An essential shopping list for your new pup may include these items:
- Food
- Plain yogurt to mix in, by the teaspoon, with the dry kibble for the first few days to ease any digestive problems and stress diarrhea
- Bowls - a water bowl and a food dish
- Pooper-scooper and plastic bag(s)
- Crate
- Baby gate(s) - if you wish to confine the pup to a kitchen or laundry room
- Exercise pen - if your yard is not securely fenced or a tiny puppy may escape under a fence or gate, you will need a secure area for the dog to play. Note: The best rule is never to let a new dog go outdoors alone. It would be best if you were with the puppy to direct it to the place where to relieve itself and then praise.
- Leash
- Retractable leash
- Collar with ID TAG
- Toys that are size appropriate for your pup.
- Plush toys - with nothing the pup can remove and swallow
- Kong toy - great for teething and for playing
- Booda bones, cow's ears, beef tendons
- Bully Sticks (either beef or buffalo)
- Hard rubber ball, Frisbee, tug - - for outdoor play
- NO chopped or formed bones - they splinter
- NO stick type rawhide
- NO pigs ears, rolls, snouts - they are too greasy
- NO old shoes or old socks
- Note: Throw out any small pieces to prevent the pup from swallowing them whole and choking.
- A white vinegar and water solution 50-50, in a spray bottle - for accidents will happen.
- Gentle Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner
- Baby-sized toothbrush
- Slicker brush, metal comb, and nail clippers