| Buying a new dog is more than simply finding the | | | | used for training purposes only. |
| cutest puppy in the store and buying a bag of dog | | | | The other supplies needed for happy dogs are simple: |
| food. Acquiring a new canine is nearly as important as | | | | * A weighted food and water bowl. Dogs, especially |
| adopting a child. They need constant attention and | | | | puppies, seem to have a fondness for playing in their |
| love and buying the proper supplies can be as | | | | dinner as much as eating it. |
| confusing as deciding what kind of dog to get in the | | | | * A well made crate or dog house, depending on |
| first place. So I'm here to help you. | | | | whether or not the dog will be an inside or outside |
| When you first walk into a pet store you will be | | | | dog; at least three leashes of varying lengths, used |
| bombarded by everything from designer clothes to | | | | for training and walking purposes. The book you get |
| dog food, and the salesmen are rarely any help. | | | | will explain how the different sized leashes are used |
| They're goal is to sell you everything you lay your | | | | in training. |
| eyes on. But in reality there are really only a few | | | | * Chew toys, chew toys, chew toys. Dogs, especially |
| basic things you need to make your new family | | | | puppies, need to exercise their gums regularly and |
| member comfortable and you a happy dog owner. | | | | unless you plan on replacing your furniture, your |
| First and foremost, buy a book about your breed. All | | | | expensive crown molding and your slippers on a |
| breeds are very different and have different needs | | | | regular basis, get your new friend a wide selection of |
| and personality quirks. But at the same time, don't | | | | chew toys. |
| think of the book as the end all and be all of how | | | | * And finally, DOG FOOD! Despite what some animal |
| your dog is supposed to behave. Like people, dogs | | | | rights groups would have you believe, dogs are |
| each have their own personalities. The book is there | | | | carnivores. They eat meat. So check the ingredients. |
| simply to give you guidance. | | | | If corn and other types of vegetables is the first |
| Second, get a good collar. Make sure you can stick at | | | | ingredient listed, your new four-legged friend is not |
| least two fingers between the dog's skin and the | | | | getting what he needs. Look for chicken or beef to |
| collar. Also make sure you get a collar that allows | | | | be listed as the first ingredient. |
| plenty of room for growth. Some breeds grow very | | | | A few more supplies you will need as the dog gets |
| fast and you don't want to be replacing the collar | | | | older, but aren't necessarily mandatory when you |
| every two weeks during your puppy's first year. | | | | first get your puppy include; a good brush, ID tag |
| Also, get a good training collar. These come in many, | | | | and dog treats. Treats are better utilized as just that |
| many sizes and types. The two most popular types | | | | - treats. Instead of using treats as a training aid, |
| are called the choke chain and the German pinch | | | | substitute your dog's favorite toy. Trust me, after |
| collar. But don't let the names scare you. These two | | | | about a month you will discover what his favorite |
| training collars are the best for teaching your dog to | | | | toy is. |
| heal and to walk on the end of a leash without | | | | And now for the supplies that might be fun to have. |
| jerking your arm out of the socket. | | | | Squeaky toys are very cute in the store and your |
| Both collars have their pros and cons. The choke | | | | dog will love them. But they will get very old very |
| chain is easy to use and doesn't "look" cruel. But you | | | | quickly. Imagine this scenario. You've just walked in |
| have to replace it as the dog gets bigger and | | | | the front door from a long day at work. You sit |
| depending on the breed, this can get very expensive. | | | | down to watch TV and decompress and from the |
| The German choke chain "looks" evil but as the dog | | | | other side of the room you hear, "Squeak, squeak, |
| grows bigger you can simply add additional links. But | | | | squeak, squeak." That will get old very quickly. |
| the biggest thing to remember with both collars is to | | | | And even though they're cute, please save your |
| "never" use the collar as your dog's everyday collar. | | | | dog's dignity and avoid buying any clothes, designer |
| Dog owner's can grow very lazy when using these | | | | or otherwise, for Fido. Have you ever really looked at |
| collars and forget to check them. It's not uncommon | | | | a dog's face when he's wearing clothes? He's |
| for an owner to forget to check the collar and end | | | | embarrassed. A good rule of thumb to use is this - if |
| up having to cut the collar off because the dog grew | | | | you wouldn't be seen in public wearing it, don't make |
| so big the collar would no longer fit over its head. | | | | your dog wear it. Have fun with your new family |
| Choke chains and German pinch collars are to be | | | | member. |