Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, full of challenges and joy. If you are well prepared, your puppy will be able to adjust to their new environment more quickly, and the process will be more enjoyable for you as well.

Before buying or adopting a puppy, we must thoroughly research and prepare ourselves for our future four-legged family member. It is crucial that we decide to get a puppy when we know for sure that we have the time for it, for its training, education and socialization, because this puppy will be our family member and companion for many years.

We absolutely need some basic equipment for a puppy to make his life comfortable, safe, and of high quality.

1. Leash

For training and initial stages of socialization, classic leashes are more suitable, as they allow greater control over the dog. Otherwise, owners usually prefer to use flexi leashes, which allow the dog more freedom of movement. A good alternative are also switchable leashes , which allow the leash to be adjusted to different lengths.

2. Collar or bib

Opt for a quality and durable material (nylon or leather), but make sure that the bib or collar is comfortable. When choosing a bib , it is better to choose a bib that does not have straps over the shoulder ring, as these can hinder movement.

3. Identification mark

It is recommended that, in addition to the mandatory microchip, the dog also wears an external identification tag that is visible to the naked eye, easily readable and accessible. The most common and simple solution is an identification tag on the collar, into which the dog's name, your address and contact number are engraved or written.

4. Transporter

To keep your puppy safe when traveling by car. You can opt for plastic or wire carriers, or your puppy can lie freely in the back seats - for this you will need a back seat cover and a dog harness. In the case of a carrier, it is crucial that it is large enough for the dog to sit or lie comfortably in it. The carrier can also be used as a sleeping place at home, which will give your puppy an even greater sense of security and contentment when traveling.

5. Water and food bowls

Your puppy should have a food bowl and a water bowl, both of which should be the appropriate size for the dog's size. Water should be available to the puppy at all times, and we should make sure that it is fresh, clean, and at room temperature.

6. Toys

We choose toys based on the size of the dog.

When teething, it is important to provide your puppy with gnawing and chewing toys that will relieve the itching and massage the gums. Be careful not to let the toy break into small pieces that could be dangerous.

For additional comfort and a sense of security, we also provide the puppy with plush toys that they can play with, just like they did with their siblings and mother while nursing.

We should also have some toys for active play, such as ropes for pulling and tugging, balls , and the like, which strengthens the bond between owner and puppy and boosts the puppy's self-confidence.

It's also great to offer your puppy interactive thinking toys that will encourage him to think, solve problems, and increase his self-confidence.

7. Bed

We choose beds that are made of the most washable and durable material possible. We make sure that they are large enough to accommodate the size of a stretched dog.

8. Diaper liners

As long as your puppy is getting used to cleanliness, diaper pads are indispensable in every household, as they will make it easier to clean up after your little budding puppy.

9. Hair care accessories

Despite the fact that puppies have relatively short and soft hair, we try to introduce combing as early as possible so that the puppy gets used to the care. For puppies, we choose gentle combing tools so as not to damage their sensitive skin. For short-haired puppies, we can use a rubber brush. We use it to massage the puppy and gently remove dead hair.

The shampoo should be as gentle as possible and contain as little soap as possible (it should not foam too much). The dog should not be bathed with shampoo too often. In principle, bathing once every two or even three months is sufficient. If we want to bathe the puppy more often, we must be very careful to choose an ORGANIC shampoo with 100% natural ingredients, which is suitable for frequent bathing.

Shampooing too often washes away the protective oil layer from the skin, causing itching and dandruff. If these problems occur, it takes a lot of time and patience to restore the skin's normal balance. The composition of dog shampoos is adjusted to the pH of a dog's skin, which is not the same as that of humans, so we only use shampoos intended for dogs.

10. Teeth cleaning

Puppies start out with baby teeth that later fall out, but it is still recommended to get your dog used to brushing their teeth early on. It is also important to feed your puppy kibble from the start, as chewing on them prevents plaque buildup.

11. Ear cleaning

Dog ears are a great place for bacteria and yeast to grow, which can cause serious infections, so regular cleaning is a must. You can use special cleaners that you spray on a cloth to clean the ears, or use ear wipes .

12. Claw trimming

If you are inexperienced, have a veterinarian show you how to trim your dog's nails for the first time, as you can injure the living part of the claw. This can result in heavy bleeding and severe pain for the dog. It is also important for your dog to walk on rough surfaces as much as possible, as this way he can sharpen and shorten his claws. You can use pliers or a file to shorten the claws.

13. Protection against parasites and worms

Especially in the summer months, our dogs' bodies become an ideal haven for various parasites. They can be protected against internal parasites with vaccinations and pills, and against external parasites with regular application of flea and tick products .

14. Food choices

The health of a dog also depends on the quality of the food it eats. We avoid lower quality food that we get from grocery stores, as such food does not contain all the ingredients that a dog needs for its development, and in addition, this food is usually too salty and can cause kidney problems.

The food should contain as little grain as possible and as much animal protein as possible. It is also important that the food contains as much fresh meat as possible and less meat meal. For puppies, it is important that they have several meals available daily. The feeding table is printed on the packaging and is highly recommended to follow.

15. Treats

Dog treats are not just for pampering your dog, they are an indispensable companion for training and education. However, the amount of treats must be controlled and their nutritional value added to the dog's daily ration, otherwise the dog can quickly gain weight.