Dog starter kit, or dog accessories
Once you've decided to purchase a puppy, it's worth preparing for it. Before you bring your little one home, you should prepare appropriate accessories for them. Just as with a child—you need to get your puppy a starter kit.
Your own corner
It's important to create a space in your home where your pet will feel safe and away from radiators. That's why the first thing you should buy is a bed. It should be adapted to your dog's size so they can lie down comfortably in it. It's best if the bed is medium-sized, because in one that's too large a puppy may not feel safe. When purchasing, pay attention to what material it's made from, whether it's easy to keep clean, and whether it's waterproof, for example. However, you should also be prepared for the fact that it won't be a bed for life. Puppies love to chew and it often happens that while you're away, beds get destroyed.
Dog tableware
The choice of bowls on the market is huge, from plastic to metal, ceramic, on metal stands or wooden ones. It's important that the bowl doesn't slide across the floor while your dog is eating or drinking water. For dogs of larger breeds, bowls on stands are recommended, which make eating more comfortable.
Plastic bowls:
- are inexpensive
- lightweight
- come in various colours
- unfortunately they slip during eating
Metal bowls:
- are quite resistant to scratches
- easy to wash
- look nice
- can cause allergies
- and can give water a metallic taste
Ceramic bowls:
- are stable when standing on the floor
- are also resistant to scratches
- easy to keep clean
- have a high price, which depends on capacity
- unfortunately they can break
Lead, collar, chain or harness?
Collar
At first, when your puppy is growing, especially if you have a puppy of a large breed, it's better not to invest in an expensive collar; it's better to choose something cheaper. It's best to buy a collar by going to a shop together with your dog. This way you'll be sure that it's been properly fitted. The lead should be made of soft material or leather so it doesn't irritate the puppy's delicate skin. It can't be too loose or too tight. To check this, simply place two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck. If our fingers go in loosely and lie comfortably against the collar, we can be sure that it's been properly fitted.
Lead
When choosing a lead, go with your own comfort. Choose light leads made of material that doesn't absorb water, cleans quickly and is resistant to pulling. Choose a lead appropriate to your dog's size, weight and also their temperament. There's a wide selection on the market.
Classic lead, which comes in different lengths from 120–200 cm, widths and various colours.
Adjustable lead, which has special metal rings along its length, so by attaching a carabiner we can regulate its length. It's usually 150–300 cm long.
Retractable lead is great convenience in places where we can't let our dog loose so they can run around, like in a forest. When choosing this type of lead, consider your pet's weight. These leads come in sizes S, M, L or XL, which are intended for large dogs. Lead lengths start from 3 to even 10 metres. When buying a lead for small breeds, it can be made of cord, but for large breeds it's better if it's tape, which is more resistant to breaking.
Harness
When opting for a harness, choose one that won't restrict movement during walks. A harness is not always suitable for all dogs. Puppies and young dogs are better taught to walk on a lead with a collar, and only later when they grow up should you decide to buy a harness. Small and delicate breeds will feel great in harnesses. When buying a harness, it's worth going to a shop with your pet.
Toys and chews
Every dog, and especially a puppy, loves to play all day long; they're only calm when they sleep. Ideal play is when they can play with their carer. They love to chew on trouser legs, slippers, our hands—basically everything they shouldn't do. That's why buying several different toys is a good solution, and there are plenty of them on the market. For puppies, chews made from various materials are best. They should also be adapted to the size of their muzzle so they can carry them easily and don't choke on them. Traditional toys are balls, tug toys, ropes, Kongs or squeaky animals, or scent mats, which work perfectly when your dog is left alone at home.
