Supplies for New Pup

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Treats  – milk bones broken in small pieces or microwaved hot dogs in tiny pieces (can make and freeze)

Food – Diamond Naturals Chicken with Rice   (Available at TSC and Chow Hound)

Water Bucket – 2 Qt http://www.dog.com/item/flat-sided-hook-on-pails/060407/

Food bowl – metal non-tip type

Crate – 42 inch.  With divider for easy crate/potty training.  We like the double door type but single door is fine also.  Best price in our area is at Pet Supplies Plus

Mat – do NOT get a stuffed crate pad for a young pup – they’ll just chew it up.  You may try a washable rubber backed rug such as the mats used in bathrooms and kitchens. They may chew these also but many pups do well with a rug.  Often young Labradors will chew anything you put in the crate.  If necessary, you can just use the crate as is and try  a pad when they are around 9 months to a year and the chewing decreases.

Kong (s)- these are very durable and can be filled with food to keep pup quiet such as during your meal times.  You can fill with Peanut butter or yogurt add kibble and freeze for future use.  Many people have several of these.  Found in the dog toy section.

Nyla bones – also great for puppy teething time

Dog toys – Labradors are very chewy as pups and most toys are not durable enough for them.  Choose tough rubbery toys or rope toys.  We just use Kongs and Nyla bones for our pups.

Collar – Buckle type is better than adjustable – the adjustable often slips loose.  We start with the nylon type because they grow so quickly initially.  Then around 4 months go to a nice leather buckle type.

Leash – 4 or 6 foot leather is easiest on the handlers hands.

Nail clippers – start with human toenail clippers then go to this type http://www.dog.com/item/therapet-nail-clipper-large-w-guide-65-inch/193007/

Brushes – rubber horse curry comb for once a week brushing like this one http://www.smartpakequine.com/productclass.aspx?productclassid=5215

    Furminator (optional) for spring and fall shedding - http://www.dog.com/item/furminator-deshedding-tool/190714/

Shampoo – human grade moisturizing shampoo or many show people wash with Murphy’s Oil soap.  Dog shampoo is too drying and is just a marketing gimmick.

Exercise pen (optional) – largest available, best price at Pet Supplies Plus

Bitter Apple (optional) – must spray directly into pup’s mouth for 3 days prior to using to be effective; then spray on anything you do not want pup to chew.