Dogs: Basic Equipment

You are finally going to do it-you're going to adopt that new puppy or bring home that new older dog to join your family! It's time to prepare for the new arrival, to make him feel comfortable and to protect your home before it's too late! Here's a basic list of what you should consider to get started:

Dog Food

Always start your puppy with whatever food he has already been eating. If you want to change foods, do it gradually, over a period of a week or two. Mix increasing proportions of the new food with the old to make the transition easy on your puppy's digestive system. High quality dog food is not only healthier for your dog, it also yields much smaller and tidier poop piles.

Collar

Your puppy will need a collar so you can control him, walk him on a lead, and keep him identified. Adjustable puppy collars are a great invention. You increase the size gradually as your puppy grows. One collar will probably last through an average puppyhood.

For older dogs, use a buckle collar for identification tagsThe collar should be tight enough not to slip over the dog's head, but loose enough to put a few fingers into. Ask your pet shop personnel to help you size the collar correctly if you're not sure.

Pet ID Tag

Have you ever seen a poor mangy dog, wandering lost and desperate for food? Without a Pet ID tag, your puppy could end up just like him one day. Puppies can be fast and slippery. They can get away from you or sneak out the door when you're not looking. Just in case, be sure to keep your puppy's buckle or adjustable collar on him and attach a Pet ID tag engraved with your phone number. Then if anyone picks him up, they will know how to get him back to you. You can find order forms for the tags at most pet stores and veterinarians.

Some owners choose to have their dogs tattooed or implanted with a traceable micro-chip to help insure that the dog will be returned if lost. Scanners at shelters and veterinary clinics read implanted micro-chips. If the dog has a chip, the scanner beeps and displays the dog's registered identification number. A quick call to a national registry identifies the owner. Implant lifetime registry costs about the same as tattoo registry.

Leads

We own several leads, each with a different purpose.

The short tab lead is great for extra control around the house. You can hold the dog or stop him easily. The tab lead is not long enough to get in his way as he walks or runs about.

A sturdy 6 foot leather lead is perfect for walks around town.

The flexible leash is another great invention. It is a retractable leash, up to 30 feet on some models. This lead is easy to use and convenient in situations where you'd like your dog to have more freedom than a 6 foot lead without actually letting him go. You can lock it at any length.

Bowls

Get at least two bowls, one for water and one for food. The dog should always have fresh, clean water available. Non-slip (flat-bottom) bowls are best or the puppy may ""invent"" a great game of tipping the bowl frequently and splattering water everywhere. Some puppies chew on plastic bowls, so stainless steel is the safest choice. Stainless steel is also easy to clean.

Dog Kennel or crate

Some owners choose to house their puppy initially in an indoor crate or kennel. Most puppies will not soil their crate (if it's not too big), so you can leave a young puppy safely enclosed for a few hours without worry. This helps the puppy learn to control himself, accelerating the housetraining process. If you buy a crate sized for the adult dog, but your puppy is still little, fill up some of the space with a closed cardboard box. Leave the puppy enough room to stand, turn around and lie down. You can also use a crate in your car, both for your dog's safety and for the preservation of your car's upholstery.

Outdoor Enclosure

Let's face it. Many dogs love to dig. It's instinct. If you leave your puppy unsupervised in your beautifully landscaped garden, you are probably going to come home to a nasty surprise one day. Those gorgeous petunias you just planted will not be so gorgeous anymore! Some houses have an enclosed side yard or other area suitable for a dog. If your home does not have such an area, an outdoor enclosure may be a wise investment. Be sure the area has enough shade (some enclosures come with a sun-shade cover).

Dog House

Furnish the enclosure with a cozy dog house or provide other shelter from the elements. The dog house should not be too big or the dog may have trouble keeping warm.

Dog Bed or Rug

The dog's natural coat oils can stain your carpet. Train your dog early to lie in his own special place, on a rug or pad you provide.

Baby Gate

For the same reasons as you need an outdoor enclosure, you need a way to enclose the puppy indoors, until his manners and housetraining are impeccable. Do not shut the puppy away behind closed doors. He needs to be part of the family. Instead, try a baby gate, or some other barricade, across the kitchen doorway. An exercise pen or puppy playpen is another alternative. Be sure to enclose an easily cleanable area, since accidents are inevitable. (No matter how good his intentions, the puppy does not develop complete bladder control until he is about six months old!)

Flea Control

Fleas are a major problem in our area. No matter how bad the fleas are, you must be careful to use only gentle materials on puppies. Many insecticides are too toxic. Choose a flea shampoo and/or flea spray with an Insect Growth Regulator. These relatively new chemicals control fleas by interrupting their life-cycle. Fleas must also be controlled in the environment, on your dog's bedding and in your carpets or they will continue to be a problem

Toys

Some trainers warn not to play tug of war with dominant breeds. Others say it's okay to play as long as you show him you're the boss and WIN! Dogs sure love the game. Train your dog to give up his tug toy in exchange for a treat

Squeaky toys are perennial favourites. Always supervise your dog with this type of toy if it has a metal squeaker. He might swallow it!

Hard rubber toys are great fetch toys. Our dog loves to bounce her hard rubber ball and catch it in her mouth! Make sure the ball is large enough to prevent choking.

Beware of toys that the dog can rip apart. Pieces of toy can get stuck inside the dog, requiring stomach pumping, surgery or even causing death.

Bones and Chews

Puppies need to chew. The process helps them cut their new teeth. Provide a good chew toy so your puppy doesn't cut his teeth on your furniture. Hard rubber toys are safest.

Treats

Why not stock a few goodies as rewards for coming when called, or for puppy obedience exercises well done? Try using some of the day's ration of kibble as small treats or Eukanuba® biscuits.

Don't over-do it in the treat department or you will soon have a fat puppy on your hands.

Summary

Prepare for your new dog before you bring him home. The puppy will become part of your family much more smoothly, happily and comfortably.