Dog Supplies - Get The Right Stuff For Your New Pet

Brining a new dog into your home is an exciting time for the whole family, not to mention the dog. Whether it's a new puppy, or an older dog being rescued from the animal shelter, there are a lot of things you are going to need to have for this new addition.The first dog supplies you should buy, before you even bring the dog home, are a food and water bowl, collar, leash, food and a bed. If you have another dog in the home and were thinking of having them both share a bowl, think again. Sometimes a new dog can be aggressive, or be attacked when trying to feed in a joint bowl. It's best to let the dog know what is his, for food and water.You also need the food to fill that bowl. If you are bringing home a puppy, make sure the food you select is age appropriate and will give him all the vitamins he needs for a growing puppy body. You may want to call your family veterinarian for advice on which food to use. For an older dog, there is a little more flexibility, since their body has done most of its growing. You may still want to check with your vet on what would be best. This is especially important if you are taking on a dog with medical issues.Depending on if you will have to take your dog for a walk, or are going to do obedience training, you may or may not need a leash, but you will need to add a collar to your dog supplies list. Collars, with identification, are good to have to make sure your dog can be returned to you, if he gets out, and also as a way to grab a hold of him if you need to get his attention.

Dog beds are essential in your dog supplies. All dogs need to feel as if they have a space that is all their own, and this bed will be their safe haven.Now that you have the basics you don't want your dog to be bored or boring, so make sure there are some fun dog supplies in his life. When it comes to toys, dogs are like kids, some will like one toy, and some will like another. It's a game of trial and error to figure out what will work for your new pet. One thing you should not do is teach your dog that stuffed animals are toys, if you have children in the house. He will think their stuffed animals are his too, because you've taught him they're fair game.You have foods you enjoy as a treat, so should your dog. There are a number of dog treats on the market that most dogs would approve. These can be used as reinforcement when the dog does something you want him to, or just because you are both lounging on the sofa watching a sitcom. Just like candy and cake in humans, don't overdo the dog treats; it can make for a pooch with a sick stomach. By Jennifer Akre