09/10/2022
The six essentials for every new puppy/dog parent:
1. Dog food specifically formulated for your dogโs age and size. Be sure to consult a veterinarian for specific nutritional needs depending on breed, allergies, etc.
2. Food and water bowls so you can feed your dog. I recommend metal bowls over plastic because plastic can harbor bacteria and can easily be chewed by teething puppies/bored dogs. Food stands also allow easier swallowing and digestion, plus you donโt have to worry about your dog knocking over the bowls!
3. When used correctly, a crate is beneficial to give your dog their own comfortable space since most dogs prefer to stay in small spaces. Crates also help with separation anxiety, and you want your dog to be familiar having four walls around them since you never know when your dog will have to be put into a kennel (like at a grooming salon or at the vet).
4. A leash and collar/harness to train your dog to walk outside (note that walking tools are best determined by both pet parent and trainer depending on the dog). Leashes can also help with practicing recall!
5. Multiple dog toys (at least five) to keep your new puppy from getting bored and provide mental stimulation. Multiple teething-specific toys with different textures are essential for teething puppies to soothe their gums and deflect their attention to deter them from chewing on our shoes, furniture, etc. Treat-dispensing and puzzle toys are a great way to have your dog think for themselves and work for food.
6. Treats to give some incentive when training your dog. If your dog isnโt food motivated like Duke, you can use treatsโ scents to grab their attention (especially in distracting environments) and give them praise as their reward.
7. This isnโt pictured, but new puppies and dogs are prone to have accidents in new environments so pet cleaning specific solutions are a must! Seek out enzymatic pet cleaners that can chemically break down the pheromones released from urine and f***s so your dog wonโt be attracted to go to the same spot over DIY cleaners that cannot break down those pheromones.