What to Buy
You’ll need certain basic pieces of equipment before you bring your new puppy home. Always buy good-quality items from well-established retailers. It costs more in the long run to buy cheaper equipment that doesn’t last as long and could be dangerous.
The first priority is to select a bed for your puppy to sleep on. There is a wide variety of types to choose from, including dog baskets and dog “nests,” or you could use something as simple as a large fluffy blanket folded over several times. Cotton-filled dog beds or duvets are light and colorful. If possible, choose one with a removable cover for washing. If you prefer to use a basket, choose a tough plastic type that will resist chewing. Wicker baskets may look attractive, but they are not very sturdy and if chewed can form dangerous spikes that may injure a puppy. Whichever you choose, to save on cost, make sure that it’s big enough to continue to be comfortable for your dog as he grows, especially if you have acquired one of the larger breeds.
Choose a bed that is tough, durable, and easy to keep clean. Avoid beds made of unsafe material such as wicker, which is easily broken, often producing dangerous spikes.
Puppy Tip
Try using a large cardboard box lined with blankets to make a good temporary bed for a young puppy during his first days in his new home.
Puppy Pen or Crate
The largest and most expensive item that you will need for the puppy is his “den,” ideally in the form of a sturdy puppy pen or crate. This is where the puppy will sleep and where he will be left when you can’t spend time with him. It should be in place before you bring the puppy home so that he associates it with his new home and does not have to become accustomed to it after he has settled in.
A pen or crate is important, because puppies are vulnerable to injury and should not be allowed to wander around on their own when unattended. They may even find a way out of the house and get lost. When you have other tasks around the house that you have to attend to, you can place the puppy in his crate, safe in the knowledge that he cannot come to harm. In addition, the puppy will feel more secure and gain a stronger sense of “belonging” by knowing he has his own special place. The crate should be big enough to contain his bed, drinking bowl, and a selection of chews and toys to prevent him from getting bored (see below). Don’t leave your puppy in the crate for long hours of the day. If you must, give him something to play with, and ensure you let him out regularly to relieve himself. Dogs are naturally clean and will not foul their sleeping area, unless they have no other alternative. Your pup may not be fully in control of his eliminations until around six months old, so don’t confine him for long periods until he ends up fouling his sleeping area.
Introducing your puppy to his crate
Buy a crate that will accommodate your puppy once he is fully grown. Cover three sides with a blanket, so that it resembles a den. Dogs are den-dwelling animals, and this will help to give your puppy a natural feeling of security. Help your puppy to understand that the crate is his place. He should associate it with pleasure, comfort, and security—a place where he can relax and not be disturbed. The crate should not be used as a punishment but should always have positive associations. Try to accustom your puppy to his crate in stages, instead of expecting him to take to it immediately. If your puppy is to sleep in his crate from his first night, you will need to introduce it to him regularly during his first day with you. Put his bed and a couple of safe toys in the crate. Also include a water bowl (buy one with a holder that secures to the side of the crate).
Collar and leash
A simple leather or nylon buckle collar is fine, but make sure you attach an identification tag giving your name and address in case he gets lost. For safety, remove the collar when leaving your puppy unsupervised in his pen/crate. There are a wide variety of leashes made of hemp, leather, or nylon. Plaited or rolled leather styles are more expensive, but also long-lasting and comfortable. Meshed nylon is flexible, durable, and relatively cheap. For your own comfort and your dog’s safety, avoid chain collars and leads. Take time in introducing your puppy to his collar. Allow him a few moments to sniff it before you attach it, and choose a time when he is calm and relaxed.
There is a wide variety of colors and styles of collar and leash to choose from. The best are made from hard-wearing leather or nylon mesh.
Getting puppy used to his crate
Leave the door open initially, so that puppy can wander in and out at will. Play with him, and give him meals and treats in there. If he falls asleep elsewhere, put him in his bed in the crate, so that he will awaken there. This helps him view the bed and crate as his sleeping place. As he gets used to the crate, feed him in there and shut the door. Leave him for a few moments after he has finished eating, and then open the door, so he can come out when he wants. Soon the puppy will see the crate as a good place to be—his little sanctuary. Gradually increase the time that the door is shut when he is inside (two minutes, five minutes, seven minutes, ten minutes) but ensure he has something to do, for example, a chew toy or Kong to play with. If he starts demanding to be let out by barking or whining, don’t give in—say nothing, stay out of sight, and wait until he is quiet for at least three seconds, then let him out.
Toys and chews
Your puppy will need a variety of chews in order to exercise his teeth and jaws. Chewing is very important for a puppy to soothe the discomfort of teething. This usually occurs around four to five months, as the “puppy teeth” are replaced, and again around seven months, when the adult teeth bed down in the jaw. The latter stage can cause intense irritation and may last for several months. If you do not provide suitable items, the pup will find other things to chew, possible causing serious damage to your home. There are plenty of edible chews on the market, including rawhide and large marrow bones, and inedible chews such as nylon bones. Offer a selection, as some puppies might prefer something hard to chew while others like soft things to gnaw on. Whatever the puppy chews must be safe and not likely to break into dangerous pieces. Never give cooked bones for this reason. You should also steer clear of small rawhide chews (such as those made into the shape of a slipper), because they can unravel and become stuck in the puppy’s throat. They are made to appeal to people rather than dogs.
Warning
Never use a choke (or “check”) chain under any circumstances. They are dangerous for puppies as well as adult dogs, causing serious throat damage.
When choosing toys and chews, make sure they can stand up to rough treatment without causing danger to the puppy. Watch out for small, sharp pieces that may break off and get swallowed, and for sharp splinters.
Safe toys
A wide selection of toys is very important for your puppy’s happiness and mental development. Toys can be used as rewards, training aids, to alleviate boredom, stress, and anxiety, and, most importantly, as a focus for the interaction between dog and owner. Normal dog behavior, which may be unacceptable in a human environment, can be redirected through the use of toys. It is better to chase a ball or a Frisbee rather than a rabbit, cat, or child. It is preferable to chew a stuffed Kong rather than the furniture or your best shoes. Training problems can often be improved by using a toy. Some puppies are motivated with the prospect of playing with a toy after giving the correct response to a command. There are many excellent toys on the market, made of safe, natural materials and, of course, owners can always improvise and make their own. Toys should always be chosen with safety in mind. Avoid thin-walled plastic toys, particularly those containing squeakers, as they can be easily chewed and swallowed. When choosing balls, make sure they are too big to be swallowed. Golf balls can be lethal, as can tennis balls, which puncture easily.
It’s important to remember that puppies will not automatically play with their toy when left alone and may need some encouragement. Owners should play with them and motivate and arouse interest. Games should be interactive, challenging, and fun.
Use toys during playtime to make games fun and interactive and get everyone involved. It will enhance your puppy's mental and social development.
Toys and games
If used correctly, toys can keep puppies mentally alert, challenged, and interested in their environment, as well as helping to develop sound relationships with their human family. It is important that owners control the use of toys. They should be kept in a cupboard or box, and the puppy should be given just one or two at a time. Owners should start and finish games and then put the toy away. By doing this, the puppy’s interest will be maintained and the owner will be more involved in the play. The owner will also learn which toys the dog finds most rewarding
Balls are good toys for games that involve chasing, but make sure that they are made of safe materials (such as hard rubber and nylon) and the right size for your puppy.
Play can be divided into three types of game: chasing, possession, and chewing. Try to select toys that satisfy these instincts.
– Games of chase: Balls are an obvious choice for “games of chase,” provided that they are a suitable size. Rubber Kongs, which travel in unpredictable directions, are also great fun, as are rubber rings and pull toys, Frisbees, balls on ropes, and rubber rings. One advantage of this type of toy is that the owner must participate and should control the game. The puppy should be taught to sit (see page 80) before the toy is thrown, to fetch, and to give it up on command. Some toys designed for chasing games have small ropes attached to their side. The ball is too big to fit in the puppy’s mouth, but it can be rolled, chased, and jumped on.
– Possession: For games of possession, you can use rubber rings and dog pulls, or rope toys with a ball attached. Tug-type games can be played safely, provided that owners understand that they set the rules and finish the game. Tug games should not involve rough physical play and are unsuitable for young puppies who have not yet learned “bite inhibition”.
– Chewing: For these games, there are cotton rope toys, rubber dental chew toys, stuffed Kongs, cubes, goodie bones, edible rawhide bones, and “nylon bone” dental chews. Puppies can be left alone with them for short periods, but owners should check regularly to make sure these toys remain safe to use.
Toys and games can also be especially useful during puppy training classes, because they can be used as motivation and reward. Having a favorite toy is especially helpful for shy or nervous puppies. This familiar item, linked to home, is very reassuring in an unfamiliar situation. Sometimes a puppy may not respond to a food treat but can be very interested in a toy. In this case, the owner should reward correct responses by playing with the puppy and toy.
Your puppy will enjoy games of chewing and possession. Choose toys for these games that are safe to use.