| Before you even bring little Fido or Spot home, it's | | | | week to make sure it hasn't become too tight! If |
| helpful to have already purchased the basic supplies | | | | you can slide two fingers between your pup and his |
| you'll need. These aren't optional extras, these are | | | | collar, it's a good fit. We like retractable leashes. |
| the basic necessities that will help keep him happy | | | | They're great for walks because they extend up to |
| and healthy. And by providing them, you'll be letting | | | | 15 or 20 feet if you're out in the open, but easily |
| him know how important he is to you. | | | | retract to whatever length you need at the push of |
| Wire or Plastic Dog Crate.Be sure to get the right | | | | a button. A retractable leash allows your dog plenty |
| size for your dog. Cover the bottom of the crate | | | | of room to explore, yet still keeps him safe and |
| with newspaper for easy cleaning while Fido's still | | | | under your control. |
| learning about potty-training (in case of accidents). | | | | ID Tags. Every dog should have at least two tags |
| Once he's got his bladder under control, you can | | | | attached to its collar: On one tag, put your name, |
| switch to a crate pad or a piece of carpet to put in | | | | address, and phone number. The other tag should be |
| the bottom of the crate. And remember to put a | | | | his numbered rabies vaccination tag. |
| chew toy or blanket or towel in the crate to make it | | | | Chew Toys. Chew toys are not an extra....they are a |
| cozy. | | | | necessity. Look for high-quality, safe chew toys, |
| Bedding Material. Make sure it's easy to wash and | | | | rubber balls or rubber bones, and sturdy stuffed |
| made of strong, "hard to destroy" fabric. | | | | sqeak toys. Rawhide toys are okay for an adult dog, |
| Food and water dishes. Look for tip-proof, stainless | | | | but not for puppies, because he might break off a |
| steel or hard plastic dishes. Your dog will need at | | | | piece and swallow it whole. This could be dangerous! |
| least two, one for food and one for water. One with | | | | Grooming Supplies. Grooming your dog is important. |
| 2 separate bowls, rather than a partitioned bowl, is | | | | Look for supplies that are recommended for your |
| best, because it makes refilling the water easier. | | | | breed of dog. He'll need a brush that's the right size |
| Bowls that are weighted on the bottom help keep | | | | for him, a toenail trimmer, shampoo, and a soft |
| Fido's dinner and water where they belong. Non-slip | | | | toothbrush. And dog toothpaste comes in chicken |
| material on the bottom of the bowls is also a nice | | | | and beef flavors that your dog will love, so he won't |
| bonus. | | | | mind having his teeth brushed! |
| Collar and leash. Be sure to get the right size collar | | | | Puppy/Dog Food. Buy a quality brand of dry puppy |
| for your puppy. Flat leather or nylon collars with | | | | or dog food. There are many great commercial foods |
| buckles are good for most dogs, although rolled | | | | available, so try to find that's formulated specifically |
| leather collars with buckles work better for dogs with | | | | for your dog's age. |
| long hair. Be sure to check your puppy's collar each | | | | |