New Puppy Equipment

Before you bring your toy dog into its new home you will need to do some shopping for it.

Basic equipment might include but is not limited to:

1. Sleeping basket or dog bed

2. Blankets

3. Two dishes or bowls (for water and dog food)

4. Dog Food

5. Leash and collar

6. Toys

7. Pet carrier

8. Grooming tools and equipment

9. Fleece t-shirts

A cave like bed is a good choice for a small toy dog. Most small dogs feel very comfortable in a bed they can curl up in and retreat to at any time. Dog beds come in a variety of styles. For short-haired breeds, small wicker baskets make excellent dog beds.

An easy-care soft blanket or heavy bath towel folded to fit the bed makes an excellent padding for your toy dog bed. Washable pads that can be disinfected are available for dog beds.

Select your collar and leash according to the dog’s size and strength. A suitable collar for a small dog is a lightweight leather or textile material collar. Be careful to not purchase a collar too large or the dog can slip its head out. A retractable leash is an excellent choice. You can keep the leash short or depending on the length, let several yards unroll. Length of about 10 to 16 feet is adequate for small dogs.

The very basic accessories should include one bowl for dog food and one bowl for water, or better yet, a water bottle for water. Stainless steel is an excellent choice. Rubber feet on the bottom keep the bowls from being pushed around the room as the dog drinks or eats. Do not purchase plastic dishes.

Pet carriers are extremely handy on trips or for visits to the groomer and vet. There are a wide variety of pet carriers to choose from these days and one for any occasion.

Young dogs and adults enjoy spending time entertaining themselves with toys. Dog toys also come in a wide variety of choices, shapes, colors and designs. Avoid anything rawhide. Solid rubber toys are permissible. Plastic dog toys are unsuitable. Nylabones are an excellent choice for any breed of dog.

Your grooming equipment will depend on the type of small or toy dog you own.

The very basic grooming equipment should include a brush specifically for your breed of dog (usually a dog brush manufacturer will list which breeds their brush is used for), a small comb to comb around the face, a regular size comb, hair dryer (human hair dryers if you don’t want to purchase a professional hair dryer), baby shampoo for the face, HealthyPetNet Dog shampoos for the body and a good crème rinse. You will also want to purchase fleece t-shirts for your toy dog for the colder times of year.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. Buy Fleece t-shirts for your toy dogs at: http://www.littleguysdogclothesshop.com