PUPPY AND TRAINING SUPPLIES

It is important that you are well equipped and have the necessary training supplies before you pick your puppy up and bring him/her home. Puppy training should start from day one and there are a few basic things you will need.

Collar and Lead

These are two items which definitely need to be a part of the training supplies for your new puppy. You will most probably need to start off with a small collar and then as he grows acquire a larger one. There are great supplies of puppy collars and leads in the market. A soft nylon or narrow leather collar is the best type for training, but this obviously depends on the size of your puppy. It should not be too big or too loose. Puppies are active and if the collar is too loose it could catch on something and strangle the puppy. You should be able to fit two fingers between the puppy's neck and the collar.

There are many types of leads available, including matching collar and lead sets. You need something that is practical for training your puppy and walking him/her once the puppy is fully vaccinated.

Avoid the chain collars and leads. The choke chain is outdated and if used incorrectly can cause a lot of damage to the puppy's neck and back. A chain lead can hurt your hands if you need to gather the lead up. It is also much more awkward to use. The soft webbed leads are the best.

Bumbag or Treat Holder

Part of your puppy supplies should be a bumbag or treat holder which wraps around your waist. These are great when training your puppy as they make it much easier to have the treats accessible rather than fiddling around with plastic bags or leaving smelly crumbs in your pockets. You will also be able to keep supplies of other necessities such as poo bags, and other puppy training tools, eg. clicker if you choose to use one, money, keys, etc.

Toys

Toys are another necessity you will need to have on hand when puppy comes home. Squeaky toys can be useful when training as an alternative to treat rewards. Instead, if you are doing a little training with your puppy and he does some good work throw a toy as a reward and have a play with him/her.

Chew toys are a necessary part of your supplies, especially for those first 12 months or so when the puppy is growing and teething. By training him/her to chew these instead of your shoes, or whatever else might come his/her way, you can alleviate much frustration.

Water and Food Bowls

Not really a part of your puppy training supplies but a necessity to have ready for when puppy comes home to you. You might need to start off with smaller bowls and as your puppy grows larger then buy larger bowls.

Food Supplies

It is always best to be in touch with the breeder before picking your puppy up and check what food (see our dog feeding page) and/or supplement supplies the puppy will need. If you buy your puppy on the spur of the moment (not recommended) make sure you purchase all your puppy and training supplies so that you are prepared for when you get him home.

Bedding and Blankets

You will need to prepared for puppy's homecoming by having some soft bedding and blankets for him/her to lie on. It will depend on the breed type and size of your puppy as to what sort or bed you purchase. For a great range of bedding visit www.familypet.com.

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