Supplies

A new puppy, like a new baby, requires a lot of stuff. If your friends haven’t already thrown a puppy shower in advance of your new arrival – and even if they have – you’ll need to be prepared with certain critical items well in advance of the big homecoming day.

Puppies need a secure yard with room to play and no hazards.

Your dog can enjoy hours of entertainment playing with good-quality toys—and some toys even help him stay fit. So spice up your pet’s life with plenty of play.

A dog crate may remind you of a miniature jail at first, but as any crate owner will tell you—it’s a lifesaver. This crucial piece of equipment actually serves as a safe haven for your puppy or dog, creating a den-like space that increases confidence, security, and makes housebreaking and traveling with your dog much easier.

A crate may look like a cage, but these handy housetraining tools don’t feel like confinement to puppies—they feel like home.  "Denning" is an instinctual drive in dogs, inherited from their ancestors in the wild.

Admit it…your dog sleeps with you! At least, some of the time? Many pet owners sleep with their pets, but often, letting your dog into the "people bed" can cause problems.  One study revealed that over half of people suffering from sleep disorders admitted that their pets shared their beds. Whether your pet edges you off your pillow, steals your leg room, paws and twitches in his sleep, or snores (Bulldog and Pug owners, we don’t have to tell you!), pets can leave you feeling less than refreshed in the morning.

Collars, harnesses, and leashes come in a variety of styles.  To help your dog or puppy understand your directions, consider which options are best suited to your individual situation.