Many people want to buy collars, leashes, crates, etc., before they come to pick up their pups. We think this is a good idea and we recommend that you do not take your puppy into a pet store until they’ve had three rounds of vaccinations. A good basic list of items to have on hand includes:

  • Crate with a movable divider. The divider is EXTREMELY important – this is how a large crate can be made very small for a puppy. Please see our SUCESSFUL CRATE TRAINING process below!
  • Good Quality Puppy Food – your puppy will currently be eating FROMM Large Breed Puppy (in the blue & gold bag). We feed all of our moms & dads (an our personal pets!) this brand as well and recommend it to all of our puppy families looking for a high quality food. You may also research quality brands on www.dogfoodadvisor.com – we recommend something in the 4-star range. Be sure to AVOID foods (and treats!) with pea protein, this is a cheap filler often put into dry dog food and NOT good for your dog’s health.
  • Adjustable Collar – they grow FAST and a small adjustable collar will expand with them for several months. Collar should be about 10″ at its smallest and expand to about 15″ – this will take them through about 6 or 7 months.
  • Name Tag – Petco and Petsmart have machines where you can engrave your pet’s name and more importantly your contact information. This is a simple precaution that will give you peace of mind.
  • 6 Foot Leash
  • Food and Water bowls (we recommend stainless steel)
  • 4-5 inexpensive Bath Towels (put these in their crate, and just throw them in the laundry when they get soiled)
  • Several Types of Toys – recommend stuffed animal, ball, squeak toy, and rope toy. Your puppy needs stimulation and is used to playing with their littermates. Toys will help.
  • Slicker Brush
  • Chew Treats – Always have on hand something for your puppy to chew on, such as bully sticks, Busy Heartyhide, Merrick Bones – if and when your puppy chews on something they shouldn’t, immediately exchange the item for one of these and tell them “NO – Chew on this instead!”
  • Training Treats – we recommend the brand Pupford or any freeze-dried treats with minimal ingredients (be sure to avoid treats with fillers, pea protein, or unnecessary preservatives).