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Looking after your puppy
A guide to the equipment and care your puppy needs from day one.
What your puppy needs from you
Your new puppy is dependent on you for everything – he’s just left his mother and the only home he’s ever known and now it’s down to you to cater for his physical needs and keep him happy, safe and well. The more you prepare in advance, the better so that the transition is as smooth as possible for all of you.
Equipment
You’ll need to get all of the following:
• bed and bedding
• food bowl and water bowl
• run, playpen or puppy crate/cage
• dog toys
• puppy food
• collar, lead or harness and identity tag
• brushes and combs.
Bed and bedding
Your puppy needs his own space for sleeping and this will be his refuge. When you go to collect your puppy, it’s a good idea to take a piece of material and rub it on the mother before you place it in his bed so he will have her scent for comfort in those difficult early days.
There are several types of beds available: wicker or rigid plastic baskets are popular as are igloo-style beds for smaller dogs. Choose a full-size bed now or understand that you may have to buy another one within the year! A low-sided cardboard box is a good option initially as you can fill it with old bedding or woollies and replace the box if it gets chewed. Specialist dog bedding is also available. Make sure his bed is in a draft-free, warm area of the house, preferably somewhere quiet.
Food and water bowls
Made from plastic, stainless steel or earthenware, these come in various shapes and sizes to suit the breed of dog. You need separate bowls for water and food and water must be available at all times for your puppy. Leave the bowls in a quiet area where they can’t be kicked over.
Run, playpen or cage
Having somewhere you can contain the puppy for short periods is extremely useful as boisterious pups can cause havoc, for example, at mealtimes. Consider constructing a temporary outside run so he can enjoy playing on the lawn and getting some fresh air.
Indoors, consider using a puppy crate or cage which will keep him safe and out of mischief while you do household chores or while you’re out and about. It will also teach him to play on his own if you put in his favourite toys such as a kong or squeaky toy.
About toys
All puppies need toys to help stimulate their minds and bodies, especially their chewing needs!
Toys come in all shapes and sizes but buy a few in advance and rotate them so he doesn’t have the chance to become bored with any one in particular. The more he has to play with, the less likely he is to take it out on your furniture, wallpaper or carpets!
Make sure the toys you choose are non-toxic, suitable for dogs, don’t have sharp or detachable parts and cannot be swallowed.
His food
Your puppy will need three to four small meals a day initially, until around 12 weeks old, then two meals a day, possibly dropping to one a day when he reaches adulthood.
Find out what he has been fed on so far and then give him the same food for a few days before gradually changing his diet over, if necessary.
There’s a wide range of commercial foods available, with many specific puppy foods – dry and wet – now available.
Stuff for walkies
Your puppy isn’t allowed out and about on the ground until after his vaccinations but it’s a good idea to get him used to wearing a collar straightaway.
Collars come in a wide variety including leather, nylon, chain or rope.
• Don’t expect your puppy to wear anything too heavy as it could damage his small neck.
• Make sure you can slip two fingers in between the collar and his neck.
• Don’t leave anything sticking out that could catch on something, for example, a fence, as you don’t want your puppy to be entangled anywhere.
Leads can be short, long or extendable and come in various materials including leather, nylon, metal (chain) or rope. If your puppy pulls on the lead, a harness or a ‘Halti’ might be better.
By law, your puppy must wear an identity tag when out in public and this should show your contact details. Most owners now microchip their dogs as well, in case they are lost or stolen.
Grooming equipment
Your puppy will need his own brush and comb so you can groom him as necessary but there’s a huge variety available depending on the type of coat he has. Ask your vet nurse for advice or talk to a specialist grooming parlour if you’ve got a long-haired breed that needs regular clipping, for example, Golden Retriever.
For more see: www.buddies-direct.co.uk
