| So you're ready to get a puppy or dog, but just | | | | treats). Oh, by the way... you'll also need a lot of love |
| aren't sure how to prepare. First, think of all the pet | | | | and patience with a brand new puppy! |
| supplies you'll need to have already on hand before | | | | Bringing Home an Older Dog |
| your new pet arrives. Some things are needful now | | | | Older dogs don't require quite as much care as a new |
| and some pet supplies can be purchased later on. | | | | puppy, but they still have plenty of needs. If you plan |
| A new puppy will need a warm, cozy place to sleep | | | | to keep the dog inside your home, consider potty |
| that's enclosed so he can't escape while you're away | | | | pads for starters and be sure to have a larger crate. |
| or sleeping. You can buy a puppy crate (which is | | | | Any sized dog can cause damage and harm itself if |
| great for housebreaking), and this will be the puppy's | | | | left unattended in your home. A crate will contain the |
| very own bedroom and home when not out and | | | | dog when you're away and provide a comfortable |
| about. Puppies like to feel secure and the crate helps | | | | place to sleep during the night. Even an older dog |
| them to feel safe in their own special spot of the | | | | that's already been housebroken will have to adjust |
| room. The crate should be just large enough for the | | | | with potty issues at the start. |
| puppy to sleep and stand up as well as turn around. | | | | Other items to have on hand for older dogs include a |
| It should not be so big that the puppy can use part | | | | leash and dog collar with just the right fit for your |
| of it for going to the potty and the other part for | | | | dog, a food and water dish, a large pet carrier, pet |
| sleeping! | | | | toys, and treats. Don't forget grooming items such as |
| During night hours, you can even move the crate to | | | | shampoo, ear cleaner, fur brushes, dog nail clippers, |
| your bedroom near your bed so the puppy can see | | | | etc. You might also consider a harness and |
| others in the family "den" sleeping as well. This helps | | | | retractable leash for more comfortable walks for |
| to prevent crying during the night hours. You can buy | | | | your dog. |
| a designer crate cover to make the crate more | | | | Consider shopping at an online store that carries |
| private and decorative. | | | | multiple pet supplies to find all the items you need. |
| Puppies also like to play, so it's a good idea to have | | | | You can save on shipping costs for your pet supplies |
| plenty of pet toys on hand. Choose pet toys that | | | | when buying multiple products at one store. When |
| are big enough so they can't be swallowed by your | | | | browsing a pet store online, be sure to look at |
| pup. Keep in mind that older puppies love to chew so | | | | measurements for products such as collars, crates, |
| the toys should be chewable and durable. Puppies | | | | pet carriers, etc. Also, look for high quality collars |
| enjoy squeaky toys, balls, plush toys, and even small | | | | such as martingale collars for your pet's safety and |
| pillows. Choose one special toy for the puppy's crate | | | | comfort. |
| and keep the others put away except during | | | | Many online pet stores will also carry other |
| playtime. | | | | accessories such as dog clothes, dog bedding and |
| Other things to have on hand for a puppy include a | | | | hammocks, dog diapers, cat collars, cat toys, cat |
| dog collar (for puppies big enough to walk around | | | | scratchers and posts, and other items. You'll save |
| outdoors), a leash, potty pads for dogs, a pet carrier | | | | time and money by getting all your pet supplies at |
| (for vet trips and other outings), a food and water | | | | one dependable Web shop! |
| dish, puppy food, and treats (milk bones or beefy | | | | |