The time is finally here. You’ve done your research and made sure your life was ready for a little one. You lined up a great veterinarian, puppy-proofed your home, and even found the perfect little bundle of joy (and fur) for your family. But before you bring home the new family member there’s one last thing to do: go shopping.
Some people jump right into this step but don’t realize how much research should go into your puppy’s accessories. Before you head off to the store, stop by the Puppy University and take the crash course on shopping for your puppy. You’ll learn things that you may never have even considered before.
For instance, what kind of collar and leash are you planning on getting for your puppy? Your puppy’s collar needs to be sized just right or they are at risk of certain health and behavioral problems.. If the collar is too wise your puppy’s head cannot move freely. A collar that’s too big can easily slip off their head; one that is too tight can cause discomfort.
The key to buying a collar is to find one that’s adjustable to accommodate your puppy’s rapid growth. To ensure the proper fit, always make sure that you can slide one finger between the collar and your dog’s neck if he’s a small dog, two fingers if he’s a medium sized dog, and three for large dogs. Choose an adjustable collar that contains a buckle rather than a slide; in the case of a dog fight, slide collars can be pulled and tighten on your dog’s neck, choking them. If you have a dog with a delicate neck suck as an Italian greyhound or Chihuahua, consider getting a harness for use with leashes to prevent putting pressure on your dog’s throat.
Material is an important collar option as well. Leather is a good choice, but nylon is less expensive and an excellent option as well. Nylon collars are durable and easy to clean. Whichever material you choose, make sure you get an ID tag as well in case your puppy decides to explore a bit too far. Purchase a tag that has your current phone number and any other pertinent contact information. Consider adding your vet’s information as well, or opting to have your puppy microchipped as well as giving them an ID tag.
Chances are, you’ll need to take your dog outside the house at some point. To do that you’ll need a leash. Material is similarly important in this case; nylon is a good choice here as well. Avoid rope leashes because they tend to fray and break apart more easily. Also, they’re irresistible to many and you might find your leash has turned into a toy! Many dog owners use retractable leashes. These are easy for many owners to use but they’re not a good choice in the long run. Retractable leashes offer you little control over your dog in dangerous situations and the thin rope is easily broken. The constant tugging of the coiled leash can also desensitize your dog to pressure on their collar and encourage pulling on the leash.
The best option is a sturdy, lightweight six-foot leash. This length is a popular one because it enables you to keep your pup close by while still allowing them room to explore. And it’s close enough to make training and bonding much easier - which is a very important part of your new relationship. To ensure that your dog doesn’t pull the leash out of your hands, always put your hand through the loop and grasp the rest of the leash to absorb the force of any pulling. You might also consider adding a reflective light to the leash for when you walk your puppy in the evening and low light.
This is just a taste of what you’ll need to think about before bringing your dog home…and that’s just for collars and leashes! There’s so much more to plan and consider. Which kind of food is the best? What size and material crate should you get? Are all chew toys created equal?
Wed Aug 15, 2012 6:58 pm
