Equipment and Advice
If you are planning on having your dog live outside he will need somewhere waterproof to sleep. It is good to raise the kennel off the ground for extra insulation. And remember, your puppy is going to get a lot bigger.
Bedding is going to be used as a toy for the first year. Stuffing will be ripped out, possibly within minutes, causing a choking hazzard, and a lot of mess.
We use inexpensive fleecies that are quick to wash and dry and can be replaced easily. As your dog gets older you can consider more permanent bedding.
Cleaning products. You are likely to have quite a bit of cleaning to do. Wipes and doggy bags are quick and easy. Gloves can also be useful. Teach children who are helping the importance of good hand hygine.
It is a good idea to restrict your puppy to easy to clean areas untill he is fully house trained.
Remember, house training is a one off event. It will not last forever.
A collar needs to be strong enough so it does not break when your dog pulls, leather is good. Make sure the fastening is strong as well, I like to use a buckle. Remember to check that your puppy’s collar has not got too tight as he is growing.
Puppies chew everything. A stainless steel food dish is ideal as it is very durable. Choose a shape that will not be easy to knock over, and a size that will continue to be big enough for your dog’s food as he grows.
There are many ways to transport your puppy safely. For a young puppy, a dog carrier secured in the vehicle is a good option. You can also carry your puppy from the car in the dog carrier when you arrive at your destination.
As he grows and calms down, harnesses and car grills are both effective alternatives.
A high quality puppy food is going to give your puppy a good start, hopefully helping avoid medical problems in later life. During the first eighteen months it pays to buy the best food you can. Your puppy has been on Black Hawk puppy food, medium size. Talk to your vet about the foods available.
A water dish should be strong (old pans without their handles are fantastic), and big enough to hold a day’s water. Like the food dish, it should be a shape that is not easy to tip over. Make sure you puppy has easy access to drinking water throughout the day.
Puppies chew their leads and can damage them: make sure you choose a thick, durable one (a metal chain lead will solve the chewing problem, and will also be strong). Make sure the clasp where the lead attaches to the collar is goood quality and easy to use. The handle should be thick enough that it does not hurt your hand if your puppy pulls.
Puppies love to play. If you want your shoes and socks to last, a few toys will be a good alternative. Toys need to be durable. Buying from a reputable pet store might be more expensive, but the toys could last a lot longer. Avoid red as dogs find it difficult to see, and look out for choking hazzards.
We also reccomend pet insurance. We try our best to ensure our puppies are given a good start, however there is no NHS for dogs, and even the best looked after puppy can get sick or be involved in an accident. Vet bills can be very expensive. A good health insurance can save a lot of stress if your new family member needs medical attention. It is a good idea to check that your puppy is covered from the day you bring them home. (Some insurance companies don’t offer this. Let them know the breeder has had a vet check done, and shop around if necessary) See our FAQ page for more info on this.
Northbrook Kennels 