Getting a new dog is an exciting thing. Most kids dream of it and even a lot of adults do.
A new puppy or a new dog from the local shelter is a fun and exciting experience, but you do need to make sure you’re prepared for it.
You’ll need toys, a crate, bedding, food and water bowls, a collar, leash, harness and much more.
This can feel overwhelming for first time owners, but Fenrir Canine Leaders is here to help and walk you through the process. We’ve even provided you with a checklist to follow.
We’ll make sure you have the basics and can figure out exactly what you need to make sure your new canine companion is comfortable and happy in their new home.
The following guide will walk you through everything you need to have.
Checklist
- Collar
- Harness
- Leash
- Food Bowl
- Water Bowl
- Bedding
- Gates
- Crate
- Waste Bags
- Puppy Pads
- Toys
- Treats
Collar, Harness, and Leash for Your New Dog
All three of these items go hand in hand. They’re the very basics.
You’ll need a dog collar for their name and rabies tags in case they get out or your leash snaps during a walk. They’ll need a quick and easy way to be identified so they can be returned to you.
Something like our Ragnar Dog Collar that features a welded D-ring to attach tags to is the perfect solution for this. It’s strong, sturdy, and you won’t have to worry about identification tags or rabies tags falling off.
Of course, if you’re going to be out and about with your dog you’ll need a good leash and no leash is complete without a harness.
Our Ragnar Harness will keep your dog safe and secure on walks. It has a welded D-ring on the clip and on the front to tackle any training or walking challenge.
Harnesses are also more secure than hooking a leash onto a collar. Your dog will have a much more difficult time slipping out of a harness than a collar and a harness is much less likely to break.
And, of course, you’ll need a good leash!
We offer a variety of leashes for all of your needs, but to start out we recommend something like our Ragnar Training Leash. It will configure to whatever needs you have during training or for regular walks.
Food and Water Bowls for Your New Dog
Every dog needs a reliable food and water dish. We recommend stainless steel or ceramic. They’re easy to clean and sanitise. They’re also more scratch resistant than plastic that can harbour a lot of nasty bacteria.
You should make sure they have a no-skid rubber bottom or a place mat under them to keep them from shifting around while your dog eats.
Properly sized dishes are also a must. It will make eating easier for your new dog and it’ll make portion control easier for you. If your food dish is the incorrect size, you may accidentally under or over feed.
There’s nothing wrong with using a measuring cup to portion your dog’s meals and vets even recommend it. That way you know your dog is getting the proper amount of food at every meal.
If you have a tall breed, you may want to get raised dishes to make it easier for them to eat. Just make sure it has a closed bottom and isn’t open. Some dogs will knock their food dishes out of the holder purposely.
You may also consider a mat to catch any water since big dogs tend to take big drinks. They get water all over even if it isn’t on purpose.
For those dogs that just won’t slow down while eating, you can try something like the Fenrir Puzzle Bowl. These are designed to make your dog pick the food out of the dish and not grab huge mouthfuls all at once.
Bedding for Your New Dog
Everyone needs a comfortable place to lay at night. A dog bed will be large enough to comfortably fit and support your dog without being difficult to get in or out of.
You can even find dog beds that use the same type of memory foam as human mattresses. These are great for helping to reduce strain on joints. This is especially important for large dog breeds.
A good bed will also help to regulate their body temperature while napping, so that they do not overheat or become too cold.
It’s also important to make sure that your dog’s bed is machine washable or comes with covers that can be removed for washing and replaced. Accidents happen, especially with new puppies.
Gates for Your New Dog
There are certain areas of your home that you may need to keep off-limits to your new dog while they acclimate or rooms that they aren’t allowed in at all.
Gates are a great way to help set these boundaries in a manner that your dog can physically see. It will help keep them wandering without constant supervision.
The goal is to find a gate that works for you and your dog, but doesn’t take up too much space or obstruct your own path. They make gates that you can open in the middle to step through and then close up again.
A Crate for Your New Dog
Crates are valuable training tools as well as a safe space for your dog to be.
They give them a space to retreat to when feeling afraid or overwhelmed. Your dog should feel safe in their crate. It isn’t a punishment.
They can be used to help with housetraining, separation anxiety, bedtime, and so much more.
You want to make sure that you select a crate that’s large enough for your dog to comfortably stand, lay down, and walk in a circle. It should be placed where your dog is comfortable and preferably where they can still see you.
You can also try lining the bottom of the crate with a nap mat or blanket, but be careful. You should monitor your new dog to make sure they don’t chew or rip up the kennel lining. They could ingest it and become ill.
Waste Bags
This is one of those items you may not consider until you need one, but you will be needing one at some point or another.
Whether you’re out in a public area or just in your backyard, you’ll want to pick up after your dog and keep things clean.
They also come in handy for when accidents happen in the house.
It’s also important to consider bags like our biodegradable Poo Bags. We know consumers are being more conscious of the environment and the impact plastics have, so we want to help you and your dog lessen your impact on the globe.
Puppy Pads for Your New Dog
Whether young or old, your new dog may need some extra help with house training.
Puppies especially are prone to accidents so it’s a good idea to keep some puppy pads around.
They can be used in the bottom of a kennel to help absorb accidents that happen overnight or during nap time and they can be used to help reduce accidents in the house in general.
Ideally you’ll be home with your new dog more often than not, but training them to use a pad on the rare occasion you have to step out for a little while can make things less stressful for the both of you.
Toys for Your New Dog
This is every dog’s favourite part. New toys!
Whether you’re adopting a new puppy or a new dog from a local shelter, they’ll need chew toys and things to play with.
Our Fenrir Hammers and Dragon Eggs are great for chewing, fetch, playing alone (with supervision of course!), and can even be stuffed and frozen for a cool and long lasting treat.
Freezing the hammer or egg is also great for puppies while they’re teething as the cold can soothe sore gums.
For interactive play, you can try our Jute Tug Toy. It’s tough and durable enough to stand up to game after game of tug-o-war with even the biggest of canine companions.
Conclusion
Now that you know all of the things you’ll need to buy for your new dog, we hope you feel more prepared for their arrival.
Getting a new dog is as fun as it is nerve wracking, but it’s certainly well worth the journey. With this list of basics by your side, you and your dog are set up for success.
If you have any more questions about our products or need help choosing, please contact us. We’re happy to help you pick out the perfect items for your new canine companion.