Necessities For New Puppy Owners

By Candis Reade

So you've decided to get a puppy! Whether you've brought your adorable bundle of joy home already, or are still shopping all the breeds and sizes, there's one thing you must consider putting together, for the welfare of your new best friend a new puppy kit.

What you'll need:

1. Food and food bowls: If your puppy has special needs, or if you want to use a specific brand of food, it's better to have it on hand before you bring the puppy home. Heavy ceramic or weighted stainless steel bowls are best. Plastic bowls may be cheaper, but can be easily tipped over or worse, chewed up! Separate bowls are better, as water is easily fouled if the food dish is too close - and why clean two bowls if only one is dirty?

2. A bed or crate and bedding :Once you've decided where you want your puppy to sleep, ensure that the space is attractive to him. A cushioned dog bed, or even just a cardboard box with a blanket or cushion can provide a secure resting place for tired pups.

3. Collar and leash: Every puppy should wear a collar and be leashed for walks. Even puppies as young as 8 weeks can begin learning to walk on a leash, and being comfortable with the sensations is key to leash training success. If your puppy has been vaccinated, you'll want to keep his tags on his collar as well.

4. Chew toys : All puppies chew, and if you don't want him chewing on the furniture, you'll want to get a toy that is safe for him to use. Some toys are inappropriate (or unsafe), as they have small parts (like buttons) that can be easily chewed off, or are made of unsafe materials (like soft plastic) that can be swallowed.

5. Basic training book : There are hundreds of puppy training books and videos on the market now, or even in used book stores. Some books even offer specialized training instruction, such as agility training and dog tricks.

Other things you might want to include in your new puppy kit are:

1. Business cards from local veterinary clinics and groomers, with price lists if possible

2. Coupons for puppy food and medicines

3. Local pet store ads

4. Over the counter flea and tick medications

5. Puppy pads for potty training

6. Picture frames, if the new owner has pictures or a camera

7. Puppy treats

8. Training whistles or clickers

9. A map of dog parks in your area

10. A list of doggie day camps or boarding kennels in your area

Whether for yourself, or as a gift for an animal lover with a new family member, or maybe as a donation to your local animal shelter, you are limited only by your imagination and finances in creating a perfect new puppy kit!

Candis Reade is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about Necessities for new puppy owners, please visit PUPPY TEETHING for current articles and discussions.