What you need to have at home before a dog arrives
As a future owner who responsibly plans to take care of your dog, you have probably already noticed that every decision you make will affect its development. You should also be aware that gathering knowledge and necessary equipment should begin before the puppy arrives at your home. However, there are cases when a dog becomes part of a person's life unexpectedly. In such cases, the caretaker has a more difficult task, but by properly planning the next steps, it is easy to go through preparations at an accelerated pace.
Awareness of the dog's needs
The most important thing you need to have is knowledge about the dog's needs. You should familiarize yourself in advance with the specifics of the breed you choose, as it will largely determine the dog's diet and activity. In the case of mixed-breed dogs, it is worth learning about the puppy's parents' background, if possible. This does not guarantee that the dog will have the same character, but it can be a clue about what traits to expect. Remember to get your knowledge from trusted sources. Try to reach for scientific books more often than reading posts from anonymous participants on internet forums. For purebred dogs, a good source of knowledge is the breeder from whom you acquire the dog. If the breeding is legal and conducted at a high level, the breeder will have extensive knowledge about the breed and will gladly provide you with the information you need.
Essential gadgets for dog owners
Once you know what traits to expect from your dog, consider how you will meet its needs. If your puppy will likely love scent games, you can look for toys that engage the nose. If you choose a breed like a border collie, which loves working with people and needs it every day, you can get frisbees, wooden retrieves, and a clicker. These will allow you to introduce training elements from the beginning of your shared adventure. Just remember that working with a frisbee requires proper preparation. On the other hand, if you choose a dog from the toy and companion group, you might want to hold off on spending a fortune on toys and items useful for agility training. There is a high chance that your pet will not be interested in this type of activity. If needed, you can supplement your supplies once you get to know the dog's preferences.
Toys
There are toys that are useful at home regardless of the puppy's breed. These are chew toys, because every dog, especially at a young age, has a strong need to bite and chew. It is worth teaching the puppy from the first days at home that its toys are for this purpose, not the owner's slippers or furniture parts. It is good to have several types of chew toys at home, preferably in different places. When the dog starts chewing something it shouldn't, offer it the designated toy. Every time it starts chewing the chew toy, praise it. Remember to frequently check the condition of the toy. As soon as you notice it is damaged and pieces might come off, throw it away to prevent the dog from swallowing those fragments. Unfortunately, no chew toy lasts forever and they need to be replaced from time to time. Natural chew toys are also a great alternative, as they satisfy the need to chew and add variety to the diet.
Bowls and bed
Before the puppy arrives at home, you should also buy bowls for water and food. Their size and depth should be adjusted to the size of the dog. It is also worth paying attention to whether they have a rubber element at the bottom to prevent slipping on the floor. It is also good to get a dog bed. This will help teach the dog to rest in a designated place and will be a very helpful training element for owners who do not want the dog to get on the bed and sleep there.
Hygienic pads
It is also worth getting hygienic pads, but remember that they should not be used for too long. The basis of cleanliness training should be frequent walks. Initially, it may be necessary to go out with the puppy every 1-2 hours, always after waking up, eating, and playing, as well as when you notice the dog is restless and sniffing, looking for a place to urinate. House training requires a lot of patience. However, getting the dog used to relieving itself on pads is a shortcut. It may turn out that in the future this habit appears and the animal will relieve itself on carpets. Therefore, it is worth putting effort into frequent walks from the very beginning.
Dog food
When deciding to have a dog, you also need something to feed it with. If the dog comes from a breeder, it is worth preparing the food that was given there. The first days in a new home are very stressful for the dog, and a sudden change in diet can cause digestive problems. New food can be introduced gradually only after the dog acclimates to the home. It is also not worth buying large amounts of food right away, as it may turn out that it does not suit the puppy's preferences or it is allergic to one of its ingredients. You can stock up on food once you are sure it will be the basis of your pet's diet.
What else?
Bowls, toys, food, and a bed are the basic items worth buying in advance. It is also good to have a leash and collar or harness, but at first, it is better to hold off on spending large sums on them. It may turn out that the collar or harness is the wrong size. It is better to buy them knowing your pet's measurements. During your adventure with the dog, it may turn out that many other items you bought for it are not interesting or do not meet its needs. Therefore, to avoid wasting money, it is better to buy only what is necessary at the beginning and acquire new toys or bowls over time as you get to know the dog's needs. However, the foundation is always having knowledge about your pet. Without it, you will not be able to recognize what your animal needs and consequently provide it with appropriate living conditions.
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