Dogs and puppies have been around with humans for as long as you can imagine. Researchers have found that having a pet dog or puppy can be very healthy for mental well-being. Playing with the pet is also a good physical experience. But, before getting a new puppy, you must know about the essential things to have at your home.
There are a lot of items you need to purchase before a puppy arrives home. Below we list the top 11 essentials.
1. A kennel, crate, or bedroom
It is an excellent idea to make a separate space for the dog, a safe space like a bedroom for the animal. Kennels are natural habitats for dogs, and you can build them to your own requirements. Usually, tiny spaces can also do with a crate. You can cover it with blankets from the sides and keep some food inside, and that is all. A lot of stores and pet supplies have good deals and varieties to check out.
2. Puppy pads are good replacements
Something that you are must remember that puppies and dogs should go to the toilet outside. You have to train them to do that. Because you are getting a new puppy home, it is a great idea to have puppy pads. By placing them under the towel or floor of the crate if the puppy toilets, the floor is dry and it does not spread around.
3. Blankets
Because puppies would need soft and comfy space to lie down, and snuggle into, get some blankets. You could look for dog beds online. Make sure that you get them from pet supplies because they are durable. Also, try choosing some fleece fabric because they are better than woven fabric and washable. And it protects itself against little puppy claws and teeth, scratching and stuff.
4. Old towels, rags, and bedsheets
There are chances that there will be lots of accidents when training the puppy for a toilet. That way, old rags, cloth, and bedsheets can be cut into pieces and used. But make sure to wash the spot with warm water and disinfectant after wiping a spill. Further, these old towels are also useful and handy for making crate liners, dog beds, and so on.
5. Water dish or food bowl
Of course, better than handing food by merely throwing it on the ground is to feed them from a bowl. You can use some old bowls from your kitchen and dedicate them to the puppy. Later on, you may find that the dog likes to drink from a faucet or a small hose in the garden and eat from dinner plates. But, for a start, use this to feed the small puppy as it grows.
6. Collar or leash
Though your pet would not need one when it grows old, you must keep one as a puppy and in a new place. Think of them as an official collar outfit rather than a shackle for their feet. For example, if the guy goes wandering in the neighborhood, they will find their way back because of the collar. Similarly, leashes are great to keep them safe when taking them for a walk on the streets, such as running cars, bikes, etc.
7. Toys for playing
This is not an essential item but is optional, primarily because if you are not careful, things can go bad. For example, toys that easily break and damage can be ingested by the puppy in ignorance and lead to a medical emergency. Your pet store can always give you the right advice and particular toys for the puppy.
8. Harness or puppy seat for cars
If you do not know yet, traveling by an unrestrained animal in a car is illegal because it poses safety risks for the living being. Therefore, just like humans should wear seat belts, the puppies should go as well. Try using a puppy seat or adapt the seat belt with a harness and clip the puppy inside the car. This will keep them in place and not jumping around inside, which can also cause accidents.
9. Good food and treats
Something that goes well with the dogs is their stuff, such as food. Because you will need to train your puppy for the toilet and various other house rules, treats are best for that. Please consult your pet store to learn about their diet, puppy type, and what they prefer. Also, learn about the right food for them. Use the food that your breeder gives you for the first few weeks, and then learn about your puppy and buy its food. The right food can make a big difference during toilet training and its stomach.
10. Items for physical activities
Well, this can be both something to purchase or to hire a kid to perform. For example, you can find someone in the neighborhood to take the dog to the park, walking, and physical activity. High-school kids often do this for weekly pocket money. You are unable to do so yourself. It is better to hire someone.
11. Stain & odor remover
One of the things you have to cope up with is the odor from toilets and accidents. Odor removers, Napisan are some good products to keep the old towels and clothes you used to wipe the toilet. Further, use the disinfectant with warm water to clean the floor as well. This is something that will come to use several times every day.
Conclusion
Bringing home a new puppy is a good step and a humanitarian act because many puppies need adoption and care. They are the best family members you can ever have because they are loyal to their friends. As an emotional support animal, too, they are excellent pets. Because they are very friendly to humans, puppies or dogs are safe in families with babies.
So, rather than bring a dog, start with a small puppy or puppies. You can slowly grow the family by adding kittens, cats, and more dogs.