What do we need for a puppy?

[kayzisexpecting]

We are looking into getting a puppy and my mind is a bit blank about what we need.

On the list so far is:
Bed
Collar
Lead
Bowls
Toys
Brush/comb
Crate

We can't think of anything else at the minute that we might need.

Thanks

The time and place of a good puppy training class and loads of patience!
I think there have been other threads on toilet-training, which was the worst thing for me (besides from the ankle-biting) - might be worth a search.

We are going to look for puppy classes when we get the puppy.

I was going to say patience!!!

Don't get any type of bed which can be chewed...

Get a bigger crate than you think you need.

Lots of kitchen roll and disinfectant spray

I would recommend you start reading a good puppy book too - I like Gwen Bailey's Perfect Puppy.

Good luck!

We have loads of books including that one. We also have the It's Me Or The Dog one. Both are really good.

We're still not 100% on what breed we would like so we're also reading up on breeds we like.

pet insurance & dog guard for the car

breed we like: Border Terrier.

We love Border Collies, Labradors and Spaniels. I really love Shih Tzu's and Scottish Terriers but DH isn't as keen.

I really want a King Charles Spaniel but DH saw that program about dog breeding and about their skulls not being big enough for their brains so he is putting his foot down.

Get some old blankets and towels from charity shop - no point in buying new.
Aso when you are ready to choose puppy and find a breeder, take (or send) a blanket that the breeder can put in with the puppies and mummy dog so that when you take the pup away it has a comfort blanket.

From the vet you can get something called DWP - its a pheremone spray that calms puppies when seperated from the mum. It will help your new pup settle - and stop you from getting too many disturbed nights.

As far as breeds - we have a springer spaniel. She is the perfect family pet and as I also grew up with a springer I would have no hesitation in reccomending the breed.

Good luck x

We both love Springer spaniels and they are high on our list.

There are just so many breeds to choose from.

My puppy is 11 weeks old (border terrier cross) and here are some of the other things I got;
Special deodourising cleaner for accidents around the house(normal disninfectant still leaves a smell that the puppies can find and encourages them to carry on going there)
Biological washing powder - for washing soiled bedding/ rugs etc, again this is needed to get rid of the smell
A bitter apple type anti-chewing spray for your furniture
Crate for the car if its going to travel about a bit. (I have 2yr old dog who took ages to get used to the car as a puppy and kept being sick (and worse), my new puppy is in a small carry crate in the car and is much happier travelling, I'm sure its because he feel safer and more secure.
and plenty of money for vaccinations microchips, wormer etc.
What Alibean means is a DAP, (dog appeasing pheremone) can be brought as a spray or a plug in diffuser, I have a plug in, my pup was unsettled for the first 3 nights but now sleeps fine. (I also used a radio and tickclock next to him to help him settle). You can get these online aswell as from the vets.
I do love springers, but prefer border collies, both lovely intelligent dogs with lots of energy!
Have fun with your puppy!

Thanks.

I will look into the pheremone.

I couldn't stop myself looking at the pet stall on the market at all the squeaky toys and beds today. We're not planning on getting a puppy until after xmas but I can't help looking at everything.

We soon gave up on the squeaky toys as, being a Border, our dog 'kills' them instantly.

A 'Kong' is good - fill it with peanut butter and it keeps them amused for ages (except that you can never find it subsequently).

Also, a good book is 'the dog whisperer' - the author is a bit barking (!) but her advice on sleeping with the new pup worked for us - my DH had one snuffly night on the sofa with her and she has slept like a dream since then

INSURANCE

PS another vote for springer spaniels here!

Kayz my lovely, i really would advise against doing anything for a few months especially with that little parcel you are about to deposit vv soon. We got our pup when DS was 9 mth old. I then found out I was preggers again and now here we are 9mth later and although i love our pup it is vvvv hard work. I found it hard enough coping with all the toilet training and puppy classes I cant imagine doing it with a newborn as well. Give yourselves a chance and look into it again when the wee one is a few months old as having a puppy is very much like having a newborn, and you will already have one of those.

Definately agree with jaminmywellies! I love my 6 month old lab but puppies are mighty hard work and require almost as much attention as a newborn (minus the night feeds)!!!

I would certainly recommend labs as great family pets. Ours is wonderful with the children.

Actually, I agree with the last 2 posters.
I remember feeling something akin to PND when we first had our puppy, and my youngest was 4!

It would be a very taxing thing to enter in to when you're already going to be feeling stretched.

Sorry to be negative - she's a gorgeous pet, but, yes, a puppy does need a lot of attention.

a mop and bucket

for all the wees in the house

hope you havent got carpets - least our downstairs was wooden floors

makes it like an ice rink when he runs - all 4 paws go in oppoiste directions!!