Preparing for a puppy
It’s so exciting to welcome a little puppy into your family! Be sure to puppy-proof your home and garden, choose a vet, and buy the right puppy supplies you will need.
What do you need to buy?
We have prepared a list of items you will need to get beforehand:
- Dog bed
- Blanket
- Dog collar
- Dog lead
- Dog toys
- Dog bowls - one for water, one for food
- Travel water bowl
- High quality dog food and treats
- Dog brush and grooming equipment
- Non-hazardous cleaning materials with a low scent
- Poo bags
How do you choose the right bed?
Puppies want to feel safe and secure when they sleep. Choose bedding that is machine washable as there may be some accidents along the way. Be sure to choose a bed that your puppy can snuggle into. Slightly raise your puppy off the ground to avoid draughts at floor level. To Sleep – www.leathernoses.co.uk
Do you need a blanket?
Blankets for the car, seat protection at home or out and about are really useful. They help teach the puppy where to settle, the familiar smell can be a reassurance to your puppy and it also protect surfaces from any potential scratches, smells or accidents. To Sleep – Tagged "Blanket"– www.leathernoses.co.uk
What type of collar is appropriate for a puppy?
Your puppy will need a comfortable collar that will adjust as it grows. Ensure it’s not able to slip over the head. This will need replacing when your dog grows. To Walk – Tagged "Collar"– www.leathernoses.co.uk
Can you use any type of Lead?
Buy a regular size dog lead that is light in weight. You can upgrade the lead once your puppy grows and can carry more weight easily. To Walk – Tagged "Lead"– www.leathernoses.co.uk
Does your puppy really need toys?
It is important to have toys for your puppy. Toys are excellent mental stimulators that encourage active play, and help you to bond. Buy balls, or treat-dispensing chews that are the right size for your puppy. Rubber dog toys are often more durable. Make sure the toy is large enough so that it cannot be swallowed whole. If trying to decide between toys, buy the larger one.
Puppies chew. Always provide something suitable for them to chew on. Select toys that are suitable for unsupervised access such as KONG toys. They are designed to keep your puppy entertained and give him a chewing outlet. To Play – www.leathernoses.co.uk
Are all Dog Bowls the same?
Dog Bowls are essential. Choose bowls that can be easily cleaned. Ceramic or stainless steel cannot be damaged by chewing and have a smooth surface that doesn’t harbour as much bacteria as plastic bowls. If you are getting a larger dog, consider a heavier bowl so it doesn’t get pushed around the floor in the excitement of eating! To Eat – Tagged "Bowls"– www.leathernoses.co.uk
What do you feed your puppy?
A puppy eats a lot of food. Buy some beforehand that is especially designed for puppies. It needs to be high in protein and enriched with the vitamins, minerals and fats that are essential for growth.
Provide treats to reinforce good behaviour and improve your bond. Dog treats should only account for around 10% of your puppy’s daily calories. Be sure to buy treats suitable for the age and breed. To Eat – www.leathernoses.co.uk
Should you brush your puppy?
Introduce your puppy to grooming around 10-12 weeks old, after their second vaccination, even short-haired or smooth-coated puppies. Waiting to introduce this may result in grooming being a stressful experience for your dog, and subsequently you. Be sure to be gentle when brushing a puppy. Do not underestimate the health benefits of using a professional groomer to care for your dog’s coat. To Travel – Tagged "Grooming"– www.leathernoses.co.uk
Poo bags will become a staple required for the whole of your dog’s life. You will want them in every bag and coat pocket you own. To ensure you always have some to hand, poo bag holders are practical and also prevent them from unwinding. To Walk – Tagged "Poo Bag"– www.leathernoses.co.uk
Every dog owner panics when they realise they are without a bag when it’s needed. Be sure to stock up!
