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Puppy Shopping List

We’re thrilled to accompany you on your exciting journey into puppy ownership! Our “Puppy Shopping List” is a thorough and carefully curated guide, packed with recommendations handpicked by experienced dog breeders like us. We understand the importance of providing your new furry family member with the best, and our list includes top-tier brands and products that have stood the test of time. If you find yourself in need of guidance or seeking suggestions beyond what’s listed, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to ensure your puppy’s smooth transition into your home is marked by quality and comfort.

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Our suggestions for these products are based on our belief in their high quality and the benefits they can offer to you and your new puppy or dog. Our intention in recommending these items is driven by the value they bring, not by the modest commissions we might earn. Our utmost aim is to furnish you with valuable insights and resources to ensure you are fully prepared for your new companion. We genuinely appreciate your support, which helps us assist puppy and dog owners like you!

Shopping List

Bedding

A Comfortable Bed – I suggest holding off on purchasing a bed until you understand your dog’s preferences. Are they inclined to curl up, or lay on their side, do they stay warm/or are they generally cold, or do they prefer stretching out when they sleep or bury themselves under a blanket? All recommendations listed below are washable.

  • This bed is suitable for dogs that prefer to burrow and/or curl up while sleeping.
  • For a dog who prefers to stretch out and have some warmth or bury themselves under a blanket.
  • For a dog who likes to stretch out and needs support, consider a bed with orthopedic features.
  • For a dog who prefers to be cooler and needs some support, a bed designed with cooling gel is suggested.
  • An elevated bed is an excellent option for dogs who prefer a cooler sleeping surface, require orthopedic support, and if you’re seeking easy cleaning. Additionally, these beds are convenient for both indoor and outdoor use, making them versatile for various environments.
  • If your dog is an aggressive chewer, Kuranda makes a bed in aluminum.
  • Crate Pad – I would suggest using one of the dog beds listed above for your crate. While you’re waiting to decide on one of the recommended dog beds, using old towels in the crate can offer comfort and absorb any potential messes your puppy might make while inside.

Grooming

  • Double-Sided Brush
  • With a double-sided brush, you can effectively address both the dog’s topcoat and undercoat needs. The blade side helps remove loose hair from the topcoat and the rake side is designed to work through mats, tangles, and the dense undercoat. This is the brush I use during shedding season.
  •  Shampoo Brush
  • A shampoo brush not only helps scrub the skin and lather up the shampoo effectively, but it also helps remove loose hairs and debris from your dog’s coat.
  • Slicker Brush
  • A slicker brush keeps your dog’s coat shiny, tangle-free and well-maintained. Regular use helps distribute natural oils throughout the coat, resulting in a shinier appearance. I use this brush during the non-shedding season.
  • De-tangling Comb
  • A set of combs is particularly useful for delicate areas such as the face. This grooming tool is a great addition to your toolkit.
  • Nail Clippers
  • A nail clipper with sharp blades ensures a clean, efficient cut and minimizes the risk of splitting or cracking the nails. Having an ergonomic handle makes the process more comfortable and easier to squeeze.
  • We opt for a gentle puppy shampoo that not only rinses clean but is also allergy-free. This choice will ensure that your puppy’s bath time is not only effective in cleaning but also safe for their sensitive skin.
  • Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
  • We recommend opting for a dog shampoo that combines both cleaning and conditioning properties. This simplifies bath time and ensures that your dog’s coat is not only clean but well-conditioned and manageable.
  • Dog Whitening Shampoo
  • If you’re looking to enhance your dog’s coat color and keep its whites bright, we suggest a specialized dog shampoo formulated for color enhancement.
  • Styptic Powder
  • This is a handy powder to stop minor bleeding caused by cuts, scrapes, and particularly when the quick of a nail is accidentally clipped during nail trimming.

Health Care

  • Cleaner for Accident Cleanup
  • This product is versatile and can be used on a wide range of surfaces. One of its standout features is its ability to neutralize odors effectively. This is particularly important for preventing your pet from remarking in the same area, a common concern for pet owners.
  • Dewormer and Heartworm Preventative
  • Preventing heartworm disease and treating various intestinal parasites is crucial for maintaining your dog’s health. Heartworm disease is transmitted through mosquito bites and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Additionally, intestinal parasites like hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and tapeworms can lead to various health issues in dogs. Use for year-round prevention. Our suggestion is a product safe for dogs with MDR1. Consult your vet for the best choice in your area and choose an appropriate prescription based on the weight of your dog.
  • Ear Drops
  • A dog ear wash is important for maintaining their ear health. Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of dirt, wax, and debris that can create a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, leading to infections.
  • Eye Drops
  • Dog eye drops are essential for addressing irritated, dry, or itchy eyes. The lubricant is also useful during bathing by putting a drop in each eye to protect the eyes from shampoo and water.
  • First Aid Kit
  • A pet first aid kit allows you to have a timely response, injury prevention, and peace of mind. It helps address minor injuries, alleviate pain, and respond quickly to emergencies until you can reach a veterinarian.
  • Flea and Tick Preventative
  • In Wisconsin, where ticks are prevalent, it’s crucial to have a flea and tick preventive for your dog. Ticks can transmit various diseases, including Lyme Disease, which can be harmful to your dog. We use a flea and tick preventative from March 1st to October 31st which is a warmer season here. Check with your veterinarian for the most effective protection in your area. Be certain the preventative is the correct weight for your dog.
  • Health Supplements (Organized by Condition)
  • Allergies: We utilize this product to address seasonal skin allergies in a pet. The product promotes healthy immune and cell function while maintaining a balanced and appropriate inflammatory response. Additionally, the product plays a key role in maintaining stable blood sugar levels, fostering cellular health, and enhancing brain function and cognition.
  • Joints: After using the joint powder, I’ve witnessed remarkable improvements in my nine-year-old male dog’s mobility and comfort. His arthritis-related hip discomfort has significantly diminished, and he moves more freely. This product’s benefits extend beyond joint support; it also enhances immunity and promotes overall well-being for vital areas like the eyes, brain, heart, and skin.
  • Stomach: This product features a prebiotic that works to foster a thriving gut and colon. It’s particularly beneficial during dietary transitions/environmental changes and contributes to maintaining stable blood sugar levels. We advise incorporating this when you welcome your puppy into your home.
  • Urinary: This product promotes the functioning of the urinary tract system, aiding in the maintenance of a balanced urine PH that can lower the risk of crystal formation. The supplement also contributes to healthy waste elimination.
  • Paw Pad Protection
  • Using a protective balm for your dog can be beneficial during harsh weather. In cold weather, it prevents the paw pads from cracking and becoming dry, while in hot weather, it shields against the scorching ground and potential burns. Cracked pads can become entry points for bacteria and other pathogens.
  • Sunscreen
  • Using sunscreen for your dog’s body is important, especially for areas with thin fur, exposed skin, or lightly pigmented areas. Sunscreen is beneficial for sun protection, skin cancer prevention, and preventing discomfort from sunburn.
  • Sunscreen for Nose
  • Using dog nose sunscreen is a good practice, especially for dogs with pink or lightly pigmented noses. They provide sun protection, skin cancer prevention, and prevents discomfort from sunburn.
  • Tick Removal Tool
  • Removing a tick properly reduces the risk of disease transmission. If a tick is not removed correctly, parts of it can break off and remain embedded in your pet’s skin, possibly leading to infection. Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns or if your pet shows signs of illness after a tick bite.
  • This kit includes both the toothbrush and toothpaste. Enzymatic toothpaste breaks down bacteria, reducing plaque and tartar buildup.

Nutrition

  • Adult Dog Food
  • Once your dog reaches maturity, typically around one year old, it’s time to transition them to adult dog food. Farmina provides a range of protein options to select from. The rest of the ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, remain consistent across the different protein options. This means you can switch between the various flavors without the need for the usual 5-7 day transition period. This product allows your dog to savor a diverse array of flavors.
  • For dogs with sensitive stomachs or intestinal tracts, we’ve found the following link to be the top choice.
  • Puppy Food
  • High-quality puppy food is essential to your puppy’s growth and development. We recommend feeding the same brand and formula that we raised your puppy on. Farmina offers two proteins to choose from. The other ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, stay the same regardless of the protein you select. This means you can switch between flavors without the usual 5 – 7 day transition period.
  • Freeze-dried treats are considered high-value rewards, and their value can vary based on the complexity of the command. For instance, simple commands like “sit” may warrant a lower-value treat, while more challenging commands like “recall” should be rewarded with higher-value treats. In addition to freeze-dried treats, there are other small treats listed under the training section. It’s a good practice to create a list of treats your puppy enjoys and rank them from lower to higher in value, matching the treat’s value to the difficulty of the command you’re teaching. This approach can be very effective in training your puppy. The following link offers four flavors.
  • Slow Feeder Bowl
  • Slow-feeder bowls are specifically designed to extend mealtime for dogs. They are particularly useful for fast-eating dogs to prevent issues like bloating, regurgitation, and obesity. These bowls engage and challenge your dog during meals. We’ve selected a bowl with a non-slip base and a user-friendly design that can be easily washed by hand, although it’s also dishwasher-safe for added convenience.
  • Water Bottle for Travel
  • We’ve chosen this water bottle for its convenience. It allows you to carry just one bottle on your walks, hikes, and outings to keep both you and your dog hydrated.

Safety

  • Cabinet Locks
  • To enhance the safety of your home, I highly recommend installing cabinet locks on cupboards where you store garbage cans and cleaning products. These locks are a simple yet effective way to prevent your curious puppy from accessing harmful substances.
  • Collar
  • It’s essential to prioritize your dog’s safety, especially during playtime with other dogs. That’s why I highly recommend using a break-away collar. Collar mishaps can occur when dogs engage in rough play, and their jaws, paws, or claws become entangled. A break-away collar is designed to release when it encounters pressure.
  • Crate
  • Using a wire crate during your dog’s potty training is an effective strategy. It helps minimize accidents and provides a secure space for your dog when you can’t supervise them closely. The wire crate includes a divider, allowing you to customize the interior size to accommodate your puppy’s needs as they grow. I’ve also added a soft kennel because they’re convenient for activities like camping or agility training, as they are easy to set up.
  • Gates
  • Having a gate is essential for managing your puppy, whether you want to keep them in a specific area or restrict access to certain places. I recommend the auto-close extra-wide gate, especially for areas like stairs or wider walkways. Additionally, there’s a pressure-mounted option available from the same brand. You might also consider a bundle that includes both types of gates for added convenience and flexibility.
  • Identification tags
  • It’s always a good idea to have an identification tag on your dog’s collar, even if your dog is microchipped. The tag recommended is designed to slide onto the collar and is fully customizable.
  • Puppy Play Pen
  • A puppy playpen is a great addition especially during the daytime if you can’t watch them. It offers a safe environment where they can play and explore without the need for constant supervision. They are also versatile and can be used indoors or outdoors.
  • Safety Collar
  • I recommend using an LED-lit pet collar, especially for evening walks or when your dog is out in low light conditions. These collars come with three different glow settings, are weatherproof, and can be easily recharged via USB. This added visibility ensures that your dog can be seen and stays safe during dusk or nighttime outings.

Toys

  • Durable Bones and Chew Toys
  • Enrichment/Interactive Toys
  • Lick mats can be a fantastic addition to your dog’s enrichment activities. Ones with suction cups can be used at bath time, grooming time, or anytime you want a distraction. It’s important to supervise your dog with lick mats and choose ingredients that are safe and appropriate for your dog’s diet. Freezing the ingredients can make the treat last longer and provide more entertainment for your pup. You can find various recipes for lick mats online.
  • Interactive toys can be great for keeping your dog’s attention and providing mental stimulation. However, it’s important to be cautious when selecting toys, especially if your dog is an aggressive chewer (most Aussies are). Toys with material on them can be easily destructible and pose a choking hazard. It’s advisable to choose toys made from durable materials designed for strong chewers to ensure your dog’s safety during playtime.
  • Fetch Toys for Outside
  • Playing fetch provides an opportunity for physical activity, mental engagement, and strengthening the bond with your dog. It also serves as valuable behavioral training by reinforcing commands like recall, retrieving, and dropping items.
  • Mental Stimulation Toys
  • Snuffle mats are excellent tools for engaging your dog’s natural sniffing and foraging instincts. Interactive puzzle toys provide mental exercise and prevent boredom. Puzzle toys come in various levels of difficulty. Some puzzle toys are versatile, allowing you to adjust the difficulty level to suit your dog’s abilities and some are a combination of levels. You can use snuffle mats and puzzles with your dog’s food to make mealtime more engaging. Here are several options I recommend:
  • Teething Toys
  • Teething toys are excellent for puppies because they can be chilled in the freezer, providing relief to a puppy’s sore gums during the teething process. These toys are usually crafted from materials that are gentle on a puppy’s developing teeth and jaws, making them suitable for young dogs. I’ve also included the Nylabone Puppy Page for their list of available products.

Training

  • Clicker and Whistle for Training
  • Using a combination of a clicker and whistle for training is a great approach. The clicker effectively marks the desired behavior, providing immediate feedback to your dog. On the other hand, the whistle is a valuable tool for recall training, ensuring that your dog responds promptly to your commands, even from a distance.
  • Puppy/Dog Training
  • Australian Shepherds are known for their exceptional intelligence and quick learning abilities. To ensure a well-rounded and happy puppy or dog, it’s crucial to address their needs in the right order. First and foremost, establish clear rules, boundaries, and limitations. Secondly, provide mental and physical stimulation through activities like fetch, walks, dog tricks, sports, obedience training, and interactive toys. Thirdly, provide love and affection. Neglecting these needs can lead to behavioral problems such as aggression, barking, whining, fear, and separation anxiety. Proper training is key to building a strong bond with your puppy or dog. Starting with essentials like potty training, socialization, crate training, and bite inhibition is crucial. If you’re unsure about your training techniques or need guidance, consider a comprehensive program like Brain Training for Dogs. This program offers force-free training methods, how to engage your dog on a mental level with brain training, oodles of articles tackling a huge range of behavior problems, and a professional who is a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer at your fingertips within a private forum to ask any questions.
  • Leash for Training and Walks
  • I highly recommend a leash slip lead that’s ½” in width and 6’ long for effective no-pull control while walking your dog. These have proven to be the best options in my experience, and they also come with comfortable handles. Additionally, from the same brand, you can consider a long lead that’s 30’ in length, which is ideal for training recall commands and providing your dog with more freedom.
  • Training Treats
  • I find soft mini treats to be fantastic for training purposes. They’re low in calories, which is great for maintaining your pet’s health, and they’re quickly consumed, making them ideal for rewarding good behavior during training sessions. Plus, they come in a wide variety of flavors, so you’re likely to find one that your pet will enjoy.
  • Treat Training Pouch
  • I find it convenient to have a treat pouch accessible during walks and training sessions. Offering immediate praise with treats helps reinforce good behavior. These pouches are versatile and can be worn in three different ways for added convenience.

Transportation

  • Calming Products for Anxiety
  • This supplement will help during stressful situations as a calming aid. Whether you’re planning a road trip, facing thunderstorms, visiting the groomer, or experiencing separation anxiety.
  • Car Safety Harness
  • A safety belt for your pet serves multiple purposes in ensuring their safety and well-being during car rides. It not only keeps your pet securely in place while traveling but also prevents them from jumping out when you open the car door. The belt I recommend offers a set of two with adjustable belts that easily click into your car’s buckle, providing a hassle-free and secure solution for traveling.
  • Car Seat Cover
  • A back seat cover is a practical investment to safeguard your car’s fabric from potential damage caused by your pet. It’s a wise choice to opt for a cover that can be easily removed when needed for human passengers, ensuring both your pet’s comfort and the preservation of your car’s interior.
  • Transportation Company
  • A reliable pet transporter prioritizes your pet’s safety, comfort, and experience. They are seasoned professionals in pet travel, ensuring compliance with regulations, minimizing stress, and delivering tailored care throughout the journey.
  • Travel Carrier for Puppies
  • A pet carrier must meet airline approval requirements and fit under the seat in front of you. Airlines have specific measurement dimensions, and the carrier I selected should generally be approved by most airlines that allow pets in the plane’s cabin.
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