DB Dog Shop

Leashes

• Get more than one initially because you’ll need it! Start out with inexpensive nylon leads.

• Keep one handy by the door.  If you need to control your dog when unexpected guests arrive, it’s right there when you need it.

• Consider different lengths.

• A 4′ leash is good to drag around the house as they learn their place.

• A 6′ leash is good for walks

• A long lead 20′+ will help teach the come command

Collar

• Start out with a flat buckle collar or martingale collar which are harder for a dog to slip out of and typically more adjustable for growth.

• Check the collar fit often if you have a puppy. Puppies grow fast and their collar sizes must be adjusted reguarly.

Dog Food - They need to eat!

• You’ll want to at least start off with the food they had been eating so you can avoid any upset stomachs.

• If you decide to change their food, be sure to do it gradually mixing the new with the old until the original food is gone.

Dog Bowls

• We recommend stainless steel bowls – easy to clean and stands up to lots of wear and tear.

• You’ll need 2 bowls at least, one for food and one for water.

Dog Tag

• Have a dog tag made right away that includes a way to reach you.  It helps get them used to having a dog tag plus it’s the best way for them to get back home if they get lost.  

A Crate

• Crate training is a good thing plus it provides you with a safe place to contain your dog anytime you can’t supervise them

• Your new dog will appreciate a place of their own to rest

• We recommend the open-wire, foldable crates. Make sure you select the size based on the size your dog will be when ful grown.

A Dog Bed

• Naturally you’ll need something soft inside the crate for them to rest on but you can teach your dog to go to a regular dog bed on command.  This bed would be out in your family area and would be the dogs spot while in the room.

• We recommend a cushy bed made from good, sturdy materials that is easily washable. Look for the type with a removable cover.

Dog Treats

• Dogs love treats!  It’s a major tool in positive training and you’ll be starting to teach your dog commands the minute you get them.  Have lots of yummy treats handy.  Throwing one into the new crate repeatedly will help your dog learn that it’s a good place.

Baby Gate

• These are perfect for times when you would like to confine the dog to one room or keep them out of other areas of the house.

Dog Toys

• We recommend a variety of different types of dog toys so you can find out what kind of toys they like.  So if they immediately rip apart a plush toy, a chew toy would probably be better.  If they have very little interest in a chew toy, a plush toy may be better.

• It’s important to teach your dog what is their toy and what is not.  When they grab hold of something that’s not theirs, you’ll immediately want to replace it with their toy.

• For chew toys, Kong toys comes in many different shapes and sizes and can be stuffed with treats.  

• When selecting Plush toys, don’t select anything that might be confused which something that is never theirs.  For example, if you have pillows on your couch, you don’t want any toy that resembles your pillow.  Another example would be if you have small children with stuffed bears, no plush bears.

Grooming Tools

• Get a brush and nail clippers for grooming your dog. Start grooming sessions right away and it will be a lot easier later on.  Start out with short sessions with lots of praise and treats.  Massage toes and ears.  Teach them to lay on their side and move them around so you can groom where you want to.  

• Grooming is a great bonding exercise and your dog will soon learn how great it is to have someone massage and fuss over them.  They may eventually sleep through the whole session!

An Enzymatic Cleaner

• Simple Solution or Nature’s Miracle are examples of products that can be used to clean up “accidents” during the dog’s first few weeks in the home.

Books

• Breed specific information, dog care and training books are a great resource to learn about your dog and how to care for them.