Whether it’s your first time owning a dog, or your 6th, there are a few things you need to get ready to welcome your furry friend home. Let’s take a look at 6 items that will make your dog ownership experience a fun and rewarding one.
Identification
This is arguably one of the most important steps in getting a new dog. An ID is often times the only thing that reunites owners with their lost pooches. An ID tag can have as much information as the dog’s name, address, and phone number, or as little as just the address or phone number. You can even bring your pup to a local vet and get a chip implanted. Should your dog ever be found and brought to a vet, they will be able to contact you without a physical ID tag. It’s better to be safe than sorry and get your dog an ID tag or a chip.
Leash and Collar
Once you have your ID tag made, it’s time to pick a collar. We recommend picking something practical, as your dog is likely to get dirty and not really appreciate her rhinestone collar as much as you wish she did. The leash is also dependent on your dog’s needs, and will most likely change as your dog grows. Again, the more practical the better.
Toys
What do all dogs love to do? Play! That’s why you should find plenty of toys to fit the needs of your dog. Do you have a retriever? Balls and frisbees will play best to their fetching strengths. Have a dog with strong jaws? Find them a solid chew toy that will keep them occupied. The better you can work with your dog, the more fun they will have and the more use will get out of the toys.
Crate/Bedding
So, where’s your new dog going to sleep? Options abound in terms of bedding, but the main thing you’ll need is a dog bed, preferably fitting your dog’s adult size, not current size if you’re getting a puppy. If you’re looking to crate train your dog, or put it in the cage for bedtime, then you can put the dog bed in the crate to make the space soft and warm.
Food
There’s about as many food options as there are dogs. No matter what brand you choose, make sure it’s optimized for your dog’s breed or size. If you have a puppy, give it puppy specific foods, as it will provide the nutrients your dog needs to grow. If you have a senior dog, find food for senior dogs to promote health and strength. The size of your dog will also dictate the kind of food that should be consumed. Again, it’s all about the nutrients your dog needs.
Treats and supplements
These are the supplies your dog will love the most. Again, the treats you choose all depend on your dog’s needs. Puppies do better with smaller, soft treats, whereas big adult dogs can handle the crunch of a hard bone or a few dog cookies. It would also be prudent to start your pup on a multivitamin or joint supplement. Prevention is key to stopping joint pain before it begins to inhabilitate your dog.
If you have these 6 tools, then you’ll be ready for a new pup to come into your life in no time. Be sure to check out our other article for the foods that you can share with your dog, and the foods you can’t.
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