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Dog Supplies: What You'll Need to Purchase Before Bringing Fido Home By Lisa Pallardy So, you’re ready to take the plunge into dog ownership. Well, before you even bring little Fido or Spot home, it's helpful to have already purchased the basic supplies you'll need. These aren't optional extras, these are the basic necessities that will help keep your new companion happy and healthy. And by providing them, you'll be letting him know how important he is to you. Wire or Plastic Dog Crate. Be sure to get the right size for your dog. Cover the bottom of the crate with newspaper for easy cleaning while your puppy is still learning about potty-training (in case of accidents). Once he's got his bladder under control, you can switch to a crate pad or a piece of carpet to put in the bottom of the crate. And remember to put a chew toy or blanket or towel in the crate to make it cozy. Bedding Material. Make sure it's easy to wash and made of strong, "hard to destroy" fabric. Food and Water Dishes. Look for tip-proof, stainless steel or hard plastic dishes. Your dog will need at least two, one for food and one for water. One with 2 separate bowls, rather than a partitioned bowl, is best, because it makes refilling the water easier. Bowls that are weighted on the bottom help keep your dog’s dinner and water where they belong. Non-slip material on the bottom of the bowls is also a nice bonus. Collar and Leash. Be sure to get the right size collar for your puppy. Flat leather or nylon collars with buckles are good for most dogs, although rolled leather collars with buckles work better for dogs with long hair. Be sure to check your puppy's collar each week to make sure it hasn't become too tight! If you can slide two fingers between your pup and his collar, it's a good fit. We like retractable leashes. They're great for walks because they extend up to 15 or 20 feet if you're out in the open, but easily retract to whatever length you need at the push of a button. A retractable leash allows your dog plenty of room to explore, yet still keeps him safe and under your control. I.D. Tags. Every dog should have at least two tags attached to its collar: On one tag, put your name, address, and phone number. The other tag should be his numbered rabies vaccination tag. Chew Toys. Chew toys are not an extra....they are a necessity. Look for high-quality, safe chew toys, rubber balls or rubber bones, and sturdy stuffed squeak toys. Rawhide toys are okay for an adult dog, but not for puppies, because he might break off a piece and swallow it whole. This could be dangerous! Grooming Supplies. Grooming your dog is important. Look for supplies that are recommended for your breed of dog. He'll need a brush that's the right size for him, a toenail trimmer, shampoo, and a soft toothbrush. And dog toothpaste comes in chicken and beef flavors that your dog will love, so he won't mind having his teeth brushed! Puppy/Dog Food. Buy a quality brand of dry puppy or dog food. There are many great commercial foods available, so try to find that's formulated specifically for your dog's age. Pet Gate. You'll probably want to purchase a pet gate to block doorways to any "off limits" rooms. A Good Book. A good book on puppy care and training is a "must read" for the new pet owner. It's best to read through the book before your bring your puppy home. (BarkTalk.com has a list of recommended reading for caring for and training your new puppy or adult dog, and does not affiliate with any author that promotes shock collars, or any other unethical treatment of dogs.) About the Author: Lisa Pallardy is the owner of http://www.BarkTalk.com an interactive site for dog lovers featuring information on dog care and training, discounts on dog supplies you need, a gift shop for dogs and dog lovers, and beautiful Pet Greetings, including New Puppy Adoption Announcements. She is the mother of 6 children and lover of 3 dogs. For permission to reprint this article, please contact the author at Lisap@Barktalk.com
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