Any last minute new puppy shopping advice?

[golfgal]

We are going shopping for the new puppy today and want to make sure all the bases are covered. My list includes a crate, dog food, toys, leash and collar. What else do we need?

 

[chrissyk]

I seem to remember my sis's puppy going through quite a few wee-wee pads in the first few weeks after she was home. A package or 2 of those couldn't hurt. Also, a car blanket and a car harness that hooks up to the seat belt are useful. If you live in a cold climate, booties and a little fleece jacket are good ideas too. We bought those off of Ebay when the puppy was little.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Something soft and fuzzy for him to curl up on. Even an old flannel shirt, nightgown, etc. will work. Food and water bowls. Although my pups prefer eating off white paper plates. A bone. I've been told by our vet to avoid raw hide. A toy or two! HAVE FUN!

 

[Jennifer S]

Food and water bowls, something to chew on - not rawhide- and if you are going to let him out of the crate in the house I would suggest baby gates to confine him to one room- like the kitchen. It's much easier to clean up if he has an accident and easier to tell whan he needs to go out.

Good luck!! The first few weeks are HARD but so worth it.

 

[airhead]

Sorry,this is not a good idea. Train your pup to go outside right from the start.
Lots of good ideas here. Make sure the food your buying is what he's eating now,or you'll have a sick little pup.
Isn't fun! We're going to visit my pup tomorrow. He's only 5 weeks,too young to come home. We won't get him for anther 4 weeks,we can't wait!!!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Yes....

Big Bottle of "Natures Miracle" (essential) Accidents and for crate cleaning.

I have just bought my puppies new toys yesterday. I highly recommend the Nylabone, for "strong chewers" not the "durable". They are pricey but money well spent.

Black "Kong"...you can put treats inside and keep puppy busy in his crate.

Leather Leash...NOT NYLON!!! The nylon hurts your hands. I would not buy a "Flexi" leash either. After reading about them, and the danger of "death", seriously, I would wait on that until the dog and you are more experienced in the training department with your dog.

Dog clippers and stypic powder for nails. Do you know how to cut nails?

Buy a dog tag with your name and phone # for the dog.

Good Luck and have ALOT of patience.

 

[Nickimouse]

Oh, have fun shopping!
I just had to chime in to agree with something to chew on. When we got Sassy she was teething and she wanted to chew.Don't be surprised to find a tooth here or there.
Those retractable leashes are dangerous! We got Sassy a leash from Disney last summer and it works much better!
Oh,and a name tag,once you pick one!
Have fun! I can't wait to hear how your children react when they see her!

 

[bigolive9]

some bells and a long ribbon. When we first started training our dog (11 months old), we read about a method involving hanging a bell (i used cheap jingle bells from Joann fabrics) from your door handle. When you get ready to take the puppy out, ring the bell and say "Let's go potty". You do this every time. Eventually, the puppy will get the idea that they need to ring the bell when they want to go outside. it is much nicer than barking or scratching at the door.
While they are learning, there will be a phase when the dog will hit the bell every five minutes. It is very important that you still take the dog out every time- this helps them to continue to associate the bell with going out to potty. Eventually (Mac learned after a couple weeks) they will only ring the bell when they need to go out.
We found this technique online. Mac was very good from the beginning about going potty outside, but he would not let us know when he needed to go out, so we still had a lot of accidents. He caught on to the bell method very quickly.
Good luck with your new puppy!

 

[ericamanda01]

Nyla bones. Our puppy went through them like crazy when he was teething. They are a bit pricey, but worth it.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I second the bell. We have a bell on the back door too. The pups ring it when they want/need to go out.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Did you mention a bed? If you don't want to break the bank, Walmart has a good selection of dog beds (and other supplies). The flat type works well in the crate, and it's nice if the cover is washable. You will also need a brush to get him used to grooming. Good luck.

 

[KathyTX]

And a nice soft brush for that puppy coat! My pups and I always enjoyed our daily brushing time.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Did you mention a bed? If you don't want to break the bank, Walmart has a good selection of dog beds (and other supplies). The flat type works well in the crate, and it's nice if the cover is washable. You will also need a brush to get him used to grooming. Good luck.

Pea n Me...my pups EAT THE BED!!! When does that end?

 

[KathyTX]

Pea n Me...my pups EAT THE BED!!! When does that end?

Depends on the breed. With Labs, at about 8 years old.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

Not something that you have to go out to buy immediately...find the number of a place that does puppy kindergarten classes. I know that, being in Minnesota, she's probably not going to get alot of time outdoors for the next couple months (ie long walks, dog run time), so it's important the you get her socialized as early as possible. And it's so fun watching all of the pups tumble and yap at each other. I know Petco has them. You can also look into local dog clubs and obedience training schools, as well as your vet's office. Nothing worse than a dog who is not used to being around other dogs and people. You can't take them anywhere without a fight. What breed of dog are you getting?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Pea n Me...my pups EAT THE BED!!! When does that end?

LOL - Put it this way, DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Depends on the breed. With Labs, at about 8 years old.

Oh great!

I have a Lab/Shepherd and a Collie Mix (who is the biggest bed eater, she is a busy girl). They are 9 months old now.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

LOL - Put it this way, DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH!

Thanks!

 

[Crankyshank]

bitter apple apray - you're going to need it when the pup starts the chewing phase

 

[Aimeedyan]

You won't need most of that stuff immediately. Only things you'll need now are:

- vet appt for next week
- stainless or ceramic bowl for food and water (plastic breeds bacteria and causes pimply chins in pups that bother them - same with cats)
- 4 ft leash just in case
- crate
- puppy Kong to put treats in and freeze
- a few toys but they likely won't play for awhile
- food that the pup has been fed
- new food you want to switch the pup over to so you can start mixing the two in a week or so
- training treats
- Natures Miracle or other enzyme cleaner
- tons of papertowels
- little sandwich baggies (without the zip) to pick up poo

DONT waste time with puppy pads whatever you do. Unless you want your dog always peeing in your house =) The bell thing is great to start immediately. Most puppies eat their bed so you'll find that experts suggest waiting until the chewing phase is over to introduce one to avoid them choking on the insides after they tear it apart. I also find a baby gate to be essential in keeping pup in the room with me. Pup has to earn their freedom, and this ensures they stay near you so you can keep an eye on them.