So you're thinking about bringing a new family member home? That's great! Whether your newest family member is from a rescue, shelter, re-homing situation, or breeder, here is my check list for bringing your new fur-baby home!
#1: If the dog is not potty trained, be sure to invest in some stain removers for your hard wood floor, tile, carpet, ect. You will also need some newspaper or puppy pads for training purposes, unless you strictly plan on training the dog to go potty outside. In that case, really stock up on those stain remover cleaners, because for the first few months you'll need it!
#2: A crate appropriate for your dogs ADULT SIZE. I highly recommend investing in a crate. A crate to a dog is not like a cage or a place of punishment. It is their bedroom. It is a place they can go to sleep, relax, and settle down. It is also a secure place to have them while you are out of the home for long periods of time. When you buy a crate be sure to buy the size that will be appropriate for your dog when they are full grown. They need enough space to lie down, stretch out completely, stand up, and turn around.
#3: A dog bed. This is not in replacement of their crate or "bedroom". It is a place where they can lie and be relaxed with the members of the family. Again, buy a bed appropriate to the adult size of the dog.
#4: Collar and leash! During the obedience and potty training experience, and walks in general, the collar and leash will be your best friend! If your dog's breed type is bred to pull, do not buy a harness, instead buy a regular leash or an easy-lead or gentle-leader. My 90lb newfoundland uses a gentle-leader and it works wonders with her instinct to pull. My 25lb terrier mix, Remus, is on an easy-lead harness for his pulling since he weighs much less and has the natural instinct to chase as opposed to pull. My smallest dog, a 10lb shih-tzu, wears a regular harness. He does still pull, but that's because we didn't properly train him to "loose leash walk" when we were training him.
#5: Name tag for their collar and micro-chip (will need to be done professionally by a trusted veterinarian). The name tag should have the dog's name, your name, your current phone number, and on mine I also have put "needs meds" to dissuade dog-snatchers from stealing the dog. It is the hope that ff your dog "needs meds", dog-snatchers will be less-likely to steal and sell your dog. Microchips are essential in case your dog becomes lost and the collar falls off or snaps off. Microchips will help vets and shelters locate you as the dog's owner.
#6: Dog food, duh! And this includes bowls for water, bowls for food, and the food itself! There is a large and complex debate about the "best" food for dogs, so feel free to do some research on raw food vs dehydrated food vs grain-free food vs regular dry food. I currently have one dog on a raw/wet diet due to his teeth, and the other two dogs on a grain-free dry/wet diet. Pay attention to the dog's stool! If it's regularly runny then it's time to try a higher-quality food! When buying food, pay attention to the ingredients. Dog foods with water and a meat listed in the first 2 ingredients are best. If a grain (like wheat or rice) is listed in the first two ingredients, continue your search!
#7: Recycled bags for picking up your dog's poop!
#8: Toys, toys, toys! Dogs LOVE toys and they will LOVE to play with YOU! But it's good to buy both toys that dogs can play with by themselves and with you. Also look into toys that are tough and durable, especially for teething puppies as they will be chewing and gnawing on everything! Also be sure to watch your dog with their new toys to make sure that they do not choke or eat their new toy. Toys will also be valuable tool during their obedience training!
#9: Treats, treats, treats! If dogs love toys they seem to love treats even more! Most dogs are treat-driven so treats will be crucial for obedience training, but they are also great to give as rewards for desired behavior and to give to your dog whenever you leave them. The mentality is person leaves = treat = nothing to be sad about.
#10: LOVE. Obviously, this can't be purchased, but be prepared to give your new family member a lot of time, devotion, commitment, patience, and love. They are looking to you for family, friendship and companionship. Loving and taking care of a dog and seeing how much they love you back in return is extremely rewarding!
Hope this helped and have a great time getting to know and love your new fur-baby!
