So you’re getting a dog? Congratulations to the newest addition to your family!
Before bringing your pup home, you’ll want to ensure that you have all that you need to take care of them. I remember when I first got my fur baby. I was clueless about what to get or what she needed. So, I’ve taken lots of trips to the store to get things that she needed. Without further ado, I’ve created a list of 10 dog essentials you’ll need to welcome your new pup to their new home.
1. COLLAR & LEASH
Every dog owner should have a collar and a leash for their dog. To keep your dog safe when walking or pretty much anytime you take your dog outside, you’ll want to have a leash that’s comfortable and durable. Their collar is where you would keep your dog’s name tag. You can also add contact information to your dog’s name tag if they’re ever lost. A good rule of thumb for finding a collar for your pup is ensuring that there’s enough space around the neck by placing 2 two fingers in between the collar making sure it’s not too tight.
2. GROOMING SUPPLIES
A great way to get your pet comfortable with grooming is training them while they’re young. Bathing your puppy regularly with a shampoo and conditioner suitable for their skin type will help keep their coat shiny. A clean pup is a fun pup! Once they’re all clean, they’ll be ready to play. Furthermore, this will make them feel comfortable.
In addition to keeping your pup’s skin healthy, you can also clip your dog’s nails. Therefore, they are comfortable when walking and playing. If you’re uncomfortable with clipping your dog’s nails, you can take them to a groomer. You can watch the groomer on how to cut their nails safely. Also, rewarding them with treats can help ease your way into grooming your pup.
3. BED
Having a comfortable bed for your pup to sleep on and relax in is a must, so they’ll have a cozy place of their own.
Depending on the growth of your pup and whether or not you want to crate-train them, you’ll want to invest in a good quality bed. Also, something that’s chew-proof and washer machine friendly. Otherwise, you would have to replace your pup’s bed frequently.
4. TOYS
Puppies are incredibly playful and love to chew on things. They will chew on pretty much anything! So, if you don’t want your favorite shoes or carpet chewed on, then they’ll need an assortment of toys to keep them entertained. By doing so, you’ll redirect them to appropriate play and provide them with mental and physical stimulation.
5. FOOD & WATER BOWLS
Your pup will need food and water dishes to eat and drink out of when their hungry or thirsty. We have elevated ceramic bowls for our fur baby. They’re easy to clean, rust-free, and can last to their senior years!
6. FOOD & TREATS
Your pup loves when you feed them! You’re their source of getting the nutrition they need to grow and be healthy. Always know the breed of your dog to understand better what to feed them. Not only does your pup loves when you provide them with food, but they also love treats! When gifting them with a treat for good behavior or while training is critical. There are treats for training, dental treats, tasty treats, etc.! Lastly, always check to see what’s good and bad for your pup.
7. CRATE
Investing in a great crate/cage for your pup is essential, even if you aren’t crate training. It’s important to have a crate that provides plenty of space for your pet. We bought this one for our pup, and it’s a lifesaver! It’s also great for traveling. Although she had to grow into it, she still has more than enough space, and we won’t have to replace it anytime soon!
8. NAMETAG
Honestly, I think every pet should have a nametag. You can order a nametag online or go to a local pet store. Making a tag with your pet’s name engraved along with your contact information can be very beneficial to your pet.
9. TRAINING PADS
If you’re potty training your pup to potty outside, these training pads are leak-proof, super absorbent, and helps enhanced odor control.
10. POOP BAGS
To make walks enjoyable for yourself and others, you’ll need poop bags to clean up after your pet. This Poop Bag Dispenser takes the load off your hands with it’s adjustable-strap that you can easily attach to your leash. This dispenser also has a hook to hold your bag so you wouldn’t have to carry it while walking. You can also get these bags lavender-scented, which happens to be more of a pleasant scent, especially when you’re carrying poop. Lol!