Adopting a new dog? Here are the essentials.

Bringing in a new puppy or dog to the family is tons of fun, but a midst all the excitement, there are a few essential items you will need for your newest addition.

1. Food and Water Bowl:  Every creature needs to eat and drink, so it’s good to have bowls for the basics. They can be simple, tin bowls that you can get from Walmart for under $10 or you can do a fancy dish that is the animal equivalent of fine china. It all depends on your personal preference and budget.
2. Food and Training Treats:  When getting food and treats, there are a few easy questions you will need to answer so that your pet is getting the right nutrients. Do you have a puppy, a middle aged or a senior pet? Are they a picky eater? Do they prefer dry food or wet food?
3. Treats:   These should be like little gifts for good deeds, so find a treat that motivates! A good way to ensure this is by including your pet in the process, so taking them to the store with you and, if the store allows it, getting some samples. And remember: NEVER give treats for free! Make them work for it.
4. Leash and Collar:  A leash and collar is always a good idea, no matter the living situation. Apartment, town house, yard, no yard; it doesn’t matter. There will come a time that you will need to get your dog out of the house, and having them leashed will guarantee their safety and yours.
5. ID/Microchipping:  Identification and Microchipping saves lives! There are many things that can provoke a dog to run away; from moments of opportunity, like an open gate, to running in fear of a thunderstorm. After natural disasters, identification is the most helpful way of reuniting pets to their people.
6. Crate/Kennel:   It’s important for your dog to have a “safe place”, like a portable crate or kennel, that can be used on a daily basis and for transportation. However, it is not healthy for your pet to stay in their crate or kennel for an excessive amount of time, especially not puppies, as they need to be walked frequently. That is where dog walking services and doggy day cares come in handy.
7. Bedding: Everyone wants a comfortable bed to lay on at night, including your dog. Beds are especially good to have for the older additions who may have arthritis and joint pain. It also helps to have a security blanket full of familiar smells that you can put in your pup’s crate to make them feel more comfortable and at home.
8. Toys: Toys are important for the mental health of your dog just as much as the physical. Mental stimulation can be achieved through food dispensing toys, squeakers, and rubber chew toys. When choosing toys for your pooch, make sure to find toys that are size appropriate and durable; this way there is an unlikely chance of choking on small objects. Toys are also a great way to bond with your new pal and to get rid of some of that puppy energy.
9. Grooming Tools:   Regular grooming benefits health, comfort, and makes for a clean pet and can strengthen the bond between owner and dog. The four main tools to own are brushes and shampoo, picked accordingly for your dog’s hair type, and a toothbrush and tooth paste. Dental hygiene now, saves you big bucks later.
10. Vetting: All pets need vaccinations and yearly check ups, just like humans. Your pup needs these vaccinations to prevent them from getting sick and to assure a happy, healthy life. Also, getting them used to seeing the doc as a puppy will make those yearly visits much less traumatizing, for them and for you!
11. Love, Time, and Patience: When it all boils down, the most important things to have is your love, time, and patience. In the beginning it may feel a little stressful and there will be accidents, but remember: Jersey wasn’t build in a day. It’s gonna take some time, tons of patience, and a lifetime of love!