Recommended Puppy Supplies

The following is a list of my favorite supplies - it is by no means complete or absolute, but is intended to be used as a guide of suggested items you might want to get to help you get ready for your new puppy.

Crates:

I like wired crates for good ventilation and they are easy to clean. I prefer ones with two doors - one on the side and one on the front - for versatility.

Size: 24x18 should be adequate - you want it big enough so the adult dog can stand up and turn around comfortably. Consider having more than one crate and place them at different locations.

Suggested brand: Midwest, Precision Pets (there are others)

Crate Pads:

I like the fleece bolster crate pads that are washable. Get at least two, as then you have an extra when one is in the wash.

Dog Food:

I like to rotate foods occasionally to give the dogs a variety of nutrition. However, I usually come back to Nature's Variety, since it is a superior quality food and the dogs really like it. Nature's Variety just came out with a puppy food, but it is difficult to find. If your local pet store doesn't carry Nature's Variety Prairie, check my facebook page (Avonlea Havanese) for the list of excellent foods listed under the foods category.

You can supplement your puppy's diet with any high quality canned dog food - they love it!

Nature’s Variety Prairie kibble: chicken, beef or lamb

Dog Bowls:

I recommed either stainless steel or ceramic bowls. Plastic bowls are more difficult to sanitize and puppies love to chew on them. You can get the kind that doesn't tip over or get the set where the food and water bowls are inserted in a frame.

Xpen:

This is short for an exercise pen. They come in plastic netting, wood slats or metal. They are flexible-jointed corrals that are invaluable for containing your puppy, blocking doorways, etc. I have even used them to surround the Christmas tree. I have several all over the house. I prefer the metal ones - usually 24" height is sufficient, unless you have a jumper, then 36" height is better.

Harness/Collar:

I prefer harnesses for young puppies because they can slip out of collars too big for them and they may not come when called, so you need security. Make sure the harness is one that doesn't come across their throat in the front but lower on their chest. You can use mesh, rolled leather (gentler on longer hair), or nylon.I also like nylon adjustable collars for dog tags on the dogs. The rule is to allow two fingers between the collar and the dog's neck - watch your growing puppy to make sure the collar doesn't become too tight, but not too loose, either. Don't use collars with leashes. Pulling on leashes with a collar on can cause bruising of the thyroid glands, possibly leading to problems later in life. Always use a harness with a leash.

ID tags:

Always have identification on your dog. First, you will want to microchip your dog. The AKC now has a registry with a one-time fee good for your dog's lifetime. The proceeds go to help Search and Rescue dogs around the country. Next, always have an ID tag on your dog's collar or harness. There are two kinds - the hanging kind that dangles or the slip-on kind that is threaded over the collar or harness. They come in plastic or metal, and they do wear over time. I put my cell phone on the tag so that we are always available.

Leash:

There are two kinds of leashes and I recommend having one of each. The first is the standard leash - made of nylon, chain or leather. This is good when youwant your dog to walk close to you and want to keep them under close supervision. The second is the flexi-leash, which extends or retracts. That kind is good when you are walking your dog in the park or other area where the dog can have some leeway where they roam.

Grooming:

Even if you take your dog to a professional groomer, you will want to do some maintenance grooming at home. For brushing, use a pin brush and or metal tooth comb. For toenail clipping, get a guillotine-type clipper. For brushing teeth, use a toothbrush and doggy toothpaste (do NOT use human toothpaste). For bathing, use a puppy shampoo when young, then an adult dog shampoo. There are many good brands, find one you like. Follow with a dog conditioner, you will be glad you did. I recommend the book From Nose to Tail, published by the Canadian Havanese Fanciers. You can buy it online here: http://nosetotailbook.havanesefanciers.com/?q=purchasethebook

Toys:

Toys- whatever your puppy or dog likes. Each dog is different as to what they like. My dogs like the stuffed toys with squeakers (they love to "kill" them and take the stuffing out). Some like Nylabones, tennis balls, latex toys, ropes, etc. I also like the "gutted" toys with squeakers in them but no stuffing. Puppies can benefit from the toys that hold treats and they have to work to get to the treats. It can keep them occupied for a while. Kong is a good brand for this.

Treats:

I have basicall four rules for treats: not too much (diarrhea), avoid cow rawhide which can swell and cause intestinal obstruction if large pieces are bitten off, and no "junk" treats loaded with chemicals, and avoid treats from China (possible poisoness contamination). Treats from the USA, Canada or Brazil should be ok. There are so many treats out there, I use some of the following: pork rolls, dehydrated chicken filets, dehydrated beef tendons. dehydrated liver chunks, Pedigree sausages, Milk-Bone biscuits, Mother Hubburd (Wellness) treats. You can also give them raw beef bones - cooked bones can splinter. Any quality pet store has lots of good treats.