Puppy Necessities
Provided by Purina
Before bringing your puppy home, you should purchase the following supplies. Preparing
in advance for the arrival of your new pal will allow you and your puppy to spend
time getting to know each other.
Food and Water Bowls
Look for a bowl that won't easily tip over and is easy to clean. A separate bowl
for food and water will keep your puppy's feeding area clean. You may want to buy
smaller bowls at first, and upgrade to larger ones as your puppy grows.
Collar
Regardless of the collar style you choose for your puppy, remember to attach an
identification tag listing your puppy's name, your address and phone number.
Your puppy's first collar should be made of lightweight nylon or leather. To measure
your puppy's collar size, measure his neck and add two inches. To ensure that the
collar fits properly, you should be able to slide two fingers between the collar
and your puppy's neck. If your fingers fit comfortably, you have the right size
collar. If there is extra room, you need a smaller size. If both fingers don't fit,
the collar is too small.
It may take a while for your puppy to get used to wearing his collar, so don't be
discouraged if he’s uncomfortable and scratches his collar. Be sure to adjust the
length as your puppy grows.
Leash
Leashes come in a variety of styles — such as leather, nylon and retractable — and
in variety of lengths. A six-foot leash is the ideal length for both training and
walking.
Always keep your puppy on his leash unless he’s in a confined area. Many states
and cities have leash laws, which make it mandatory for your dog to be on his leash
at all times, even at public parks and playgrounds.
Grooming Supplies
Make sure you have the proper grooming tools. These will differ depending on your
puppy's coat. For shorthaired breeds, use a brush with natural bristles, a rubber
currycomb or a hand mitt. A sturdy wide-toothed metal comb and perhaps a mat splitter
are needed for longhaired breeds. Be sure to include a flea comb in your grooming
supplies, and begin by establishing a weekly grooming program with your puppy as
quickly as possible.
Toys
All puppies need toys to help them exercise and to provide them with a safe way
to satisfy their natural desire to chew. Be sure to choose toys that are made for
puppies and cannot be splintered, torn apart or swallowed. Large rawhide chips,
nylon chews and hard rubber balls are fun and safe. As a general rule, if the toy
can fit comfortably in a puppy's mouth, it's too small.
Your puppy's Toy Chest should be free from the following items:
- Sponge toys or items with hard, sharp points or attachments, such as squeakers,
which can break off and be dangerous if swallowed.
- Shoes or other personal clothing. Giving your puppy these items will only teach
him that it's okay to chew your shoes and rip holes in your shirts.
- Balls of string, yarn, cellophane, twist ties, plastic baggies and other household
goods that could get lodged in your puppy's throat causing him to choke or suffocate.
- Children's toys made of soft rubber, fur, wool, sponge or plastic. If your puppy
swallows a small particle of any of these materials, it could cause digestive problems.
Crate or Sleeping Bed
Your puppy will need a warm, comfortable place to sleep. A crate provides a den
for your puppy when you’re not home. Crates usually come in one of two types: A
portable, enclosed, plastic crate with handles or a wire crate. Your puppy's crate
should be large enough for him to stand up, turn around and lie down and should
have adequate ventilation. If you buy an adult-sized crate, purchase partitions
or place a cardboard box in the back to provide a cozy space for your puppy. You
may want to have a separate sleeping bed for him when you’re at home. Make sure
you buy a puppy-sized bed rather than an adult-sized bed, so your puppy will feel
safe and snug.
Stain and Scent Remover
Conventional household products may mask the odor to humans, but not puppies. Specially
formulated stain and scent removers are needed to take the odor away from a puppy's
more sensitive nose, as well as yours. If you use a conventional household product
to clean up after your puppy, don't be alarmed if he keeps repeating himself at
the same spot. He's merely trying to mark his territory.
Book on Puppy Care
Place this handy reference guide on a shelf in your bedroom, den or kitchen. You
never know when you'll need a quick answer.
