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My daughter recently convinced us that we needed a puppy. We already have an almost 11 year old boxer but as she said she’s had never had a puppy before. But truthfully it was time for our family to get another dog. Before we brought home Duke, a boxer puppy, we made sure we had some key items.
Crate
We use a crate to assist in training our dogs. You only want a crate that is as big as the dog so that they will not potty in one side of the crate and sleep in the other. However, when you have a puppy you want the crate to be able to fit him when he is fully grown so that you are not purchasing multiple crates. Good news most metal crates come with a divider so that the crate will grow with your dog. I also prefer a solid bottom on the crate so that if there is an accident it will not get on your floor and it will be more comfortable for your dog. The metal crates also fold down fairly small which is good for us when we go camping and the crate comes with us.
You could put a bed in the bottom of the crate, however having a puppy means there will be accidents! I much prefer to use old blankets so that they can be washed as needed.
Nylabones
Puppies like to chew and if you do not want your furniture or carpet to become their chew toy I recommend a couple of bones. This Nylabone (soft with nubs) my puppy has enjoyed since the first day we brought him home.
Toys
Other items that my puppy likes to chew on are fabric toys and rope toys. My puppy seemed to prefer toys that did not have a lot of stuffing, provided lots of areas to chew on, crinkled and squeaked. These toys are a great way to play with your puppy and burn off energy.
Carpet Cleaner
More than likely there will be a couple of accidents with a new puppy, so you do want to be prepared with a good carpet cleaner.
You will also need dog food (we used this) and bowls.
Is there anything that I missed?
This is a great list. It will definitely be very useful to people getting new puppies. We are actually considering getting one.
Thank you Katherine!
Great list…and such a cute pup!
Thank you for sharing with us at #MommyMeetupMondays!
Thank you!
We just got a puppy when I was pregnant with our second child so I completely know what you are going through. Crate training saved out lives. Scooby is over one and still uses it. Another item that we couldn’t live without was a bitter apple spray to prevent chewing. Since our puppy destroyed every toy we bought him within days, we resorted to mostly buying him deer antlers. They are tough, safe for dogs to chew and keeps him busy! I wish you the best of luck with your new puppy! I’m sure your kids are pumped.
#mommymeetupmondays
Tori
http://www.themamanurse.com
Thank you for the suggestion Tori! He’s chewing a lot on bones but so far hasn’t touched the furniture – *fingers crossed* 🙂