Introducing your puppy to his new surroundings should be a transition that is a joyful and smooth experience. There are several important items that you will need to for your puppy’s first day at his new home.
You will need a leash that is durable and strong with an easy grip loop, make sure the hardware that connects the leash to the collar is attached correctly. There are several types of leashes available. The retractable leash adjusts from short to long distances by a button on the handle that is made of hard plastic so your puppy has room to explore his surroundings. The nylon leashes are soft but very durable and come in different lengths starting at 4 feet and with longer ones when your puppy is ready for obedience training.
Choosing a collar is very important making sure it is soft and thin enough for your puppy’s neck, with sturdy hardware to connect the leash and tags to. There are many choices such as nylon, leather and for obedience training the chain collar is very popular. Also for your puppy’s comfort is the harness which is made from nylon, mesh and suede and are available in thin or wide straps.
Food and water bowls come in many choices. Glass bowls and ceramic bowls are very heavy and your puppy will not be able to play with them, but are easily broken. Ceramic bowls should be lead free and dishwasher safe. Crocks and plastic bowls should be hard plastic so residue and bacteria will not be able to grow if the plastic gets dented, and dishwasher safe. The safest choice would be stainless steel they are the easiest to sanitize and clean.
Your puppy will need a soft comfortable bed to call his own. Beds come in a variety of colors and styles, with matching colors to accent your home. The beds have memory foam, fleece, gel to make your puppy feel comfortable and secure. Repurposed cotton that is recycled which is safe for the environment. The designs include cave style, round bolster style, huts that have large openings and are tall, igloo style, cots, puff ball that resembles a bean bag and a couch design.
Puppy’s need the right ingredients in their daily food for their first year to develop healthy skin, coat, bones and organs so they can grow up to be very healthy adults. The manufacturers of puppy food take serious steps to insure that the required nutrients of vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates, protein and fat are blended correctly by the guidelines of the veterinary nutritionists. Speaking with your veterinarian will help you choose the healthiest food for your puppy.
Toys for your puppy are a very important part of their life. There are many toys that will give your puppy a variety of activities to round out his day, such as chew toys for gnawing on, stuffed animals that they can cuddle with and give them comfort when they sleep. Flying discs and balls to fetch as your puppy enjoys active playing with you. Tug toys and rope which has a dual benefit of flossing their teeth. Devices that release treats developing their thinking skills. Puppy’s also love to play with squeaky toys because of the noise they make as they chew on it.
Preparing your home to welcome your new puppy is a wonderful experience. When your puppy enters his forever home with you and your family the special choices you made to make your puppy feel welcome, happy and loved will be shown to you with kisses.
Photo credit: Lisa L Wiedmeier/Flickr
