5 Smart Things to Purchase for Your New Dog

Bringing a new pup home is one of the best days of a dog owner’s life! Watching your new dog explore their furr-ever home, meeting their new family members, it just warms your heart to take care of your new fluffy friend! But bringing a puppy home is like bringing home a baby – you have to be fully prepared for anything and everything to maintain a safe, comfortable home for your new family member. From choosing a crate to a leather dog collar, here are our top five things you should have purchased and ready before you bring home your new dog.

5. Grooming Supplies for a New Puppy

It might seem a little early to have grooming and cleaning supplies on hand for your pup, but you need to be prepared for a safe way to clean up any mess. Here at LuxeMutt, we support adopting from local shelters, so that might mean your new friend was in dirtier conditions than your home. To make sure your pup is completely clean, especially if you have young ones at home, having grooming and cleaning supplies on deck for a quick bath is a great idea for your dog’s first day in their new home.

Choosing a Dog Shampoo

Selecting the right shampoo for your pupper depends on his or her specific needs. First, we recommend using a puppy-specific shampoo. Just like a baby, gentler shampoo is better for that little puppy skin and fur! If you brought home a fluffy white pup, it’s important to choose a shampoo specifically for white fur, which keeps your pup’s coat from looking yellow or dull. We always recommend having flea and tick shampoo on hand. Ask your vet or adoption clinic if they recommend one that is powerful enough to deal with fleas and ticks, but not too harmful for a puppy’s fur. We recommend washing your dog once every three months, but it all depends on their muddy habits!

The Importance of Clean Ears on your Dog

From day one, clean ears need to be a priority, especially if you know your pup was rescued from less-than-ideal conditions. If you’re an experienced dog owner, especially if your dog has floppy ears that trap dirt, then you know the clean ear talk. The vet looks you in the eye and makes you feel all that dog owner guilt if they find a speck of dirt in your dog’s ears! But it is important to keep your dog from getting ear infections or the dreaded ear mites. For clean ears, here’s what you need:

• Vet-recommended ear cleanser (NO alcohol or hydrogen peroxide!)
• Cotton balls or pads
• Tweezers
• Towel or washcloth
• Lots of treats!

Every dog owner should ask their vet how to clean their dog’s ears, as different techniques and tips will adjust to each dog. If your dog struggles at any time throughout the ear cleaning process, do not force them, but take advantage of every calm moment to keep your dog’s ears clean and healthy!

Clipping your Dog's Nails

If you have lots of carpeting in your home, then you need to clip your dog’s nails once a week. That means in the first week of having your puppy, you need to have your nail clipping supplies! Pro Pupper Tip: most dogs absolutely hate nail clipping time, but if you begin touching their paws with positive reinforcement from the first day you meet your pup, this can avoid a lot of hassle! Having your dog connect you touching their paw with positive rewards, such as treats, means when it’s time to clip their nails, you might be halfway finished before they even notice what you’re doing!

Proper Pup

Once your pup is all cleaned, top off their fresh look with a leather dog collar! Our Bowtie collection is the perfect leather dog collar for making your clean pup look extra sharp. Still, training your dog during walks? Then use a leather dog harness so your pup can cruise around town on your walks, while still strutting their fresh, clean coat!

4. Toys for Your New Dog

We don’t need to tell you how important toys are to your dog, but we will tell you that you need many different types on hand to keep your puppy occupied. Puppies have short attention spans, so they need different types of toys to keep them happy, and tire them out.

Chew Toys for your Dog

If you have brought a true puppy home, then get ready for those sharp little teeth! They’ll get ya! But as much as they hurt your hand during playtime, those sharp teeth and the big adult ones behind them are hurting your puppy’s mouth more. That’s why it’s important to have chew toys to help those little teeth fall out, and give your pup some relief. Pro Pupper Tip: if you want extremely safe chew toys for your dog, then skip the pet store and head to the baby store. That’s right – check labels on baby chew toys to see the high standard of safety and avoidance of choking, they are some of the safest options, while still getting the job done for your dog!

Toys for Exercise

Besides teething, dog toys were created to tire out your dog! Here are some of the best toys for great exercise, with lots of snoozing expected afterward:

• Tennis balls
• Frisbees
• Bubble machines (did you know there are bacon-flavored bubbles?!)
• Toys that hide treats
• Ropes for tug of war (dog vs. dog or dog vs. dog owner, it’s winner take all...the treats)

Remember, when playing outside, make sure your dog has their tags on their collar in case they run away from you (especially as pups!). Choose a leather dog collar or leather dog harness to ensure the tags stay on, no matter what!

Stuffed Toys

If your puppy is just a little sweetheart that doesn’t rip the stuffing out of toys, then stock up on stuffed toys that your pup can snuggle with. Just remember to keep the same mindset as you would for a baby: avoid plastic parts, such as eyes or noses, to avoid any choking! Plush toys can be the cutest companion to your dog, and when they become attached to one, it can get them through some rough times. We know a golden retriever that can’t survive a thunderstorm without her giant teddy bear!

3. Food, Water, Treats!

The one thing your pup loves more than you is food. Having a diet plan from the first day you bring your dog home is crucial! You also need to provide safe food and water bowls appropriate for your dog.

Mealtime for Your Dog

Choosing a dog food is one of the most important steps in caring for your dog. You want to really do your research, talk to your vet, adoption clinic, or other dog owners to find the best food for your dog. Your dog needs a balanced diet of grains, fruits, vegetables, and of course, meat! Look for labels that contain “complete and balanced,” because, just like “organic” with human food, there are standards the food must meet to use those words on a label. Your dog’s diet may transform over time to fit their health needs, but making sure they have high-standard, quality ingredients in their food is what matters the most.

The Height of Bowls Matter

Have you ever laid on the couch and eaten a snack and then immediately had indigestion afterward? That can happen to your dog if the height of their bowl is too low! Your dog’s bowl needs to be raised to allow your pup to maintain standing posture, with their head above their stomach. Eating at the right height, your pup will have less digestive issues, and avoid any strain on their joints, neck, and shoulders. You want to make sure your dog’s food bowl is 6 inches below the top of their shoulder, so the bowls sit even with the lower part of your dog’s chest. Bowl heights change as your pup grows, so pay attention and adjust accordingly!

Pro Pupper Tip: To ensure your dog has a comfortable mealtime, make sure they have a comfortable collar. Our leather dog collar range has adjustable, comfortable collars so your dog can easily eat without any discomfort! The same applies for a post-walk snack, and our leather dog harness is comfortable enough to eat while still in them!

Treats, Treats, & All of the Treats

Treats are important from the moment your dog is in your supervision. Treats reinforce positive behavior and help train away any negative behavior. You need treats to help with:

• Training your pup to sit and stay
• ALL puppy potty training!
• Nail clipping, ear cleaning, and grooming
• Luring your pup back inside the house
• Bark training
• Heel training (try a leather dog harness for this one!)

As with their food, look for high-quality, whole ingredients to avoid any fillers. Talk to your vet before you reach for any bones, and look for treats that double your efforts! This includes treats that are fortified with vitamins, aid in digestion, overall health, and clean teeth and gums!

Hydration!

The one thing more important than any food your dog will eat is water. From the first day, make sure you have a water bowl for your dog that can be easily cleaned, so you can clean it often to avoid any bacteria! Pro Pupper Tip: your dog should be drinking 1 ounce of water for each pound they weigh, each day! Be mindful before and after outdoor playtime or exercise to make sure your dog has access to fresh water. We recommend making sure you have clean, cool water out at all times.

2. Crate for your Puppy

Your dog needs a home within a home. There are going to be a lot of new things about their house, and having a place they feel most comfortable as they continue to explore during the first few days will make the transition easier. This starts with a crate. You should always have a crate in case of natural disasters, emergencies, or travel.

Choosing a Dog Crate

The easiest way to choose a crate is to measure your dog’s height, length, and weight. If you are adopting a dog from a shelter, we recommend you finish your adoption papers and measure your dog, and then make a quick run to the nearest pet supply store before you bring your puppy home. It’s better to wait between official adoption and traveling home with the right size crate, then have a puppy crammed into a too-small crate. Remember to add a couple of inches to height and length, and a few pounds to your dog’s weight so they have room for the crate to last while they grow. But you don’t want a crate with too much extra legroom. A too-big crate can lead to it doubling as a dog bathroom! No one wants to clean that up!

Pro Pupper Tip: If you want to ensure your dog is comfortable, make sure you choose a comfortable collar, like a leather dog collar or leather dog harness from our collection – they are adjustable!

Dog Bed & Blankets

Your dog should have plenty of cozy spots in the house, full of pet-safe beds and blankets. If you have a long-legged dog, like a Great Dane, then take their joints into account with cushioned, joint-friendly beds like an orthopedic or memory foam bed. Dogs also love to cuddle and lay on top of blankets, so look for blankets with different textures like Sherpa or fluffy material, just make sure they don’t rip and ingest any blanket parts! Pro Pupper Tip: If you adopted your pup, ask if there was a blanket your dog often used to make them feel more at home!

1. Collar & Leash for your New Dog

The most important thing you need to have at the ready for your new dog is a collar and leash. Collars with tags can save your dog’s life if they somehow get away from you, and leashes can help you train and control your dog. Leashes can save dog lives if you are near a busy street or in an unsafe area. It’s important to invest in your dog’s collar by choosing a leather dog collar or leather dog harness that will last.

Choosing a Collar

During training, you want a durable collar that shows you mean business. Choosing a leather dog collar or leather dog harness will outlast any woven ones, maintaining your dog’s tags, and avoiding any ripping. The Minimalist leather dog collar is perfect for everyday wear. During those first few days, your dog might be difficult to walk with as they learn to “heel,” that’s where a leather dog harness can come in. Harnesses are great for teaching your dog to “heel” without feeling like you are choking them. Choosing a leather dog harness will make sure your harness lasts through every walk!

A Collar for Each Occasion

When it’s time to introduce your new pup to friends and neighbors, you want them to look their best. Selecting a leather dog collar with some flair, like the Bowtie or Rosalicious, will add extra cuteness to your dog you never knew they needed!

On the Go

If you’re traveling with your dog, using a leather dog harness with a quality leash can make it easy to adapt to your destination – the beach, the vet, or to a friend’s house. Our leather dog harness collection comes in many colors, so you can choose the one that best fits your dog’s personality!

Identification

As we mentioned, your dog’s tags are so important, right from the first day. We recommend having dog tags made as soon as possible. If you already have a name picked out for your pup, then get your tags made before you bring them home! The most important thing is making sure your tags are attached to a sturdy collar. Our leather dog collar collection has nickel hardware to ensure your tags stay attached.

Bringing a new pup home is such an exciting time! Being prepared with all the supplies you need will make sure your pup is safe, clean, and feels at home right away.  For more tips, head over to our blog. You can start shopping for your new pup’s leather dog collar or leather dog harness right now!