Preparing for your puppy

Your puppy is coming home soon and you're ready to buy toys and dog bowls, a bed, lots of treats and more toys. But wait. What does your puppy really need? Here's a good place to start. Sizes are based on a Labrador retriever puppy. Adjust for your pup's adult size.

• This is my favorite crate. (42” is perfect for an adult Lab)
• This “pet yard” is the most versatile dog pen I’ve ever used. I have one in my house. It can be used to block wide doorways or as an dog pen.
• Dog bowls - stainless steel no-tip are the best
• 2 extra large Kongs (a must!)
• Tricky treat ball
• Kong Jumbler (indestructible)
• Kong Wobbler
• Dog food bin. You can get a bin from Target or Walmart if you like. It needs to hold at least 30 pounds of food. While you're at it, get another bin for dog toys.
• Treat pouch. Not a requirement but helpful.
• A 7-10 inch antler
• Poop bags
• 4-foot leash (get a cheap one, as your puppy will likely chew through his first)
• Quick release martingale collar
• A couple of tennis balls

If you plan to be out in the world with your dog, create a first aid kit. In addition to standard first aid items found in human first aid kits, add:

• Vet wrap
• Bag balm
• EMT Gel
• Benadryl

If you plan to take your puppy out in public, get a hands-free bag to use as your puppy’s go bag. Backpacks and string bags work well. You want your hands free to handle the leash and treats. For around town, include these things:

• Poop bags
• Clean up material: wet wipes and paper towels
• Training treats
• Quick drying microfiber towel for rainy days
• Ziploc bags (gallon bags can hold soiled cleanup material until you find a trashcan or for the wet towel after you dry off your soggy dog)
• Bottled water and a travel water bowl

For road trips, include a couple of your pup’s favorite toys, chewies (antler, raw bone), and dog food. Overnight trip? Take your pup’s crate.

You'll save a good bit of money buying online at chewy.com and Amazon rather than at the pet store. Also look into local pet consignment shops.

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http://www.deethedogtrainer.com