10 Essentials for Your New Puppy

Before anything, make sure you have food before bringing your new puppy home. Depending on where you are getting the puppy from, he is probably already on some sort of food. You may decide to keep him on the same food, or switch to something different. If switching, be sure to do it gradually over a week's time. Most dog foods have instructions on how to switch the food, or you could ask your vet.

There are a few types of dog food varieties; dry food and moist food, and homemade. Dry food is the kind you see in bags, moist food is the kind you see in pouches or cans, and homemade is the kind you make at home from scratch. All 3 have their pros and cons.

Personally, I like feeding my puppy natural food, rather than the "grocery store" brands. Many of these premium foods can be found at a PetSmart, PetCo, or a specialty pet store. A good dog food should have some sort of meat in the first couple ingredients, such as chicken, beef or fish. Almost all commercial "grocery store" brands use low quality, inexpensive ingredients, usually consisting of artificial colors and flavors, chemical preservatives and things that just shouldn't be in dog food. While the colorful bone shaped food pieces might look good to the eye, it's not so good for your dog's body. Premium foods are made of higher quality ingredients, which are easy to digest and better for your dog overall. These premium foods look bland to the eye (usually round brownish pieces), but when it comes to good dog food, there is no need for shapes and colors. Trust me, your dog won't mind.

What type of food you choose all depends on what type of dog you have. Be sure you pick a food that matches the dog. For example, you wouldn't feed senior food to a puppy. For a large breed puppy (those who will be 50+ lbs at maturity), I highly recommend Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy food. My German Shepherd puppy has done great on it so far. Other brands that I have heard good things about include Eagle Pack, Natural Balance, Canidae, Solid Gold, Wellness, Blue Buffalo and Innova.

If you decide to feed your dog moist food, you should do so in moderation. Although it smells and tastes delicious to your puppy, moist food isn't the best thing for your puppy's teeth. Dry food is crunchy, and therefore, it helps to reduce plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. A good idea is to mix in the moist food with the dry food once in a while for a tasty treat. If you are going that route, you should stick to the same moist food brand as the dry food brand.

Natural foods do cost a little more, but it is well worth it if you can afford it. If you can spend the time to cook homemade food for your dog, that is also a good option. Consider your puppy a part of your family, not just a pet. A final note to remember when it comes to your puppy's food is to store it in a cool place, preferably in an air tight container.

2. Treats

Just like dog food, there are many different types of treats out there to choose from. However, a lot of the treats on the market are made with the same artificial flavors and ingredients that cheap dog food brands include. If you plan on training your puppy at home, you will want to purchase small bite size treats as "rewards" in addition to normal puppy treats as a part of your dog's daily diet. Treats that my dog enjoys include Purina Carvers chicken slices, Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy biscuits and sometimes I use Purina Beggin Strips Littles. For training, I use Nutro Natural Choice Training Bits, which are perfectly sized for training rewards. Be sure to store treats in an air tight container as well.

3. Food and Water Bowls

Dog food is no good unless you have a bowl to serve it in. When you first bring your puppy home, he will not need to eat or drink out of a dinosaur sized bowl, so all you really need is a small set, one for food and one for water. I personally recommend buying a set of stainless steel bowls. Stainless steel bowls can be easily washed in the dishwasher, they cannot crack or be chewed unlike plastic or ceramic bowls, and they are versatile. While your puppy is small, I would suggest buying "non-skid" bowls, or ones that are connected. As your puppy gets older, you will need to "upgrade" to larger bowls, perhaps even bowls that are elevated off the floor.

You may also consider purchasing automatic dog bowls. These bowls are usually plastic, and they are connected to a reservoir, where food or water is stored. As the dog eats or drinks, the bowls are replaced with additional food and water. I don't think automatic water bowls are such a bad idea, especially if you are going to be gone a while. However, I do not recommend automatic food dog bowls, since your puppy should have certain times of the day for meals, and if they can help themselves at any time throughout the day, that means they have no set meal time. Also, you won't be able to monitor how much they are eating at once. You also run the risk of giving your puppy a chance to break into the food reservoir. I believe that it's just better to feed your pup yourself.

4. Leash and Collar

All puppies should have a collar, preferably with an ID tag with their name and a phone number or address in case he gets lost. A leash is necessary to take him on walks or to the vet. There are laws restricting dogs from being off of their leash in public places, such as on sidewalks and pet stores.

Leashes and collars come in all different varieties. For a puppy, you won't need a long leash, a 4-6 foot one will suffice. The type of leash or collar you buy depends on the breed of the dog. Before purchasing a collar, measure your puppy's neck and add 2 inches. You will most likely need to purchase a new collar after a while, because your puppy is going to grow fast! Chain chokers are not recommended for puppies, and shouldn't be used on a dog until after one year of age. Collars don't have to be very expensive, unless you want your dog to wear diamonds and jewels around his neck!

For a larger breed puppy, such as a German Shepherd, Lab or Golden Retriever, consider buying a short nylon leash for training purposes. Once your dog knows how to walk the right way, you can switch to a retractable or longer leash if you'd like.

5. Bedding, Crate and Carrier

Of course, your puppy will need a place to sleep. If you are crate training your puppy, be sure to buy the right size for your dog, and split the crate in half. Use one half for bedding, and the other half for newspaper. A crate provides a secure environment for your puppy. Even if he is not sleeping, he may just want to go into his crate for a some quiet, alone time. Keeping your puppy in a crate is a good idea if you don't want him roaming your house and chewing everything you own while you're at work.

Soft, comfortable bedding is essential for puppies, because it gives them the feeling of security and comfort. If you don't want to buy a bed from the pet store, you could always use old blankets, pillows or towels. Fleece is a great option for a puppy's bed.

If you are someone who is going to be traveling with your dog, then you should also invest in a sturdy carrier, large enough to accommodate your puppy. Include some sort of bedding in the carrier as well.

Of course, your puppy may find a bed of his own, with your living room pillows or your shoes. He is probably going to be scared during his first few nights in his new home. If you're like me, you'll spoil your puppy and let him sleep in bed with you at night!

6. Toys

A puppy can't go without toys to play with, or else he may find things around your house to chew on, like your slippers or remote control. During the first couple months, your puppy will start teething and will want to chew on everything in sight. Some great toys to give him include a Nylabone (which come in all sorts of flavors and sizes), a Kong (I like the kind you can stuff and put treats in), rubber toys and balls. I don't recommend any stuffed animal, because once your dog rips it apart (and he will), you will have cotton stuffing everywhere. Also, if your dog eats the stuffing, it won't be good for his digestive system.

7. Newspaper and/or Puppy Pads

This is pretty self-explanatory. You'll need these supplies until your puppy is house trained and can go outside on his own. Puppy pads are great because they are like an absorbent diaper you can lay out on the floor or in a crate, but beware that your puppy may chew it to shreds. But until your puppy can pee and poop outside, you have to use these, or else you'll have messes all over your floors and carpet.

8. Grooming Supplies - Brush, Shampoo, Nail Clippers, etc.

Unless you can afford numerous trips to the groomer, you'll want to have a few supplies for your puppy's grooming needs. A good brush is essential to keep your dog's coat healthy and clean, and to cut down on the shedding. You should also have a pair of nail clippers or a nail file if you are brave enough to cut your puppy's nails on your own.

Tearless puppy shampoo is a good thing to have on hand, as well as dog toothpaste and a toothbrush to keep his teeth looking and smelling good. If you start early and do it often, your dog won't mind having his teeth brushed.

9. Cleanup Supplies and Medicine

Puppies are going to have accidents while they are potty training, so you will want to have some carpet cleaner handy. Resolve Pet Stain cleaner is a good choice, as well as Rug Doctor and Woolite brands. Have plenty of paper towels available to soak up urine, and plenty of plastic bags for picking up poop.

During your first visit to the vet, you will probably discuss the different types of medicines out there for your puppy. The essentials, in my opinion, include a monthly heartworm medicine and a flea/tick regimen. I have my dog on a monthly Heartgard chew, and a monthly Frontline application. Your vet will tell you what you should use, since these medicines dosages depend on your puppy's weight.

10. Love!

Overall, enjoy your new puppy and have fun with him/her. Have patience, since your puppy will make mistakes at first. The time is going to fly, and they only stay small for so long. Take pictures or videos to keep the moments forever!