Lots of care and training is involved to keep your new puppy safe and encourage him to learn acceptable behavior. This new puppy shopping guide of essential and useful products will help your pet adjust to his new family.There are affiliate links in this post.
Puppies. Little bundles of fur. They are adorable and super huggable. We can usually bring our new canine family members home at about the age of about eight weeks old. The first week or two we are convinced we have the sweetest, gentlest puppy in the whole wide world.
After a couple of weeks we start to realize our dear furball is becoming a little precocious and spunky. Maybe even a bit naughty. Much like human children, our puppy dogs need some training if we are to happily coexist in our home together.
New Puppy Shopping Guide
This list covers 20 of the best care and training supplies I have bought for our little cockapoo puppy. They are products that I have found especially helpful with Toby and personally recommend them. Toby is now almost 18 weeks old and we still use every items shown here and will continue using them as he grows.
Crate training is a great tool that keeps puppies safe and secure while sleeping or when you can’t keep an eye on them. Using a crate makes house training so much easier as well. Having a crate upstairs in our bedroom just for nighttime sleeping and one on the first floor for naps or resting is ideal for us. Initially we used a crate in the car but found it inconvenient to put in and take out.
Large Orthopedic Dog Bed A cozy bed to curl up in is a safe place for a tired puppy to rest and be near family. This one has 4-inches Memory foam, waterproof liner and a removable liner.
Double-Door Folding Metal Dog Crate. We purchased two of crates for convenience and these are made well. We started with one from a local pet store but preferred the Amazon crates and were able to purchase two for just a little more than the one cost from the pet store.
Much happier with this tag than the original one I purchased from a different company. The first one was not as clear and readable and looked like it would tarnish or wear quickly. This tag is deeply engraved, comes in many shapes and colors and can be personalized on both the front and back.
Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags Carry a couple of bags in your bag or pocket and you will always be ready to be a responsible pet owner and keep your neighbors and park visitors happy. These bags are extra thick and strong, leak-proof and lavender-scented.
Traveling with puppy dogs
Does your puppy pull when walking on the leash? I was worried when Toby would dart about with the collar fearing he would hurt his neck or worse. This harness is very comfortable and easy to put on and I don’t think he can get hurt from pulling.
Voyager Step-in Dog Harness is so comfortable and easy to put on and take off. This harness fits well and we use it all the time.
Dog Leash Love this durable, 6 feet long leash. SALO Durable Nylon Dog Leash 6 Feet Long, Walking Training Dog Leashes for Medium Large Dogs, 1 Inch Wide
Seat Belt Restraint Strap is the prefect solution for keeping Toby safe in the car without the cumbersome crate. It is an adjustable, nylon belt that loops over the vehicle headrest. It comes in a set of two for two cars and hooks easily to the step-in harness shown above.
Training tools and aids
Socializing a puppy with people and other dogs is so important especially when they are young. We have been learning so much by attending puppy socials and kindergarten classes offered at our veterinarian facility. Did you know that a puppy cannot experience both fear and pleasure at the same time. To help Toby overcome his fear of the other dogs we provided a pleasurable experience but giving him treats. He quickly learns that the activity in his surroundings isn’t as frightening as he thought.
Puppy Training
Puppy Kindergarten taught us how to teach puppy to sit, place on a mat, look and come when called, drop, walk in a leash and much more. Toby is far from perfect but wants to please and doing well for a 4-month old puppy. These items we use for all training.
Pet Training Clicker When our puppy dog shows correct behavior it is so important to respond to them quickly with a reward. Our trainer said puppies have the attention span of a gnat (lol) with a short window to reward them for a behavior we want them to learn. When clicked immediately after they have moved in the right direction of a behavior, we follow with a treat reward. Puppies soon connect the behavior > clicker > treat and a tremendous aid in training. The clicker is worn around the wrist so it is always ready for use.
Treat Tote I looked at many treat holders and love that this one clips to my waistband making it hands-free with quick and easy access.
Treats Training It takes a lot of mental work and energy for a puppy and a reward must be high value to keep their attention. Regular kibble isn’t usually enough of an incentive when training. Puppies will work hard when there is a special treat reward. Zuke’s Natural training treats are small making them just the right size since they will be eating lots during each session.
Suction Treat Dispenser Have you had a dog or puppy fearful of the bath, grooming or other activity. This product is pretty amazing in helping in these situations. Spread peanut butter or some of that cheese in a can and suction it to the wall, bathtub or other surface. It keeps your pet bust licking and enjoying the treat and far less anxious.
Bathing and health care dog products
Toby is already a bit too big to bathe in the kitchen sink but it sure is easier than the tub. His first couple of baths were pretty scary events. The suction licker was perfect for helping him get used to bath-time. We started slow. I didn’t wet his head or face the first time, just pouring tepid water and lathering his body a little. He is good with baths now and even the blow-dryer.
If you have a really anxious pet, we learned in puppy class an amazing help. Allowing puppy to lick from a jar of baby food turkey, beef or ham works very well. It is a high value food and with patience, I am now able to use the blow dryer on him without any treats. That was huge!
Enzymatic Toothpaste I never considered brushing a dogs teeth until I had to pay the fee of have the vet when plaque and gum disease became a problem with our last dog. I learned it isn’t hard and was able to teach an older dog. I won’t wait to get our puppy accustomed to this important routine. But human toothpaste is harmful to pets. This is what our vet recommends.
Dog toothbrush Double-sided soft silicone gentle dental brushes with curved long handles work well.
Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner Another product recommended for Toby to help keep his ears clean and avoid infections and problems. It is easy to use (our vet showed me how). He recommends once a month for deep cleaning and removing wax buildup. I apply with a cotton ball and wipe out the outer ear weekly.
Burt’s Bees Natural Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs. Shampoo formulated for humans can cause dry and itchy skim problems for puppies and dogs. Burt’s Bees shampoo is made with Colloidal Oat Flour and Honey is the best Oatmeal Dog Shampoo.
Dog Comb Toby is a cockapoo puppy. His adult coat will come at about 8 months old and will be curlier and thicker, requiring frequent care to prevent matting. To keep him looking and feeling his best, I comb him daily. It only takes a few moments and prevents a bigger and more painful job later removing small tangles and knots. This come is what our groomer uses and encouraged me to get one to make his grooming appointments easier for both of them.
More great puppy dog products
I can’t resist this sweet face with the dapper bow tie. 10 well made, quality bow ties at a great price that I am super happy with. Totally adjustable and the cutest colors and patterns!
Pet Bow Ties Adjustable puppy and dog bow ties for photos, special occasions or just because it makes our pet look so stinking cute 🙂
Kong Wobbler A great tool for dogs that gobble their food too quickly or as a toy for puppies and dogs to burn energy using mental problem serving.
Nylabone Puppy Teething Rings Chew Toy is durable because puppies chew and puppy bite all the time. This is a great substitute toy.
Dog Water Bottle Travel Container Ideal for trips to the park, around the neighborhood or in the car. Collapsible bowls for food or treats in addition to carrying water.
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Toby is absolutely adorable!!