​OUR RECOMMENDED

'MUST HAVE' LIST FOR

ADOPTING A DOG OR A

​ PUPPY
Exercise - Although are not going to be buying this at your local pet shop or on-line the important of daily walks cannot be overlooked and is something that is not only fun for the dog – it is essential. If we can appreciate that a dogs sense of smell is over 45 times stronger than ours which relates to over 200 million scent cells, we can start to understand just how much impact a daily walk of just 15 minutes (when you dont have time for a longer walk) can make while the dog sniffs to its hearts content. This impacts on the dog both physically and mentally and the end result will be a much happier and better behaved dog. 
" MUST HAVE LIST "
​
LOVE
PATIENCE
CONSISTENCY
SENSE OF HUMOUR

  • Vet visit for Vaccinations, Deworming and Pest Control. Make appointment for Sterilization if not already done
  • Microchip at Vet & ID Tag for collar
  • Good Quality Food, Food Bowls & Treats
  • Dog Bed /Blanket
  • Collar, Lead, Harness
  • Chew Toys
  • Grooming Utensils & Shampoo
  • Poop Bags or cleaning equipment
  • Crate (see our articles on Crate Training)
  • Car Safety (car harness/safety strap/crate)
  • Car Hammock
​As there is such a large range of collars, leads and appropriate chew toys, we have put together a comprhensive list for you as to what we persoannly prefer as well as a link to an article on putting on a Collar & Lead on a pup or dog that is not used to one. 
Collars

There is such a large array of collars, harnesses and leads available that choosing and finding the right one for your dog is often overwhelming. We thought we would go into a bit more depth on this subject so that you have more knowledge at your finger tips when you do make your purchase. 

Your dog will definitely need a collar/harness and lead, and be aware – dogs do grow so keep an eye out on how tight the collar is becoming. We do not recommend that a dog is left with a collar on full time – rather that the dog gets used to wearing it and having it handled several times during the day and only when the dog is happy with wearing the collar, do you attach the lead.

Although  many people prefer the fitted Vest type Harness for the small breeds, it is always a good idea to have the small breeds get used to a standard collar in the event it may need to be used at some stage, especially if there has been any injury on the part of the body that the fitted harness covers. 

We have two favourite Collars the one being a material Collar which is idea for the small to medium breeds. 

For the bigger breeds (or for pullers) we prefer the Martingale Collar as in the picture. These were originally designed for the Greyhound breed as they had such thin necks and really do help with the dog that does pull and as it clasps firmly on the neck, is a lot less likely to come off over the head. We did say that a dog should not have a collar on when at home, and this is expecially the case where the Martingale collar is concerned. The reason for this is that if fits looser on the neck when not being pulled and it could snag on something in the garden.

Not all dogs take easily to having a collar put on, especially dogs that may have suffered abuse in the past, so we have an article here for you to read to find the easiest way to get a dog used to having a collar on and learning to walk on lead. The article is written about pups however exactly the same procedure applies if an adult dog. If the dog is worried about using a collar, then rather use a harness and if you are still having problems putting it on, do get hold of a behaviour consultant who can give you the help you require.      
Picture
Small Collar - nice and light for the smaller breeds and easy to get off and on
Picture
Martingale Collar. Ideal for the medium to larger breeds or for dogs that pull
 Harnesses / always our first choice

There are many people that prefer a Harness to a Collar as they feel kinder to the dog. We are all in favour of Harnesses, however, some are better than others as with some dogs (espeically those prone to pulling or the large and giant breeds) a Harness can actually encourage a dog to pull more. What is the trick is to know what is the best Harness to use and our favourite is the picture in the middle where he dog is suited in a Step-In Harness and the second point of contact is the lead (Multi Purpose Utility Lead). Additionally it transfers pressure from dogs neck to its chest.

For the small breeds we either recommend the two points of contact as above or the Step-in Harness. The Step-In Harness fastens higher up on the dogs back and therefore it is easier to keep the dog close to its owner which will make it a lot easier to prevent pulling on lead.

​One has to make sure that the Step-In Harness is fitted properly or else the dog may just squeeze itself out of it if ill fitting.  Having two points of contact also prevents this happening.

As we mentioned above the Vest Harnesses are very popular, however in our own experience of them, we find that many dogs tend to overheat in the hot weather. 
Picture
Using one of the 1.8m Fixed Rogz Leads as a Balance Lead the dog is walking beautifully in balance which helps to prevent pulling
Picture
Using 2 points of contact with a Step In Harness and a Utility Lead with 2 clips helps to keep a dog in balance and dramatically reduces and prevents pulling
Leads

We have two favourite leads and both of them are from Rogz. The first one is the Rogz Multi Purpose Utility lead which is much longer than a standard lead being 1.8m and has two clips. The clips allow one to change the length of the lead and the added bonus is that due to the two clips, the lead can be used as two points of contact.

This means that one end can be attached to a Harness or Head Halter and the other end to the Collar. Using two points of contact such as this helps to keep the dogs body in balance and therefor a lot less likely to pull. Additionally, you can adjust this lead to different lengths giving your dog more freedom to walk when required. 

Our other favourite Rogz lead is the Fixed Lead which is also a bit longer at 1.8m as the one above. Althoug this does not have two points of contact, it is so easy to use to prevent pulling as it can be used as a Balance Lead and Super Balance lead. These also come in some great colours and designs.
​Chew Toys

Although it is nice and varied for your dog to have different toys to play with, the one’s that really make a difference as they provide hours of entertainment and mental stimulation.  
The 3 brands we prefer are the Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude, Peanut Stuffer and Kong. There are also lots of other good quality toys that can be stuffed.

Not only are these fun to chew on simply by freezing them they last longer and are wonderful in the warmer weather. They also supply something ‘legal’ to chew on when you are out of the home and you need to provide entertainment for the dog.