Today’s post is crucial for any first-time dog parents – we’re breaking down the top seven essential items you need when welcoming a new furry friend into your home. From quality dog food, like The Farmer’s Dog, to practical and comfortable leashes, beds, toys, grooming supplies, and crate training essentials, we’ll guide you to make informed choices for your pup’s health and happiness. So, if you’ve recently adopted a new canine companion or plan to soon, read on to ensure you’re well-prepared for this exciting adventure.
1. Quality Dog Food
The first essential is quality dog food. Diet plays a crucial role in your dog’s overall health, energy levels, and longevity. While it can be tempting to opt for the more economical brands, these often contain fillers and by-products that aren’t nutritionally beneficial for your furry friend. Instead, I recommend investing in a higher quality diet.
For the past four years, Buddha has been thriving on The Farmer’s Dog. It’s a service that provides fresh, human-grade dog food, customized for your dog’s nutritional needs. I firmly believe this switch to fresher food has been a significant factor in Buddha’s excellent health and vitality in his senior years.
The benefits of a fresh food diet are numerous, including better digestion, healthier skin and coat, increased energy, and overall improvement in health. But the real proof for me is seeing Buddha, now close to setting the record for the oldest English Bulldog, bounding around like a dog half his age!
To make this kind of diet more budget-friendly, we’ve found success in mixing fresh food with high-quality dry food. This combination provides the nutritional benefits of fresh food while extending its longevity and making it more affordable.
Today’s post is crucial for any first-time dog parents – we’re breaking down the top seven essential items you need when welcoming a new furry friend into your home. From quality dog food, like The Farmer’s Dog, to practical and comfortable leashes, beds, toys, grooming supplies, and crate training essentials, we’ll guide you to make informed choices for your pup’s health and happiness. So, if you’ve recently adopted a new canine companion or plan to soon, read on to ensure you’re well-prepared for this exciting adventure.
2. Comfortable Dog Bed
A good night’s sleep is vital for your pup’s health and happiness, and the right dog bed can make all the difference. My top recommendation for dog beds is the range offered by Costco. They provide a variety of sizes and styles that are both extremely affordable and super comfortable.
We’ve found that Buddha and Vivian love their Costco beds – the soft materials and cozy design make for a perfect snooze spot. Another tip from our household is to have multiple beds in different areas of your home. This ensures your dog always has a comfortable place to rest, whether they’re following you into the home office or lounging by the living room TV.
They are also super easy to clean, simply throw them in the wash and they are as good as new. No complicated disassembly required. If you need to touch up a spot, check out our article on our two favorite ways to quickly clean those pesky pet stains.
If you’re introducing a new dog into the family, remember to keep separate beds for each pet. This gives each one their own space and helps avoid any territorial disputes.
For new puppies, having a bed or set of blankets inside their crate can provide extra comfort and a sense of security. The Costco range includes options suitable for crates, ensuring even your crated pup enjoys a comfy night’s sleep.
Remember, the key to picking the right bed is understanding your dog’s size, favorite sleeping positions, and any unique needs they might have, such as orthopedic support for older dogs like Buddha or chew-resistant materials for young, teething pups like Vivian once was.
3. Toys
Toys are essential for your puppy’s mental and physical wellbeing. They provide much-needed stimulation, help with teething, and can aid in building a strong bond between you and your pup.
One of our top picks for puppies is the KONG Classic Dog Toy. It’s durable, bouncy, and can be stuffed with puppy-safe treats or peanut butter to keep your little fur ball entertained. Buddha used to love his when he was a pup, and it was a lifesaver during his teething phase.
For teething puppies, we also recommend the Nylabone Puppy Teething Pacifier. It’s specially designed to soothe aching gums, and it’s a fantastic tool for promoting clean teeth and preventing plaque buildup.
Lastly, for a fun and mentally stimulating game, we love the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy. Vivian adored this toy as a puppy – she couldn’t get enough of finding and fetching those squeaky squirrels from the plush tree trunk.
Remember, it’s best to rotate toys to keep your puppy interested and stimulated. Also, always supervise playtime, especially with new toys or for pups that are heavy chewers. Happy playing!
4. Grooming Supplies
Maintaining your pup’s hygiene not only keeps them looking good but also promotes their health. Essential grooming supplies typically include a brush, nail clippers, and dog-friendly shampoo.
For brushing, we’ve found the FURminator deShedding Tool to be a lifesaver, especially for dogs with longer hair like Vivian. It reaches through the topcoat to remove loose hair and undercoat without damaging the topcoat or cutting the skin. Plus, it significantly reduces shedding, which, trust me, is a big win for maintaining a cleaner home.
When it comes to nail clippers, we recommend the Boshel Dog Nail Clippers. They’re sturdy, safe, and come with a safety guard to prevent over-cutting. Plus, they have a handy nail file stored in the handle.
For shampoo, we love Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo. It’s gentle, effective, and comes in various scents. The oatmeal and aloe version is great for pups with sensitive skin.
Remember, grooming isn’t just about maintaining your dog’s appearance. It’s an excellent opportunity to check for any skin issues, ticks, or abnormalities. Plus, it’s a bonding experience between you and your pet. Vivian, in particular, loves her grooming time, and Buddha has certainly come around to it in his golden years. Happy grooming!
5. Crate or Dog Gates
Crate training can be an effective way to establish a routine for your new pup and help them feel secure. It’s important to choose a crate that is robust and easy to clean, but above all, the size of the crate is paramount.
Our top pick for a crate is the Midwest iCrate Single Door & Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate. It’s sturdy, easy to assemble, and comes with a divider that allows you to adjust the size as your puppy grows.
Remember, the crate should only be large enough for your puppy to turn around, lie down, and stand without touching the top. Giving them too much space can lead to them designating a corner for ‘bathroom breaks’ – something you definitely want to avoid!
A puppy playpen can also be a useful tool. It gives your pup a safe space to play when you can’t provide your undivided attention. Look for one that’s sturdy and provides enough room for your puppy to play without offering too much space.
In the early days, Stephanie and I found it very useful to have a playpen for Vivian. It was a great way for her to burn off some puppy energy while we took care of household tasks or gave Buddha a bit of downtime.
One final note: Remember, a crate or playpen should never be used as a form of punishment. It’s a safe space for your dog, a place they can associate with comfort and security.
That’s it for our list of essential items for new dog owners. Remember, each dog is unique, and their needs can vary. So, while this list provides a good starting point, always consider your pup’s specific needs and consult with your vet or a pet professional for personalized advice. Happy parenting!