A Dog Owner's Essential Supply List

When you adopt a puppy or a rescue dog, it helps to have everything you can possibly need sorted out before you bring your new furry friend home.

So here's your essential list of 15 items that you need for your new pet.

1. Water and Food Bowls

You should ensure that your dog has access to clean water and food. We stock a great selection to make eating and drinking fun. Don't forget to buy travel dog bowls as well for those long journeys and holidays.

2. Lead and Collar

Remember to make sure you get the correct dog collar size for your dog as they range from small to extra large. Reflect their personality by the colour of the collar.

Also, the lead must be considered carefully depending on the strength of your dog. A harness, metal link chain or simply a fabric lead may be the best bet for you.

3. Dog Food

Getting the right dog food for your pooch may be difficult to begin with as they may turn up their wet noses at various brands. But keep persisting and buy a range to find out which type of dog food they like the most, whether it is wet or dry.

4. Bed

Unless you're thinking of giving up valuable space on your bed, it may be best to buy a dog bed for your pet to sleep in during the nights and those daytime dog naps. There are soft beds and hard beds that can be topped with blankets and cushions for your dog to lay on comfortably.

5. Toys

What dog doesn't love to play with a toy? Using toys is a perfect way to bond with your new dog as they settle into their new home. Whether they are squeaky ones, ropey ones or even bouncing balls, you can find a wide selection of dog toys to choose from. If you're feeling lazy, there are arm throwers available to launch a tennis ball far across the field for your dog to fetch.

6. Treats

When you start to train your dog in their new home, reward them for good behaviour with a supply of treats stored in your pocket. They come in a range of different flavours including chicken, beef and cheese. Careful you don't nibble on them yourself!

7. Brush

Be armed with a palm pin brush to comb out loose dog hairs from your hound's fur, otherwise you will find your house covered with unwanted hair. Nobody wants their furniture covered in loose dog hairs! Brushing your dog once a day will keep the strands away.

8. Shampoo

There will always be those days when your dog finds something exceedingly smelly to roll around in. That's when a bath is in order! But remember, you will need medicated shampoo in order to protect your pooch's skin.

9. ID Tag

By now, you'll have decided on what to call your tyke. How about confirming this by engraving their name onto an ID tag to be attached to their collar? You can also include your name and phone number in case your doggy accidentally goes missing.

10. Stair Gates

Set boundaries in your house for your dog by placing a mutt-free zone upstairs to avoid any accidents made there. You can do this by the use of gates on your stairs to stop your dog from sneaking upstairs.

11. Pet Insurance

Sometimes your dog may fall ill resulting in a trip to the vet. The treatment may be hugely expensive therefore it's best to have pet insurance to ensure your doggy's health is protected.

12. Local Vet

Sign up to your local vet's surgery to ensure your dog is micro-chipped and on record. Also remember to take your dog to get its annual booster jabs.

13. Car Harness

Strap your dog in the car when you take a journey, no matter how far you're going. You need to make sure your dog stays safe and happy using a Boyztoyz padded car harness. This will stop your pooch from jumping around, reducing the risk of accident or injury.

14. Dog Clothing

In the cold winter months, your dog's fur alone may not be enough to keep them warm when out for a walk. Invest in a range of dog clothing to ensure your dog stays happy and stylish ready for the cat, nay, dog walk!

15. Poo Bags

Ah, the not so glamorous side of having a dog. It's essential that you pick up after their business and dispose of the waste in the outdoor bins provided. Make sure you have plenty of poo bags on hand (and perhaps a clothes peg too!)

Once you have all the essential items above, you're ready to have a wonderful life with your new best friend.

If you want to find out more about our pet care products, check them out here.

Do you have a dog? What other items do you think new dog owners should have?