The Basics

_____ Buckle collar: leather or non-stretch material. Make sure it is “2-fingers” snug and can’t come off.

_____ Leash: strong clasp and thick leather or double-ply woven for your comfort.

_____ ID tag: With your phone number, attached securely to collar.

_____ Water and food bowls: use stainless steel or ceramic with no painting in the inside. Plastic can absorb bacteria and smell.

_____ Dog Food: gradually change over to the food of your choice. Use a good grade of dog food. Premium dog food can lead to lower vet bills. Dry food is good for teeth and digestion.

              No table scraps: feeding table scraps encourages begging. It’s your job to keep food out of reach.

_____ Biscuits: avoid those with food coloring. Use to reward good behavior.

_____ Crate:an invaluable tool, especially at the beginning. Avoid crating a dog for more than 5 hours. Place safe toys inside. Folding crates are also ideal for traveling. If the dog chews on crate bars, get the Vari-kennel or airline crate. Make sure the crate is large enough for dog when full grown.

_____ Organic apple cider vinegar: a little added to water bowl daily can help digestion and deter fleas.

_____ Baby gates: a good confinement alternative. Make sure dog can’t get head/paws caught in gate, can’t chew threw or knock down the gate or jump the gate.

_____ Pet-specific cleaners: such as Simple Solution or Nature’s Miracle, available from pet supply stores. They remove pet stains and odors.

_____ Flea and Tick Preventative (e.g., Frontline, Advantix)

_____ Heartworm Preventative (prescription, available from your vet)

Training Essentials

_____ Harness (Easy Walk Harness or two-step harness for pullers)

_____ Training Rewards Treats

_____ Chew Deterrent (e.g., Bitter Apple or Yuck)

Grooming Supplies

_____ Brush:  brush daily; good for skin and can be better than bathing.

_____ Nail Clippers

_____ Styptic Powder  ( for clipping nails)

_____ Dog Shampoo

_____ Ear Cleaner

_____ Grooming Wipes (for between bath cleanups)

_____ De-shedding Tool  (eg., Furminator)

Bedding and Travel

_____ Bedding:  easy to clean, thick enough for comfort.

_____ Car Seat Covers ( protect seats)

_____ All Purpose Dog Blanket

Toys & Misc.

_____ Toys:  use safe chew toys, such as non-rawhide-based chew-strips.  Soft toys are good for some dogs, but others will pull them apart, so remove if this happens.

_____ Kong Toys:  ( chewing and keeping dogs occupied in their crate )

_____ For Puppies:  Teething Chew Toys ( e.g., Chilly Bone or Ruff Puppy Teethers )

_____ Long Lasting Chew Bones: ( e.g., Nylabones, natural bones, marro bones )

_____ Clean-up Bag Dispenser for Leash: ( e.g., Bags on Board )

_____ Dog Behavior or Training Book

Download Shopping list: Dog Shopping List