Becoming a dog owner is one of the most exciting endeavours in life. Dogs immediately become valued members of a family bringing joy and warmth to all. It would be misleading to say, however, that there isn’t work involved. In fact, without the right equipment and knowledge, welcoming a puppy into your home can be remarkably stressful. So, to be sure that you and your family are suitably prepared for your newest member, we’ve put together a guide of the essential items every new dog owner needs.
A (Sturdy) Luxury
One of the most difficult hurdles in a puppy’s life is having them spend the night alone. Whether you are initially crate training or simply keeping your little one isolated throughout the night, there can be a lot of stress and noise.
A great way to make this easier for both you and your pup is to purchase a robust toy, one that can even be filled with a luxury like peanut butter. Then, when it comes to bedtime, the puppy will receive the toy and dog food, not only distracting them from being left but also helping them to associate the evening with positivity. Soon, you are likely to find them wanting to go to bed!
Grooming Tools
It only takes a few weeks or a single run in the mud and your dog’s beautiful fur is suddenly looking more drab and matted. Not only is it aesthetically unpleasing but it can also lead to health problems if left unattended. Other features, such as claws, need regular clipping to prevent them from being snagged. Some dogs can feel uncomfortable when you try to tend to their claws but it is essential that you push through. The potential damage that can be caused by too-long claws is not at all pleasant for the dog.
Buying a grooming brush for dogs, as well as nail clippers, and getting them used to the experience early on offers a huge advantage. Your dog will become accustomed to the event of being groomed and will not become overly stressed when you need to clip their claws or take care of their fur.
More Than A Lead
The gear needed for a walk might seem simple. A collar and a lead, right? Well, the truth is, you are likely to have a few items that need to be remembered each time you leave the house together and many end up creating a dog walking bag of their own, ensuring nothing is forgotten.
For example, dog waste bags must be brought along and it can be incredibly useful to have a container for these, with many being designed to attach to the dog’s lead. Harnesses are a great alternative to leads, especially for dogs that tend to tug. Treats are not only great to share with other dogs you meet but will also be useful for training your dog, especially with their recall, which is why a treat pouch can be useful. Finding yourself without doggy snacks can make all the difference when a dog is eager to run off!
