Dog & Puppy Checklist

A puppy can be a wonderful addition to your household. They are playful and quickly become a very important member of your family.   Below are some suggestions of supplies CARE recommends.  Please see a CARE volunteer or a pet store employee to assist you in locating any needed supplies.

Dog Food:
Your puppy is currently eating Natural Balance dry puppy food.  We have found Natural Balance to be a good well balanced food for your growing puppy.  If you choose to change there food be sure to slowly wean them off of the Natural Balance while incorporating their new food into their daily diet.

Crates / Beds:
Crate training is essential to quickly and effectively make your puppy an accepted member of the family.  Dogs are den animals by nature and will feel more secure (especially in a new environment) if they have a place that’s just for them. Pick a crate that is big enough so the dog can stand and lie down in comfortably but also grow with your pet. Too much room will allow your puppy to eliminate in one end of the crate and sleep in the other end thus making training more difficult. To prevent this, optional crate dividers are available allowing you to expand your pet’s space as he grows. Be sure to select a soft comfortable bed for inside your new puppy’s crate.

Collars and Leashes:
A wide variety of collars, harnesses and matching leashes are available. Select a collar with enough room for growth but not so large as to allow your puppy to chew on it while he is wearing it. When a collar is adjusted properly, you should be able to slip 2 fingers easily between the dog and the collar, but the collar should not be able to slip over the head unless unbuckled.  Getting your puppy used to a collar / harness and leash early will ease the training process later.

ID Tags / Microchipping:
An ID tag is a necessary item that attaches to your pets collar for identification should you and your pet become separated.   Microchipping gives even more protection against a loss pet by the implantation of a small microchip into the animal.  Consult your vet for further information.

Food and Water Bowls:
Pet bowls are made to facilitate easy cleaning. You may choose from ceramic or stainless steel, individual dishes or double diners. Non-tip dishes are designed to make it harder for your playful new pet to tip his dish over while pet placemats are available to contain any dish overflow. Remember to wash your dog’s bowl daily to prevent bacteria from forming.

Treats:
Treats are a great way to supplement your pet’s diet. Choices include: bones, jerky snacks, cookies or nuggets in different shapes and sizes both vitamin enriched and regular. You may also use treats in the training process as a reward for a job well done. You can use stale or frozen bagels as a fun, long lasting treat for your dog.

Grooming: Shampoo/Comb/Brush/Dental:
Because the pH level in a dog’s skin is different from ours, it is important to use shampoos designed specifically for use on puppies or dogs.  Be sure to select a brush designed for your dogs coat.  Dental brushes and pastes are available to care for your dog’s teeth. Brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis will prevent future problems.

Stain Removers and Deodorizers:
There are various pet stain removers and deodorizers that will help remove puppy stains from your carpet if an accident should occur while training is in progress. It is important to not only remove the stain but also the odor since the odor is what will attract your dog back to that same spot.