If, like my family, you and your children are dog mad, then you might be considering adopting a dog of your own. While adding a dog to your family can be an incredibly enriching experience, it’s also important to realize what a big commitment having a pet can be. You and your family will need to take good care of the new addition – he’ll need to be fed, walked, played with, and given lots of love every day.
As long as you’re prepared to give your puppy all the love and attention he will need, there’s no need to hold back on adopting him. Of course, before you bring him home, it’s crucial that you get all the essentials that he may need. When it comes to getting all the bits and bobs that a puppy may need, many new pet owners struggle.
To make it a little easier for you to get everything that you’ll need for your new pet, here’s a guide to all the essentials.
Pet bed
One of the most important things your new addition will need is a pet bed. Don’t be tempted to buy a tiny bed to accommodate his small size, as he’ll grow incredibly quickly. Instead, pick a bed that he should fit in once he’s fully grown, as well as while he’s a puppy.
When choosing a bed, make sure to pick a design that’s easy to keep clean and is machine washer friendly. Dogs get muddy and wet a lot, and so do their beds, so a washable bed is a must. As well as being easy to clean, the dog bed that you pick should also be cozy and comfortable.
Dog crate
Whether you want to crate your puppy or not is up to you; it’s a personal decision. However, if you want to ensure that your home doesn’t get destroyed while you are out, a dog crate is a good idea.
When picking a crate, just make sure to choose a suitable size. Your dog should be able to stand up and comfortably stretch out in his crate; it shouldn’t be a cramped space. So make sure to pick a crate that’s large enough for him.
Leash and collar
The law states that every dog must wear a collar with a name tag, regardless of whether he’s microchipped. Microchipping is worth doing, but even if your dog is going to be microchipped, he needs to still have a collar with a name tag on it.
If you have a look online on sites like Shinola.com, you can find some lovely designs. From metal collars to leather ones, there are so many collars to choose from. As well as looking stylish – even dogs like to be fashionable, it’s important that your dog’s collar is comfortable and secure.
As well as a collar, your dog will also need a leash. There are various types to choose from, some long and some short. For a puppy, a short lead is the best option as that way you have full control over him. Puppies tend to jump and run a lot, which isn’t ideal when on a long lead, as they can trip someone up. That’s why a short leash is the best option.
Toys
And last but not least, your new addition will also need lots of lovely toys. I’m going to be brutally honest with you, puppies chew everything, and I mean everything. From the legs of furniture to your phone charger cable, nothing is safe. However, if you want to keep your home intact, chew toys can be a lifesaver.
You’ll find that there are plenty of teething toys for puppies on the market; it’s just a case of finding the ones that work for your pup. Kong toys are fantastic, as they incorporate treats. Rubber balls and chewy bones are also great for teething puppies.
So there you have it, all the essentials that your new addition will need.
If you are looking for a Leonberger puppy like mine, check out this post for all you need when the puppy gets home.
