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Outfitting Your Puppy  by Eve Adamson

You did it.  You finally found the perfect puppy.  It's eyes are big and brown.  It's tail flutters with excitement whenever you approach.

Before you bundle it up to take it home, however, make sure you are properly equipped.

Whether puppies come from breeders, animal shelters, rescue leagues or pet stores, all need certain basics.  The first step in assembling your own, personalized puppy starter kit is to understand the kind of dog you have.   How big will it be as an adult?  What is it's temperament?  How will your lifestyle influence it?  A tiny Chihuahua pup and a boisterous German Shepherd Dog need different versions of the kit, as will the active Dalmatian and the placid Basset Hound.

You will also need to decide how you will house train your dog and where it will sleep. Some veterinarians recommend crate training, a method that confines the puppy to a crate when it isn't being directly supervised until it learns to relieve itself outside.  Although some people mistakenly believe crate training is cruel, dogs are den animals by nature and relish the safety and security of their den-like crate.

Puppy Basics

A crate and/or dog bed

A wide variety is available, including portable, enclosed, plastic crates with handles, and open, wire crates, some big enough to serve as small dog runs.  If you chose a wire crate, drape a blanket over the back to give your puppy the feeling of a safe, enclosed space.  Most dogs prefer a crate that is enclosed, they need the security of being safe from the world.

Once you've decided on the style of crate, consider size.   The crate should be large enough for the puppy to be able to stand up, turn around and lie down.  But don't allow enough space for your puppy to soil in one area and sleep in another.  Crate training works because dogs won't soil where they sleep.   If you choose a crate that will fit the dog as an adult, you can buy partitions or even put a cardboard box in the back to create a cozy, puppy-sized space.  If your puppy doesn't use a crate or uses it only during the day, you can choose from a wide selection of comfortable dog beds.  Buy a puppy-sized bed rather than adult-sized so the puppy will feel safe and snug.

Puppy collar, leash and identification tags

Puppies need to learn how to get used to a collar and leash.   A collar with identification tags will help locate a lost puppy.  A leash will make forays into the yard safer, especially for an exuberant pup that hasn't yet learned the "Stay" command.  Leashes are for the safety of the animal.

Water and food bowls

Stain remover/scent remover

It will happen.  And, if your puppy smells a previous accident, it may repeat it. 

Interactive play and chew toys

Include one interactive toy such as an appropriately-sized rope bone and one or two good chew toys to help teach your puppy that, although shoes and furniture are off limits, a few items are unconditionally OK to chew.

Nail clippers and styptic pencil

Your puppy's nails must be kept short to preserve healthy feet.   Overgrown nails can become painful and interfere with walking.  Even if nail clipping scares your puppy, it is a necessity.  Handle it's feet frequently to make it more comfortable with this procedure.

A book on puppy care

Neither you nor the breeder will have time for a full-scale lecture on care.  A puppy care book will be a frequent lifesaver for you.   consider buying a good book on training, too.  It's never too soon to start treating a puppy in a manner that will assure future good behavior and a positive dog-owner relationship.

Find a veterinarian

Ask your breeder for a list of recommended veterinarians, dog obedience schools, and local pet-sitting and dog-walking services.  Ask friends with dogs for information, too.  You'll want reliable people to help you in caring for your new best friend.

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