Recommended Items for a New Canine Family Member
The following is a list of items you will need for your new family member:
Flat collar Used to hold your dogs tags, to provide a grip on your dog in the house, and with some dog for attaching a leash, a sturdy every day collar is a necessity. All dogs will come from rescue with a sturdy limited slip collar. When a leash is attached or the ring held, this collar will tighten just enough to prevent a dog from slipping their head out.
Leash All dogs come from rescue with a sturdy nylon leash. You may want to purchase an additional leash if you prefer leather, and some people prefer retractable leashes for extended walks.
Tag The collar your dog is wearing when you receive him/her from rescue will have a brass plate attached with information on contacting the rescue group. This should be considered a backup for your own tag. You will need to attach a tag to your dogs collar containing your name, phone number, and any additional information you would like. These tags can be purchased at most large pet stores or ordered over the internet.
License You will need to check with your City or County Animal Control office regarding local licensing laws. Most communities levy a hefty fine if you are caught with an unlicensed dog. If your dog is lost, its license is an additional way for he or she to find their way home.
Food and Water Bowls Youll need large food and water bowls which can be purchased relatively inexpensively from Petsmart, Petco, Target or Wal-Mart. Two quart stainless steel or ceramic are recommended. Be sure to get an extra bowl for water for the yard. You may want to purchase a placemat to use under your dogs bowls to eliminate any mess.
Dog food Rescue will provide a small bag of Natural Blend dog food (available at Petco) to get you started. This is the dog food that your dog has been eating while in rescue. The bag will be enough to get you through the first few days and allow you to gradually switch to another brand if you prefer. A good quality dry dog food is vital for good health. Other recommended brands are Sensible Choice, Nutro, and Natures Recipe. Stay away from dog food containing corn in any form. Dog food purchased in grocery stores is NOT quality dog food. Science Diet is NOT recommended due to its corn content. Adding canned dog food or people food to your dogs kibble is not necessary, not particularly good for them, and it is one of the best ways to teach your dog to be a picky eater. There are raw type diets which some individuals have had wonderful luck feeding their dogs. If you are interested in this route it is not a bad option, but please do some extensive research before trying it.
Food Scoop Used for measuring out your dogs food, these can be purchased at any pet store. A much less expensive and truly a better option is to purchase an inexpensive set of measuring cups or scoops (try your local 99 cent store).
Treats You will receive a small bag of treats from rescue. Any quality dog biscuit is a great treat, as are most soft liver or jerky snacks. Soft snacks are good for training because they can be broken up and fed in very small quantities. Any of the dog food rolls also can be cut in pieces and used as a treat. Just remember this is a treat and should be fed in limited quantities (no more than 3 or 4 small biscuits or the equivalent per day). Stay away from treats containing large amounts of sugar or die, and those colored and shaped to look like people food.
Brush A well groomed dog is a pleasure to have around and leaves less hair behind. For most dogs a Pin Brush and a Slicker Brush is all they need to stay looking neat and tidy. Since double coated breeds will blow their coat twice a year many people also own a shedding rake to help get all the loose hair out.
Nail Clippers Unless you plan on having your dog professionally groomed their nails will need to be trimmed regularly. Many types of nail clippers are available from most pet stores.
Shampoo Most dogs will have little odor, however they will need the occasional bath. You can take you dog to a professional groomer or do it yourself. Any shampoo made specifically for dogs will work well. Flea and Tick Products If fleas or ticks are a problem in your area please ask your vet about the various prescription topical treatments. For short term and light protection any of the Adams flea and tick products are recommended.
Toys Some dogs love toys, others are less inspired to play. Any toy that could be easily chewed up and swallowed should be avoided. This includes any of the inexpensive plastic toys available in supermarkets and other places. Kong toys, heavy rubber objects, balls large enough not to be swallowed, durable Nylabone type chews, and large stuffed toys are all great. Many Kong toys are designed so that food can be inserted for added playing enjoyment. Rawhide, hoof, and ear chews should be avoided as many dogs will bite off and swallow large pieces of these items, leading to intestinal blockage and large vet bills.
Crate or Bed Most dogs come from rescue already crate trained. Some dogs may require a crate for the first few days or weeks until they have fully adapted to their new homes, others will not. Although not all dogs require a crate, it really helps, especially if your dog turns out to have some separation anxiety. Dogs love their crates and treat them like their own private bedroom where they go for peace and quite. They are also the absolutely best way to transport a dog in the car safely and securely. Crates are not cages for locking up dogs, they are a safe place for a dog to go when they can not be supervised. There are many crate training resources on the web for more information (or just ask). If you do not use a crate your dog will need a place to call their own where they can go to rest. Many styles of dog beds are available, or an old comforter or blanket can be folded up and used.
Baby Gate Some dogs are better off confined to one part of the house (like the kitchen) when no one is home to supervise them. Baby gates are a simple way to do this. They can also be used to block off portions of the house where the dog is not allowed to go until they can be taught to stay out.
Pooper Scooper Though pick up bags can be used, most people invest in a pooper scooper for daily clean up of their yards.
Pick Up Bags Responsible dog owners clean up after their dogs at all times, including when they are out for a walk. Pooper scoopers are clumsy to carry so most people simply carry a few plastic bags. Special ones are available from the pet store, however a very inexpensive alternative is to use plastic grocery bags. Just be sure they do not have any holes!
Cleaner/Odor Remover Even with the very cleanest and well trained dog, accidents can and will happen. Microbial cleaners/odor removers really work well: Nature's Miracle and Simple Solution are both available at any PetsMart and Petco. Also, if you have an area that the odor just won't come out of, try this: 1 part water to 1 part white distilled vinegar saturate the area, allow to stand one hour, blot up with towels, rinse with clear water, blot up and allow to dry. It works well on old odors, but doesn't work very well on stains. Another effective odor remover is plain baking soda, sprinkled generously on the spot and left until the next vacuuming. For old stains, try Spot Shot or Shout's Carpet Science.
There are many other products out there, and a trip to your local pet store can be both an exciting shopping trip and rather expensive. Those products listed are the ones considered the most vital or helpful when bringing home a new dog. If you have any questions about a product, just ask!
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