Just as humans prepare for the arrival of their newborns, you should prepare yourself the same way if you are you are planning to buy or adopt a German shepherd puppy. Puppies bring a lot of joy to the family, but they also need a lot of attention.
You must be prepared with all the supplies your puppy needs before he arrives home. Some of these supplies are basic while others will depend on your lifestyle.
Some of the essentials that a German shepherd puppy needs include; leash, food, beddings, toys, insurance, collar, microchip, id tag, food, crates, treats, poop bags, grooming tools, among others.
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Essentials You Need for German Shepherd Puppy
ID Tag
The ID tag should have the contact details of the puppy owner. It helps to locate you if your puppy goes missing.
Collar
Find a sturdy collar for your puppy. It should be adjustable to accommodate growth. Do not tighten the collar so much; there should be a space where two fingers can fit in well but no more than that. A good collar you can buy is the LovelyDog Embroidered Personalized Dog ID Collar.
Leash
A recommendable leash for a puppy should be stretchable to about 6 to 10 feet in length. Always buy a leash made of dog-friendly materials.
Crate
When your new puppy gets home, he does not know what is expected of him. He will poo or pee anywhere that he wants, and this means a lot of cleaning work for you. A puppy dog crate will spare you all that stress; let me stay in the crate and let him out only when he needs potty breaks. Never force him to enter a crate.
Buy a big crate which will still be useful as he gets old. If you like traveling a lot, buy a crate that can easily be folded for easy transport.
Bedding
A crate without a bed is very uncomfortable. Buy washable and comfy bedding materials that will fit in the crate. Bedding that does not allow leakage has an added advantage as your puppy will pee on it once in a while. Check out these dog beds that you can buy for your German Shepherd.
Puppy Food
On many occasions, the breeder or rescue center will give you the leftovers or tell you the puppy food brand that the puppy was feeding on. It is important to continue feeding the same food for some time before introducing a new diet. Consult your vet for advice.
Treats
Healthy puppy treats are important when potty training your puppy, convincing him to enter the crate or when training basic commandments. They should not exceed 10% of the total amount of food consumed by your puppy daily. Refer to your vet for advice on the ideal treats for your puppy depending on his health.
Food and Water Bowls
Buy food and water bowls that are easy to clean and heavy to prevent being dragged everywhere by your dog. Make sure that you clean them daily to avoid your puppy feeding and drinking contaminated food and water. Always have them in pairs in case you want to travel.
Poop Bag
Poop bags are needed when you go out with your puppy either in the park, swimming, hiking, or long walks. You will need a lot of poop bags so it’s better to buy them in bulk to save money.
Microchip
A microchipped puppy will be easily traced whenever he goes missing. It takes less time to reunite the owner and the puppy compared to the Id tag method.
Food Containers and Scoops
Food containers ensure that the puppy’s food and treats are fresh and from pests like cockroaches. Buy the one with clear sides to see the remaining food. You should also buy Food scoops to help you to measure the right amount of food to feed your puppy to avoid overfeeding.
A Dog House
An outdoor dog house should be well sheltered to offer protection for your puppy. It should be big enough to allow him to stand and stretch comfortably. You should not keep your valuable carpet inside as he will shred it as he plays. Do not keep your puppy in the dog house in the first days of arrival, keep him inside a crate, and keep it near your bedroom. This will make him feel your presence hence reducing the night cries.
Toys
Buy all types of toys for your puppy like; tug toys, teething toys, toy balls, puzzle toys, and plush toys. They will help in entertaining, distracting, and mental stimulation for your puppy.
Grooming tools
To ensure that your puppy is neat and attractive, buy nail cutters, shampoo, canine toothbrush and toothpaste, towels, dog wipe, dog mouth wash, and combs.
Reliable Vet
Have contact details for a reliable vet for emergency cases and normal checkups.
Contact Details for First Owner, Rescue Center, or Breeder
This is important in case of a health issue so that they can provide the puppy’s health history.
A Groomer and Trainer
A groomer is necessary to assist you in keeping your puppy looking nice. A professional trainer will assist in training and giving remedies for some bad puppy behaviors.
Pet sitter/walker and boarding facilities
A pet walker will help in walking your puppy as part of routine exercise. If you need to travel or go to work, a pet sitter and boarding facility will take care of your puppy in your absence. Always keep their contact details.
Insurance
Pet insurance reduces the cost of medical bills in case your puppy gets ill. There are also insurance companies that cover any damage that your puppy can cause by destroying other people’s property.