Disposable wee wee pads are useful for puppy house training or any time you will be leaving your dog inside longer than usual. Be careful that they don't get too used to wee wee pads versus the great outdoors though. We strongly recommend washable pads over disposable (they are far more cost effective, they wash well, and they stay in place better - the puppies like to play with and tear up the disposables), but disposable are far better than the old system of sloppy wet newspapers! Bulk boxes are more economical than 10 to 20 packs.
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Remember that your puppy is still growing. When you pick up your puppy, they should be good going out every two to three hours during the day. You can slowly work to extend this time. Getting them out the door quickly first thing in the morning is important. Then try to stick to a predictable schedule as they get used to the routine.
Caring for litters of puppies, we were burning through the wee wee pads. I found this economical and environmentally friendly alternative...human bed liners. I buy the multi packs so that I always have some clean ones. They launder beautifully. I also find these MUCH easier than the grass doggy patches which are not fun to wash. These are the ones we recommend to encourage them for potty area. The others below are good for crate and playpen lining, under food bowls and to protect car seats.
NOTE: Some people swear by the grass patches for puppies, but I have found them to be not fun to clean. I much prefer these.
Our puppies come with microchips and registration for the chip. So, you may wonder why I recommend an ID Tag. Well, the microchip requires a shelter or vet to scan and track down the owner. If your dog gets lost and is found by a neighbor or helpful person, they can quickly see a phone number and give you a call. This can get your dog back home to you faster and with less stress and hassle for everyone.
I have used Dutch Dog collars, so I don't have any Blueberry collars, but they are highly rated and look similar to the Dutch Dog in style and quality.
Choosing the right collar for your dog is sometimes hard as there are so many choices. I am a big fan of Dutch Dog Collars. They are both functionally strong and aesthetically beautiful.
One of my favorite recent finds is an LED rechargeable by USB Dog Collar. This makes your dog visible. This is great for the early morning or evening walks. Even if your dog is in a completely secure fenced hard, it is great to be able to see where they are at night. My dogs get excited when it is time to put on their night collars.
We recommend buying 15-50 pound bags of dog food. Larger sizes are discounted and more economical. To keep your food fresh and safe from bugs, a container is good. We use a lidded container on wheels. The IRIS brand gives you food and treat storage as well as a scoop at a great price. If you have never opened bulk dog food, you can use a knife or scissors. Also, if it is stitched at the top, you can find the end of the thread and pull - this usually opens the bag very easily.
We recommend that everyone crate trains their puppy. When your puppy comes to you, they will be used to being in the crate with their litter mates. It will just take them a day or two to be very happy in their crate by themselves. There are so many benefits to crate training even if you have no intentions of leaving your puppy/dog in a crate for extended periods. First, it is THEIR safe place and home. If they grow up with a crate, it will be a place of comfort and familiarity for them. Crates are invaluable for car travel, hotels, company coming, time out, sleeping, restraint in times of injury or sickness, and acclimation should your dog ever need to be kenneled (which can be necessary at the vet's even if you don't take them to an overnight kennel). The metal Midwest is a very secure crate. The EliteField is light weight, folds up, and travels well, but spray the zippers with bitters as they figure out the zipper system (smart doodles) and will chew the zippers. The EliteField comes with a pad, but it is ultra thin, so I recommend a 36 inch crate liner too.
Getting a new puppy also means getting the right supplies to welcome your new puppy home and make him or her a happy and health member of your household. In addition to having a healthy puppy, you also want a puppy who is well socialized and adjusted to having a harmonious life with your family, friends, neighbors, and strangers you may meet at the dog park, walks downtown, hikes, vet visits, a day at the beach and any of life's great adventures. Help your puppy grow into an amazing dog and member of your family and community!
We recommend getting an Amazon Prime membership so that you can get all of your supplies delivered to your doorstep - often within one to 3 days. Raleigh just introduced same day delivery, so you can get your delivery literally within hours! You can also get quality grain free foods at Tractor Supply, Pet Smart, Pet Co, and Independently Owned Pet Shops. You can find some grain free food at Whole Food, Earth Fare, Fresh Market, and Trader Joe's. At national mega store grocers, you will have to search the isle for good grain free good as most are full of corn fillers. Rachael Ray can now be found in many stores. Purina One is moderately OK. Amazon is still your best bet for quality food delivered to your door - which is nice when it is a 40 pound bag! |
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