What to Buy

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 shots. A good basic list of items to have on hand includes:

  • 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

  • Food Storage Bin - you will find that you're buying large 25 pound bags of food - a good plastic storage bin will keep the food fresh and convenient.

  • Good Quality Puppy Food - research these on www.dogfoodadvisor.com - we recommend something in the 4-star range.

  • Crate

  • 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 - recommend Zuke's Mini Naturals

Important note.

 

When taking the pup to a pet store, any store, or the vet, it is always wise to carry them at all times. This is because they have had only one set of shots at this time and dogs with full immunity will be tracking all sorts of diseases in on their feet. This does not harm them but can harm the young pup that is just beginning to build its own immune system now that it is away from mom. Once they have had their three sets of puppy shots you will not need to worry about this.