About
Crate training set up which we use (preferably on a hard floor, not rug or carpet)
Things You will need for puppy
Following are the items which we use all the time.
Feeding
• Two bowls - water and food. Use a high capacity water bowl so water stays cool.
• Treats - The main thing we use for puppies is Ziwi. This is air dried mackerel and lamb (human grade), venison or chicken treat, which is already in handy pieces. They are sold as a top end food, but brilliant as treats, and you dont need to limit as much as you do with liver treats. We have these available for purchase with your puppy if you require.
See our section on Diet. We can supply both the Royal Canin Med puppy and Stay Loyal chicken fish and lamb for pups being met or collected.
Sleeping
Raised outside bed Optional (For resting on patio or outside during the day). We use Kurunda beds with the heavy vinyl tops.
Crate for sleeping in (initial training). We use the Fido and Fletch, med size from Bunnings. I like these because they are tough, washable and quiet - being canvas and zips there are no noisy doors to wake you or puppy. Image at the bottom of this page
Inside Bed. There are lots of different beds available. We use Vet Bet(like a synthetic sheepskin) folded four deep. Absolute luxury to lay on, and can be machine washed over and over.
A budget alternative to the above is to purchase 3 or 4 woollen blankets from an op shop. They machine wash, and are comfortable about 4 blankets (multiple layers) deep.
Playing
• Chew Toys, with squeakers are popular, but expect them to be demolished frequently. We have the Soda Pup toys available for $20 each on collection. They are excellent quality latex and last and last. Great for filling with kibble and leaving while puppy is getting used to having some alone time.
• Balls - Medium size, so they can't get stuck in puppy's throat. Your puppy will come with a nice ball.
• Throw toys (never use sticks, they can cause severe injury to a dog’s mouth) We recommend the Doog brand of Super Sticks.
Collars and Harnesses
We use Doog brand collars - trendy colours, neoprene lined for comfort, and they wash up like new. We love them. We don’t like seeing very narrow collars on dogs, as they can cause high point pressure if a pup pulls unexpectantly on a lead.
• Collar (same size as Doog brand medium size when pup comes home)
• Lead
Training collar / lead combo The Ezy Dog brand Luca training leash is excellent. They are a slip lead which gives you a clear command and has a stop so they can’t cover tighten.
• Car Harness. This is essential for vehicle trips. The webbing ones are easy to take on and off and comfortable. We can supply these for $15 each.
Training
• Clicker for training, (optional) or be prepared to find a unique sound that you can make to mark good behaviour instead. We use “yes” instead of a clicker.
• (optional) Walking Bag for treats, clicker, poo bags and your phone and wallet - very handy if running or walking dog
• Portable water bowl and bottle
• Poo Pick up Bags
• Crate Training - (see photo above) We use a fabric crate (grey) from Bunnings, large or extra large size, made by Fido and Fletch, which we find excellent. It is large, collapsible and quiet at nights or in the car (the solid crates rattle a lot). To that we attach a circle of baby barrier that the pup can go out to during the day.
Grooming
Slicker Brush (Separates every hair) *
Thinning Scissors (Round tip to avoid poking, and great around eyes and bottom between full clips)Styling scissors (round tips to avoid poking your dog). great to trim between clips.
Ear Cleaner - see our Ear section.Miracle Ear Powder Essential (from Oz Grooming Supplies, online)
Pin Brush (Essential if children are to groom, as no sharp bits)
Nail Clippers (Unless you are having a groomer do nails)
Shampoo / Conditioner (we can supply a special natural soap bar we use)
Snuggling and Cleaning
Woollen blankets for cold nights
Old towels for drying off, or putting on top of bed at night
Chew Stopper (saves furniture when puppy teethes at about 4 months)
Pee Off or similar masking spray for when pups have an accident that needs cleaning up after.
