Potty Training Aids: Equipment For Your Puppy

Before your new puppy arrives home, you will need to buy a certain amount of equipment. It is a good idea to obtain them beforehand in preparation for your puppy’s arrival. Essential equipment that you will need are food, water and food bowls, a crate or a pen, and collars and leashes. Below is a list of other necessary equipment for your new puppy.

Grooming supplies: There are a variety of brushes and combs available; choose those which are suitable for your dog’s coat. Other supplies you may need are towels, scissors, clippers, stripping combs, and shears.

Deodorizer and Cleaner: During the house-training of your puppy there are bound to be some "accidents." Because puppies tend to return to the scene where they detect the smell of urine and feces, it is important that these spots be cleaned properly using a product that effectively neutralizes the odor. For cleaning puppy accidents on nonporous hard surfaces, as well as on carpeting, it is best to use a pet deodorizer/cleaner designed for this purpose, which you can obtain at a pet store or online.

Toys: Every puppy needs several toys to play with. Examples of recommended toys are a meat-scented nylon bone, tennis ball, and play ring to avoid boredom and control chewing. It is better to start puppies out on nylon bones as opposed to rawhide ones, since they are much more durable and less expensive in the long run.

Folding gate: This is necessary in order to confine a pup to a particular area. The gate should be sturdy, made of a material other than wood (which is chewable) and have slats that are small enough to prevent a puppy from sticking his head through and getting caught.

Dog bed: This is excellent for giving pups a secure sense of place when they sleep. The best dog beds use a combination of cedar chips and fiberfill; cedar chips are a natural repellent to fleas and ticks, and fiberfill helps preserve the bed's shape and softness. Make sure that the cover is removable, washable, and durable.

Pooper scooper: To make cleanup of the soiling area easier.

Last but not least, before you buy a large quantity of dog food, it is best to talk to your breeder or veterinarian. Choosing a suitable, high-quality dog food is an important factor in your dog's health, and it pays to check with professionals before you make your decision.