Shopping for pet supplies can be an overwhelming experience. Gone are the days when all a dog needed was a bone. Modern pet stores are packed with aisle after aisle of eye-catching options.
Hidden within that vast selection are a handful of must-have items every new puppy owner needs. Here are five of them.
1. Adjustable Collar & Leash
In addition to being legally required when in public spaces, a comfortable leash and collar are needed for walking, training, and identification purposes. Because your new best friend will most likely grow, it is important to find an adjustable collar that attaches quickly and easily to a sturdy leash.
When it comes to the material, most experts recommend nylon collars. They are typically lighter and less cumbersome than most other options. As for the leash, it is important to purchase a shorter one (between 4 and 6 feet) that will keep your pet close during obedience training.
2. Crates, Cages, or Pens
Because they help with housetraining and behavior issues, many trainers recommend buying some kind of crate for a new puppy. Dogs have a natural denning instinct that makes them feel safer and more comfortable in enclosed quarters. As such, a nice cage can be used to establish healthy sleeping patterns from the start. The choice of a cage, crate, or pen comes down to the individual owner. Because they are often easier to move around, many new owners prefer crates to cages or pens.
3. Food and Water Bowls
From plastic crocks to stainless steel dishes and glass bowls, there's no shortage of food and water bowls at stores that sell pet supplies. Because you want your pup to get into the habit of eating from the same place, it's always a good idea to keep food and water bowls in the same location in your home. While the choice of material is, again, at the owner's discretion, it's probably a bad idea to purchase plastic bowls for breeds that are known for chewing such as a labrador retriever, golden retriever, shetland sheepdog, Jack Russell terrier, beagle, Siberian husky, or Shiba Inus.
4. Dog Bed
Because puppies are used to sleeping in a warm environment, next to their mothers and siblings, a new owner will want to recreate this cozy environment. When placed inside a crate, a comfortable, snug dog bed can help recreate their natural habitat. Covered in fleece or sheepskin, smaller beds and bumper beds are designed to stay warm and cozy on the inside. From inexpensive pillows and cushions to pricey memory foam mattresses, there are many attractive options at your local pet store.
5. Food
Just like babies, puppies have unique dietary demands and nutritional needs. To help them grow up healthy and strong, you must feed your furry friend a special diet for the first year. Unlike generic dog food, these food products are often labeled "formulated for puppies" or for "growth and development."
Shopping for pet supplies is easy if you know what to look for. These five must-have items should be purchased before you bring your new friend home.
When considering pet supplies, Billerica, MA residents visit Pets Plus. Learn more at http://www.e-petsplus.com/services/.
Hidden within that vast selection are a handful of must-have items every new puppy owner needs. Here are five of them.
1. Adjustable Collar & Leash
In addition to being legally required when in public spaces, a comfortable leash and collar are needed for walking, training, and identification purposes. Because your new best friend will most likely grow, it is important to find an adjustable collar that attaches quickly and easily to a sturdy leash.
When it comes to the material, most experts recommend nylon collars. They are typically lighter and less cumbersome than most other options. As for the leash, it is important to purchase a shorter one (between 4 and 6 feet) that will keep your pet close during obedience training.
2. Crates, Cages, or Pens
Because they help with housetraining and behavior issues, many trainers recommend buying some kind of crate for a new puppy. Dogs have a natural denning instinct that makes them feel safer and more comfortable in enclosed quarters. As such, a nice cage can be used to establish healthy sleeping patterns from the start. The choice of a cage, crate, or pen comes down to the individual owner. Because they are often easier to move around, many new owners prefer crates to cages or pens.
3. Food and Water Bowls
From plastic crocks to stainless steel dishes and glass bowls, there's no shortage of food and water bowls at stores that sell pet supplies. Because you want your pup to get into the habit of eating from the same place, it's always a good idea to keep food and water bowls in the same location in your home. While the choice of material is, again, at the owner's discretion, it's probably a bad idea to purchase plastic bowls for breeds that are known for chewing such as a labrador retriever, golden retriever, shetland sheepdog, Jack Russell terrier, beagle, Siberian husky, or Shiba Inus.4. Dog Bed
Because puppies are used to sleeping in a warm environment, next to their mothers and siblings, a new owner will want to recreate this cozy environment. When placed inside a crate, a comfortable, snug dog bed can help recreate their natural habitat. Covered in fleece or sheepskin, smaller beds and bumper beds are designed to stay warm and cozy on the inside. From inexpensive pillows and cushions to pricey memory foam mattresses, there are many attractive options at your local pet store.
5. Food
Just like babies, puppies have unique dietary demands and nutritional needs. To help them grow up healthy and strong, you must feed your furry friend a special diet for the first year. Unlike generic dog food, these food products are often labeled "formulated for puppies" or for "growth and development."
Shopping for pet supplies is easy if you know what to look for. These five must-have items should be purchased before you bring your new friend home.
When considering pet supplies, Billerica, MA residents visit Pets Plus. Learn more at http://www.e-petsplus.com/services/.
