he goes in on his own, coming out when we have finished which is very handy!


Also if we have visitors who aren't keen on dogs its easier to have somewhere he can go. Workmen etc don't want a dog around while they are working and quite a few seem to be nervous of dogs. He is quite a large dog too


He obviously sees it as "his" space as if he is feeling under the weather he always goes in there. He has a large crate (looks very attractive in the room!) with a thrown over about half so it is his "den".

Katiehound

I would also suggest a crate.....also gets puppy used to travelling in a crate in the car. Also means you can exclude dog from areas or situations. If I had a puppy (I don't plan to- older rescues for me) I would certainly get one. It's not a cage- it's their own personal chill out zone.

Toothbrush (dog variety)- get your pup used to teeth cleaning early on so that you can clean teeth, prevent build up of plaque- avoid costly vet bill

Grooming aid. I would choose a Zoom groom- silicone "teeth" are soft and bendy. Dogs like being groomed but apart from that you can check for lumps and bumps (and unwanted "guests") think ...fleas & ticks. Also check ears etc so that pup is used to be examined & handled- again, useful for vet visits.