Dog Training & Behaviour Therapy - Flying Dog - Guelph, ON

New Puppy Shopping List


Everything you will need to keep you and your pup healthy and happy

Make sure you are ready with all the supplies you will need before you bring you new companion home. Below are the most important things you will need to get your puppy off on the right foot.

1. A Crate: A crate is a must-have for all new dogs, especially puppies. A crate in integral in housetraining as well as preventing you puppy from engaging in unwanted bad habits like chewing shoes and table legs etc. It will be where you puppy sleeps, a short-term confident area when you pup needs to be alone (no more than 1-4 hours depending on the age of your dog) and a place for your pup to go with a chew toy when you can't supervise her. Make sure if you have a puppy that you find a crate that will fit your dog when full-grown but can also be blocked off to fit your puppy at the size she is now. For more information about crates and crate training click here.

2. Bedding: Your new companion will need a comfortable place to sleep when she is both in her crate and out. If you don't want you dog to go on furniture you will need a comfy bed and begin teaching her early that this is where she sleeps.

3. Dishes: Ceramic or stainless steel food and water bowls are recommended. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. There are non-tip and no-spill water bowls available that are great for puppies that like to play in their water dish.

4. Collar and Leash: A 4 to 6 foot leash or nylon leash is the best leash to begin training with. Extendable leashes like the Flexi are not recommended for training. You will also need a flat collar to hold your dog's identification tags as well as to attach your leash to A harness is advisable for toy breeds who are at risk for trachea damage. In addition to a flat collar you may want to fit your dog with a Gentle Leader head halter for better control when walking and training. Flying Dog does not recommend choke collars.

5. Clean Up Supplies: If your new dog or puppy has an accident in the house it needs to be cleaned with a product specially designed to remove the odor completely. If odor is left behind it will attract the dog to the same place and she may eliminate there again. Cleaners that contain natural enzymes will get rid of the odor by eliminating the source. Natural Chemistry Stain and Odor Eliminator is highly recommended.

6. Grooming Supplies: Ask a groomer which brush would be best for your dog's coat. For short haired dogs a rubber curry comb works well. For medium and longer haired dogs a slicker brush is essential. Start brushing your new dog as soon as you get them to introduce them to the process. Introduce the brushes gradually to your dog - do not make your first grooming session an hour long! Start out with one stroke and reward your dog. Slowly increase the grooming sessions as your dog tolerates being brushed for longer and longer. You will also need to trim your dogs nails with a high quality nail clippers on a regular basis. Start out by playing with your dog's nails; touch each individual nail while praising and rewarding your dog. When you clip a nail give a big reward and end the session. Do one nail per session to keep it short and sweet.

7. Toys: The proper toys will deter destructive chewing and other nuisance behaviours and keep your dog happy when they are alone. The best toys are durable and interactive meaning the dog manipulates the toy to receive a reward. We recommend toys you can stuff with treats and other goodies to keep your dog occupied. You should purchases at least 4 to 5 different chew and interactive toys and rotate them so your dog does not get bored. We recommend:

8. All Natural Chews: Puppies and dogs need to chew to keep their teeth, gums and jaws healthy. Keeping a supply of healthy chews on hand will decrease boredom and nuisance behaviors in dogs. Always supervise your dog when giving chews. We recommend:

9. Training Treats: You will need a good supply of healthy, aromatic treats for house- and obedience training. Some highly effective and wholesome treats are:

10. Training Classes: One of the most important things to give your dog is a good education! Basic manners, behaviour problem prevention and socialization make up the Flying Dog training program. For more information visit our group classes page.