troubles, so wait at least twenty-four hours before starting the changeover.
Begin by replacing a quarter of your dog’s current food with the new type. Keep in mind that dogs typically adjust more quickly to a new food when the protein source is the same. For example, a dog will have an easier time swapping from a chicken-based formula to another brand made with chicken. Continue feeding one-quarter of the new food with three-quarters of the original diet for about a week. The following week, increase the ratio to a 50/50 mix. You can then swap to feeding three-quarters of the new food with just a quarter of the old brand. After four weeks, your dog should be eating full portions of his new formula.
Bowls
Your dog will need at least two bowls: one for his food and one for his water. I recommend investing in two sets of dishes if you can, because doing so will ensure that you always have a clean set when one is being washed. If you plan to use the dishwasher, make sure that the bowls you choose are dishwasher-safe. The easiest way to make sure that your pet’s dishes are dishwasher-safe is to buy stainless steel bowls. Stainless steel is the safest, most durable material for dog dishes. Ceramic bowls can contain lead. Plastic dishes are vulnerable to chewing and can also cause a condition called plastic dish nasal dermatitis, which can remove the pigment from his nose and lips.
Choose bowls that will be big enough for your pet when he reaches adulthood, providing that he can eat and drink from them comfortably now. If your dog is going to grow considerably, it may be wise to purchase one smaller set of dishes for the time being. Shallow bowls with raised centers, made specifically for puppies, are perfect for this situation, as these dishes prevent the food from moving away from the edges. Once your dog gains some size, you will then be able to invest in a set or two of larger bowls.
Stainless steel bowls are safe for your dog and easy to clean.
Grooming Equipment and Supplies
Your list of grooming equipment and supplies will vary depending on the kind of dog you choose. Longhaired breeds typically require far more coiffing than those with shorter coats, but even shorthaired dogs need to be brushed and bathed at least occasionally. Many smooth-coated breeds are among the heaviest shedders. Longer, fuller coats require slicker brushes whereas shorter, finer hair needs a soft-bristled brush. A metal flea comb is a smart investment no matter the coat type. If you do opt for a dog with a profuse coat that grows rather than sheds, you will also need a set of clippers for trimming his hair unless you plan to use a professional groomer for this task.
Consumable items that your dog will need include shampoo, a toothbrush, canine toothpaste, and ear cleaner. Do not use your own shampoo or toothpaste on your pet! Shampoos formulated for people are too acidic for canines and will strip the natural oils from your dog’s coat and skin. Likewise, your toothpaste isn’t meant for dogs; using it on your pet’s teeth will likely upset his stomach. You may discover other tools and products that help with grooming once you get into a routine with your pet, but the aforementioned items are the essentials for every dog owner’s grooming kit.
A fine-toothed comb can help detangle delicate facial furnishings.
Did You Know?
Even if you do utilize a groomer’s services, you will need a set of nail clippers. Your groomer can certainly trim your dog’s toenails during a groom, but this important task must be performed more often than shampoos or haircuts.
Toys
Dogs are incredibly intelligent animals. As such, they need ways to stimulate their minds and occupy their time. Dogs also need to exercise regularly in order to stay healthy physically. Many breeds also have instinctive urges to hunt, chase, or herd. Toys help fulfill all of these important needs. Playing with your dog is a great way to bond with him, train him, and have a whole lot of fun in the process yourself.
There is no magic number when it comes to buying toys for your dog, but it is wise to provide your pet with enough variety to keep him from becoming bored. Many dogs single out a few favorite playthings that they turn to over and over, but having something new to play with can brighten a pet’s day as much as it would a child’s. I recommend investing in several different toys to start your dog’s toy collection: a ball, something that squeaks or makes another fun noise, and a chewable item should all be included on your initial shopping list. Over time, you can add to your dog’s toys, rotating items in and out of the toy box to keep your pet’s interest level high. It is also important to throw away any items that could be dangerous—for instance, a chew toy that your pet has whittled down to a size that makes it a choking hazard.
Bear in mind that some toys require a human partner. That ball, for instance, won’t be much fun for your dog without someone to throw it for him. For this reason, make sure your pet has items that he can use to entertain himself when you cannot participate. Some dogs especially enjoy educational toys, such as balls that dispense treats when rolled just the right way and complex puzzle toys that offer similar edible rewards when solved; these “brain games” will help exercise your dog’s mind.
Whatever type of toys your dog prefers, make sure that the ones you offer him are size-appropriate and sturdy. Be sure to keep a few of his favorites on hand. They will be especially useful when it comes time for teaching your dog the Drop It and Leave It commands; favorite toys are also excellent alternatives to edible training rewards.
Dogs often enjoy interactive toys that encourage their owners to join the fun.
Gates
Safety gates are among the most important tools for creating a safe environment for your dog. Puppies, in particular, can be inquisitive to the point of placing themselves in danger. Many adult dogs, too, have a tendency to get into trouble at times, whether in the form of rummaging in the trash or chewing on their owners’ belongings. While you should puppy-proof as much of your home as possible, you will inevitably find gates helpful in one way or another, whether or not your dog also uses a crate.
Sometimes you don’t need to crate your dog, but you want to keep him out of a single room or part of your home for a while. Maybe you’ve just had your wall-to-wall carpeting cleaned and need to keep little feet off it while the fibers dry. Perhaps you are having a bathroom remodeled, and workers will be leaving exterior doors open for extended periods of time as they carry items inside and out. Whatever your reason, a gate can afford your pet with more space than a crate while still protecting him from harm.
If you will be using a gate instead of a crate for your dog, you may consider investing in a model that can be permanently affixed to a doorway. These swing-style gates allow pet owners to walk through quickly and easily, without having to reposition anything but a handle. Of course, if you need a gate in more than one area of your home, a pressure-mounted unit (or multiple gates) may be the better choice. Pressure-mounted gates offer pet owners the flexibility to move them wherever they want without having to install any hardware.
A strategically placed gate limits your dog’s access to certain parts of the house.
Secure Fencing
No matter how much you play with your pet inside, getting outdoors for exercise and fresh air is good for both your pet and you. Daily walks, or jogs for more athletic dogs,
