What do I need for my new puppy?

If you are a  first time puppy owner, or if you have not had a puppy for some time, then there are lots of things you will need - apart from love and patience!

It is better if you can get the things you really need before you bring your puppy home. You can shop all day, and spend a fortune, but there are some things you really MUST have. These are:-

• Bowls.  One for water, one for food. You may find it better as the dog grows to have your bowls set within a bowl holder - they can save a lot of mess! The bowls  will need to be changed as your puppy grows, so be prepared to start small, and buy more as the puppy grows.

• A collar and lead. Again, you may be surprised at just how fast your pup grows, so again, be prepared to change these with growth. When walking your puppy - after the "isolation" period - take this opportunity to help it socialise with other dogs and people. You will soon have a happy puppy. Use your walks also to help in toilet training by getting into a routine which is built around feeding time.

• Appropriate food. Ask your breeder what the pup is used to, and follow the breeder's advice.  The wrong food, or food that is innapropriate, can affect your puppy's health. Do not take risks.

• Have a veterinarian lined up to register your new puppy, and ask for checks and advice on worming etc. You will also have to maintain essential  vaccinations, and get advice on dog health generally. It is also a good idea to have a book on dog health handy at home so that you know what to do for simple health queries.

• Buy a book ... either on the specific breed, or on puppy training generally.

• Buy a crate. This is something which you may not think about straight away, but when you have one you will love it. Be sure to get the correct size of crate. Some breeders may not let you take your pup home in a car without the protection of a crate, and your pup will very soon grow to LOVE it! See our section on  training. Crate training is probably one of the most important things you can do to  letting your dog or puppy enjoy its crate and look forward to it. A crate is not a prison... in fact it is a den, and if you take the time to show your dog or puppy how comfortable and secure his or her den can be - they will enjoy it for a lifetime !

• Have a comfortable bed waiting at home - make your pup feel really welcome.

• Buy a play pen. This not only gives your puppy a safe area, but it helps to toilet train, prevents the chewing of furniture, and separates the puppy from the hurly burly of life - especially if there are children or older dogs around. As with buying a crate, you will not regret this purchase!

• Have appropriate toys and chews ready before you bring your pup home, or as soon as possible afterwards. The correct toy or chew will help maintain healthy teeth - and keep your pup from mischief!

• Check your local press, or ask your breeder for details of puppy training classes. The Kennel Club gives this advice ....There are lots of schools of thought on dog training and it is important that you find the right approach for you and your puppy. Go and visit several classes first (without your puppy) to make sure you have made the right choice. Puppies can take part in the Puppy Foundation (PDF) section of the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme which provides a progression to a well trained dog.