We just took in a Blue Nose Pitbull puppy, and I wish I would have done my research of what I needed before he arrived. We didn’t even think about the other necessities a puppy would need. We had dog food and two toys! Don’t laugh; I’m serious, we had no idea what we were doing or what was needed. My husband and I both haven’t had a pet since we were young, so we were winging it. I highly don’t recommend that path. Be prepared! Here are some items that I wish we had from the beginning.
Food Area:
Make sure you have a pet bowl for food and water! Harley loves to get water and food all over the floor when he eats. It’s crazy, I have the food in a corner, but he will still get water all around the area. Well if I had the ONME Dog Feeding Mat, FDA Grade Silicone Waterproof Pet Food Mat, Non-Slip Dog Bowl Placemat maybe I wouldn’t have this issue! This mat is usually $40 and on sale now for $12.98! Love that price, and I’m going to buying one myself! Check out KarmaPetsfor more information on dog products.
Toys and More Toys:
Our puppy is TEETHING and oh my goodness he chews on anything! All my flip-flops and throw rugs are trashed now because he is a CHEWER! At first, we were all oohing and awwing over him chewing things but after a day or so it was not cool! So make sure you have toys they can chew on like rubber, rope, and other teething toys. Having teething toys is a major necessity.
Potty Training:
So let me tell you a puppy is just like a baby…they have no clue! Harley took to going potty outside pretty well, BUT we still have a lot of accidents in the house. We have to be trained too; we have to read the signs and make sure doors are closed. Ensure that you have Pee Pads ahead of time. Our puppy, of course, CHEWED up his pads but take it from me, you will need these pads for puppies! You will need a bottle of Potty Training Spray and Odor Eliminator for the times they do go pee in the house!
Sleeping:
Make sure to have a bed for your puppy! We didn’t and guessed what he thinks is our bed is his bed. He sleeps with us every night and sleeps through the whole night, but he is still in our bed. My husband is not a fan of this, and I don’t blame him one bit. My beautiful white bedding isn’t too white these days! Now there are all kinds of dog beds, but I’m thinking the most important is how comfortable it is and make sure it is washable! We like the American Kennel Club Orthopedic Circle Stitch Cuddler Pet Bed which is on sale for under $20 now!
Nancy
Friday 1st of June 2018
Excellent guide here Kelly. These are going to help my husband and I out next week when we get our new Poodle!! So excited.