Your Ultimate Puppy ToolKit

Written by Australian Dog Lover 16:26:00 - 0 Comments

Bringing home your new puppy requires advance preparation especially if you're a first time dog owner. You will need to learn not only how to keep your pet safe and healthy but also help him grow into a well-mannered adult dog - this is best achieved by selecting a good puppy pre-school with a focus on socialisation and not just basic commands.

We'll admit that our own approach eleven years ago was utterly flawed! We grabbed cheap basics from the department store followed by a trip to a retail pet shop, where we parted with large amounts of cash for items that in hindsight were not appropriate and totally overpriced...

It certainly pays to do your research before you start shopping around, keeping in mind that your puppy will grow up very fast and is likely to chew anything within range unless you provide him/her with suitable alternatives during the teething period!

Like us, puppies need food and water and lots of it during their growing spurts! Look for food and water bowls that won't topple - puppies are boisterous - and are easy to clean. Unless you plan to upgrade later, base your selection on the adult size of your dog!

The Yours Droolly Stainless Steel Ant-Free Bowl features a base that is deeper than the outside bottom edge of the bowl, effectively raising the outside rim of the bowl off the ground so ants can't access and climb up the side of the bowl.

Stainless steel bowls are easy to clean - we still use our 12-year old bowls - and the vinyl rubberised bottom also minimises the bowl sliding.

RRP: $3.95 - $12.95 from www.luckypet.com.au

The award winning Beco Bowl is made from a unique plant fibre plastic. Made from waste plant fibres found in bamboo and rice husks, these dog bowls are completely sustainable to produce and biodegradable when finished with. 

Designed to be both eco-friendly and functional, these bowls are tough and durable. They will last for years in the home and are even dishwasher friendly. They come in 3 sizes and 3 colours: Pink, Green or Blue.

RRP: $9.99 - $15.99 at www.petstock.com.au

Puppies can't have too many toys as they love exploring the world with their mouth. There are now hundreds of options available but only offer your puppy strong, durable, well-made toys that are sized appropriately for him. When your puppy destroys a toy, remove the damaged toy immediately.

Plush toys are simply irresistible for a puppy! 

Plush Friendz from GiGwi will always keep your puppy entertained, even when you’re not at home. These cute, soft and cuddly toys retain your dog’s scent and keeps them coming back for more play time – whether it be fetch, snuggle or chew. 

Made from non-toxic materials with two changeable internal squeakers, Plush Friendz come in various sizes and characters to provide hours of fun. Once playtime is over, your puppy can cuddle up with its new friend and recharge with a nap!  

For more information, visit www.gigwiaustralia.com.au

RRP: $10.99 - $29.99 from pet stores or online.

New to Australia, the Rosewood toy range is designed for pooches of all ages, breeds and sizes. 

The BioSafe puppy toys (Bone and Ring featured) all use the unique Biocote antimicrobial technology, making these toys more hygienic for your pet and your family.

Perfect for teething puppies and small dogs, these toys are treated with a mint scent and gently massage your dog’s gums, which in turn reduces plaque and tartar build-up. They also float making them perfect for summer fun!

For trade enquiries, please contact www.envon.com.au

RRP: from $6.95 (Puppy Bone); $8.95 (Puppy Ring) at www.darlingpaws.com.au 

This Aussie Dog Puppy Pack will start your puppy off on the right track. 

It includes a bunch of favourites like the Tuckerball, Ringathong, Slapathong and a Catch Ball. All these toys are designed to be safe for your puppy and to keep him entertained.

There's a retrieval toy, a food dispensing toy, a fetch toy and of course your puppy's first ball - a much safer and non-toxic alternative to a tennis ball! 


RRP: from $47.00 at www.aussiedog.com.au

The Play Ball by East Coast Pets really knows how to pump up playtime and it makes a wonderful gift for puppies, dogs and cats. 

Made from 100% natural New Zealand wool, each piece is dyed gently by artisans in Nepal from local vegetable plant to create bright and bold colour.

Each toy can be placed in water and then into the freezer for a harder bite and to soothe teething gums (it acts like dental floss during playtime).

This set contains three wool balls (5cm diameter size) in Royal Blue, Raspberry and Orange.

RRP: $18.00 from eastcoastpets.com.au

Whether your puppy comes from a reputable breeder or an animal shelter, he/she will already be microchipped but please ensure that you register your details with the local council and are listed on a national pet register. This will maximise your chances of being reunited quickly, should your dog ever go missing!

It's also a good idea for your pup to wear either a personalised collar with his name/mobile number or a collar and ID tag with those details. The collar should fit snugly so it won't slip off, but should not be too tight either: you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your puppy's neck. 

If you're adopting from a shelter, your puppy will already be desexed, vaccinated and microchipped. Desexing your dog prevents unplanned pregnancy and they're also less prone to wandering or fighting. Read more about the Pros & Cons of Desexing.

Your vet is the best person to advise you about vaccinations. Puppies are vulnerable to a host of infectious diseases, some of which can be fatal like Parvovirus. Keep in mind that doggy daycare facilities and boarding kennels will not accept pets that are not up to date with their vaccinations. Your vet can also talk to you about options for flea and tick treatment, worming and other essentials.

It's a big call but our Zoom Groom Shedding and Bathing dog brush has to be the best 'value for money' product we've purchased for our dogs in the last 11 years. 

It helps remove loose hair, dead skin and dander from their coat and is also very effective to work shampoo into their wet coat at bath time.

Made from durable yet flexible rubber, the brush is gentle and its design makes it easy to grip and hold. The rubber fingers reach through the coat to massage the skin whilst you brush: this helps stimulate circulation and natural oil production which supports healthy skin and coat.

It works just as well for short and long coats and all dog breeds. 
Available in Raspberry or Boysenberry.

RRP: $17.95 from World for Pets online (RSPCA Superstore) 

The Puppy + Pamper Shampoo by Australian company Bone-A-Fide is specifically formulated to cleanse your active puppy yet delicate enough for the skin.

It is enriched with extract of Nettle which helps provide softening and anti-inflammatory anti-itching astringent and toning effects for your puppy's coat. 

It provides gentle tearless care for delicate skin and coat. It's great for older dogs too.

RRP: $24.95 from cleandog.com.au

Pet Insurance is a vital part of responsible pet ownership and provides peace of mind for your beloved furry family member. It's always advisable to research pet insurance cover and policy options before your bring your puppy home.

Having Accidental Injury & Illness Cover (combined) or Major Medical Cover for your pup by 8 weeks of age ensures it will be covered for their lifetime - as long as you continue to renew your cover. 

Sadly, many pet owners do not consider pet insurance until after their first expensive veterinary bill. By this time, the treated condition will already be pre-existing and not covered in your policy. Signing-up as quickly as possible is a wonderful way to ensure your puppy is fully covered right from the start.

Pet Insurance Australia allows pet owners to concentrate on the healing process of their beloved pet, rather than the financial burden illness and injury can bring.

For more details on options, please visit www.petinsuranceaustralia.com.au    

The Aussie made Vebo Pet Exercise Pen is a versatile heavy duty playpen that can also double as a room divider and comes with a child and pet-proof gate.

All 6 panels (65cm wide x 75cm tall) are removable therefore allowing extra panels to be added in when you purchase an additional set.

Rubber legs allow it stand firmly on floors without scratching tiles or floorboards. 

RRP: from $169.99 at www.vebopet.com.au

Designed like a piece of contemporary furniture, the new Fido Studio is more than just an indoor dog crate. Complementing your home décor, it also fulfills your dog's natural instinct to have a den they can call their own. 

It has an optional wardrobe, which is an incredibly practical solution for storing your new puppy’s food, treats, accessories and toys all in one handy place.

This funky crate looks good in white wood and can be purchased as a stand-alone or with optional extras. It comes flat packed with easy assembly instructions. 
Available in 61cm and 91cm sizes.

RRP: from $149.99 at www.omlet.com.au

If you live in an apartment, the Pet Loo Pet Toilet from PetSafe is your backyard in a box and may save your floor coverings!

This portable indoor/outdoor toilet works for dogs but also cats and small pets. Unless you’re available at all hours of the day and for midnight bathroom breaks, it offers a convenient alternative during your puppy’s house training. 

The top layer of synthetic grass allows urine to drain through into the base. The reinforced base is slightly angled so urine trickles down into the waste container. The waste container catches the urine and is removable for easy clean-up. Available in 3 sizes.

RRP: from $189.99 at www.petsafe.com.au

Well, accidents will happen especially in the early days! An effective enzymatic cleaner is essential not only to remove stains but also to break up the smell of urine and deter your puppy from using that area as a toilet again!

X-Out Spot Check is a pet stain eliminator, that works safely and effectively to remove both new and old stains from carpet areas, rugs, upholstery etc. without damaging the fabrics. It uses a water-based formula which contains no harsh chemicals and is biodegradable.

RRP: $26.50 (500ml) from www.cleanergreener.com.au

Ring and secure a spot at your local Puppy Pre-School well in advance. For his own safety, your puppy needs to be socialised from an early age and should respond well to basic commands (like stay or come). It is so important that your puppy's first experiences with other dogs away from the safety of its mother, are amicable.

Finally, if you have young children please teach them not to overwhelm the puppy on his first day and and let him settle in before showing him off to family, friends and the entire neighbourhood!

Make sure you enjoy these first few months with your new puppy and don't forget to take loads of pictures as they grow up way too quickly!

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