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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

We're getting a dog! Are are your 'must buys'?

31 replies

BatleyTownswomensGuild · 25/07/2020 21:50

We've held off getting a dog for years because our lifestyle just wasn't compatible. However, all the pieces have finally fallen into place over the past 12 months and we're in the position to offer a stable, loving home. We've met our dream girl today, a gorgeous 2-year old pooch and we're bringing her home in 4 weeks time! So excited. Grin

We have a whole load of dog paraphernalia to buy and prepping to do before we bring her home. And we need to dog-proof the garden. Hit me with your 'must haves' / 'best-buys'. What couldn't you live without?

OP posts:
justdoityourself · 31/07/2020 11:28

A laundry bag for washing the dog bedding without blocking the washing machine full of dog hair. I got mine from amazon.

3teens2cats · 31/07/2020 11:49

Decent coat and wellies/boots. Second an equafleece too. Brilliant things. Keep dog warmer, dryer and cleaner in the winter. Think about safety gates in the house too. You may not need them if you are letting them have the run of the house but worth thinking about. We have one on the kitchen diner which is where he is confined to overnight and if home alone. We also have one so he can't go in the little hall area by the front door. This is to stop him going upstairs without supervision (too many potential hazards in teens bedrooms) and means we can open the front door safely, no risk of him dashing.

VWCaliAdventurer · 31/07/2020 12:04

A Kong. I keep a few stuffed Kongs in the freezer and give to our dog when we go out to keep her occupied.

A Ruff & Tumble toweling coat for quick drying after a bath or wet walk.

Good walking shoes.

A waxed Barbour waterproof hat, rolls up small to keep in bag or pocket for sudden downpours.

BatleyTownswomensGuild · 31/07/2020 22:07

3teens2cats

Already on the case re: baby gates!

OP posts:
bedface · 31/07/2020 22:52

I'm sorry if a lot of this has already been said, it's hard to keep track.

We use nappy bags, far cheaper than dog bags.

Would definitely recommend a harness for walks and for the car if you're not using a crate. We use a step in one for puppies and K9 for adult dogs. They're brilliant.

Dogs have to be secured in the car so we use a bungee type attachment that we got from amazon. They clip onto rings in the boot or into seat belt clips in the back.

Chew toys you can put in the freezer for teething.

Think about what you'll do at night/when you're out. Even if you don't plan to use a crate long term, they're brilliant when toilet training/through the chewing stage and helps with separation anxiety. Good for holidays too.

We use a long retractable lead for walks but also have a fabric/leather lead with a handle that can easily be looped round table legs in pubs and on picnics. It's so handy to be able to eat your lunch without having to hold the dog lead.

Tic remover is essential
Some pet wipes or good microfibre cloth for cleaning round mucky faces, ears and eyes.

Good set of brushes suitable for your breeds coat. I like Oster.

Do lots of research about how to feed, what they're eating at the moment isn't necessarily the best thing. I find kibble and tinned food means stinky and loose poo. There are some really good dry foods now but some of it is absolute shit.

Lots of vets offer a monthly care plan which will include vaccinations, flea and wormer treatment and often other stuff like nail clipping and health checks.

Do your research on insurance, sign up for a free trial with Which. There's a vast difference in prices and types of cover.
Is it for life or annual cover?
Does it cover dental as many don't?
How much excess will you pay?
Do they stop cover over 9 yrs?

Sorry that was an essay but we have learned a lot over the years mostly by ballsing up ourselves.

Girliefriendlikespuppies · 31/07/2020 22:54

Honestly I don't think they need much, I bought my dog an expensive bed which he never slept in preferring the floor 🙄

Other than the obvious things, food, treats, collar, lead, poo bags and a few chews/toys they don't need much stuff ime.

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