Perfect Puppy Care Book – Chapter 3 – Supplies
Chapter 3 – Supplies
Have you ever looked at a catalog that sells dog products? You may have been amazed at the amount of stuff that’s out there just calling to your credit card. From gourmet treats to shampoos to fancy dog beds, shopping for your puppy can be an adventure. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make sure your puppy has a good start in life, though. In fact, there may be some items that you shouldn’t splurge on until your puppy gets through the chewing stage. Your puppy will, however, need some basic supplies.
Baby Gate
Baby gates come in very handy with a puppy in the household. There will be times when you want to give your puppy more room than her crate allows, but she’s not ready to roam the house freely. Baby gates allow you to conveniently close off part of your home. You also can use a baby gate to block the top or bottom of stairs or entrances to a deck or patio.
Baby gates are also a necessity if you have cats. It is normal for a young puppy to chase a cat. Until you teach her to leave your cat alone, you must manage the problem. Put a baby gate in the doorway to a “safe room” for your cat. Kitty will jump over the gate, but your puppy won’t be able to follow. This will make your cat feel much safer. You also can use a baby gate to block off your cat’s food and litter box. Puppies often love the taste of cat poop! Don’t even give your puppy the chance to enjoy that icky delicacy; block off your cat’s litter box so that your puppy can’t get to it.
You’ll find baby gates in children’s areas of department stores and in pet supply stores. Some types bolt into the wall, while others are spring-loaded and don’t require any installation hardware. They come in plastic, wood, and metal. You’ll find extra-tall ones (in case you have a tall puppy) and some that even have cat doors. For convenience, you may want to look for a baby gate that features a swing door so that you don’t have to step over it all the time.
Bed
Beds come in all shapes, colors, sizes, and materials. Choose a size that will fit your puppy comfortably. Before you spend a lot of money on a quality bed, you may want to wait until your puppy is past her chewing stage, at around nine months. Otherwise, you may discover that she thinks the beautiful bed you bought her to nap on is much better for chewing! There are some chew-resistant beds on the market if you have a real power chewer. You also can spray the bed with chew deterrent spray. If your puppy insists on shredding her bed or crate pad, however, it’s best to remove it altogether rather than risk her eating it and getting a stomach obstruction.
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