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OUR RECOMMENDED
'MUST HAVE' LIST FOR ADOPTING A PUPPY 
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We are absolutely delighted to have Takealot.com as the sponsor who is helping us to take these courses throughout SA. Not only can you obtain all your Pet related products from them at a really good price - you can buy virtually anthing from them, from Pet Products right through to TV's, Sports and Camping Equipment to name but a few. Do have a look at their website and support them for supporting the dogs in the shelters and helping to improve both their quality of life and make them more adoptable. www.takealot.com Thank You!
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- In addition to the list below, do make sure that you take your new pup to the vet as soon as possible for a full check-up and arrange the dates of both future vaccinations, deworming and having your pup microchipped.
- Additionally do get your pup booked into a Recommended Puppy School where you will have a fully qualified instructor who can give you and the pup the absolute best. Your pup should attend Puppy School two weeks after the second set of vaccinations, at approximately 10 weeks of age. Have a look at our list of Recommended Puppy Schools throughout SA.
- Feel free to Download both BEFORE & AFTER Getting a Puppy by Dr. Ian Dunbar. Our site contains over 1200 articles on dogs – please help yourself and share with friends – together we can make a dog’s life and our relationship with it so much better – thank you.
Collar & lead or Harness & Lead
Your pup will definitely need a collar and lead, and be aware – puppies do grow so keep an eye out on how tight the collar is becoming. We do not recommend that a pup is left with a collar on full time – rather that the pup gets used to wearing it and having it handled several times during the day and only when the pup is happy with wearing the collar, do you attach the lead.
Not all pups take easily to having a collar put on, so we have an article here for you to read to find the easiest way to get a pup used to having a collar on and learning to walk on lead. http://www.friendsofthedog.co.za/introducing-your-puppy-to-his-collar.html
Our favourite collars are from the Rogz range which come in a multitude of different colours and styles –The collar should fit snugly on the neck so that it won't slip off, but should not be too tight – a good rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and the pup's neck. As your pup gets older, you can expect to buy several collars as she outgrows them.
Our favourite lead is the Rogz Utility lead as not only can this be adjusted to different lengths, it comes with two clips, so perfect for using for two points of contact (such as a Halti and a lead or a Balance Lead or Super Balance Lead). A large variety of Collars, Leads and Harnesses can be found at www.takealot.com
Your pup will definitely need a collar and lead, and be aware – puppies do grow so keep an eye out on how tight the collar is becoming. We do not recommend that a pup is left with a collar on full time – rather that the pup gets used to wearing it and having it handled several times during the day and only when the pup is happy with wearing the collar, do you attach the lead.
Not all pups take easily to having a collar put on, so we have an article here for you to read to find the easiest way to get a pup used to having a collar on and learning to walk on lead. http://www.friendsofthedog.co.za/introducing-your-puppy-to-his-collar.html
Our favourite collars are from the Rogz range which come in a multitude of different colours and styles –The collar should fit snugly on the neck so that it won't slip off, but should not be too tight – a good rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and the pup's neck. As your pup gets older, you can expect to buy several collars as she outgrows them.
Our favourite lead is the Rogz Utility lead as not only can this be adjusted to different lengths, it comes with two clips, so perfect for using for two points of contact (such as a Halti and a lead or a Balance Lead or Super Balance Lead). A large variety of Collars, Leads and Harnesses can be found at www.takealot.com
Utility Lead - longer than standard lead with two clips
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Rogz Collar with the safety feature
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Identification Tag
It is always a good idea to have your pup microchipped and in addition we do suggest an ID tag as well so that your dog can be quickly identified in the event it gets lost. Our favourite product is the Rogz ID as no engraving is needed. You just write on your details and then stick the two sides together. There is no rattling and the tags are rust-proof and tarnish free – another plus is that they have some really great designs – perfect for the fashion conscious dog! Have a look at the selection at www.takealot.com |
Chew Toys
Although it is nice and varied for your pup to have different toys to play with, the one’s that really make a difference as they provide hours of entertainment and mental stimulation are any of the Kong’s or Squirrel/Busy Buddy ranges. Not only are these fun to chew on simply by freezing them and letting the little one chew on them, will provide relief for aching gums as the new teeth come through and give your pup something ‘legal’ to chew on when you are out of the home and you need to provide entertainment for the pup. We have provided you with a link on various recipes you can use to stuff the Kong’s and Squirrel/Busy Buddies with. http://www.friendsofthedog.co.za/50-ways-with-a-kong.html
In addition to the two above there are also a range of great chew toys which also have the facility of being able to put kibble etc inside them. Here are some samples below. All these are available at www.takealot.com and it really is a case that the more you have the happier your dog will be!
Although it is nice and varied for your pup to have different toys to play with, the one’s that really make a difference as they provide hours of entertainment and mental stimulation are any of the Kong’s or Squirrel/Busy Buddy ranges. Not only are these fun to chew on simply by freezing them and letting the little one chew on them, will provide relief for aching gums as the new teeth come through and give your pup something ‘legal’ to chew on when you are out of the home and you need to provide entertainment for the pup. We have provided you with a link on various recipes you can use to stuff the Kong’s and Squirrel/Busy Buddies with. http://www.friendsofthedog.co.za/50-ways-with-a-kong.html
In addition to the two above there are also a range of great chew toys which also have the facility of being able to put kibble etc inside them. Here are some samples below. All these are available at www.takealot.com and it really is a case that the more you have the happier your dog will be!
3 different sizes of Busy Buddy
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A variety of high quality chew toys
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3 sizes of standard Kongs. The black one's are for the Professional chewer and come in different sizes
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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 can make both physically and mentally. Do let your dog sniff to its heart content. If you have ended up with a ‘professional puller’ we have included an article to help you. Here is the link (to insert after editing)
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 can make both physically and mentally. Do let your dog sniff to its heart content. If you have ended up with a ‘professional puller’ we have included an article to help you. Here is the link (to insert after editing)
Metal crate - our number 1 option
Material crate. Although these are light and also fold down, much easier for a dog to destroy same
What the metal crate looks like when folded - easy to carry and can be put up in seconds
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Crates and Containment
Crates are currently a lot more popular in UK and USA than in SA – more the pity – however once people realize what a bonus these are, they never have a dog without one again! However, as more and more owners are being educated on how useful a crate can be to help with toilet training, to be used as a bed (dogs are naturally den animals), as a safe place to pop the dog when multiple people around for a bit of a rest (or if you need a bit of a rest!) – and of course they can be used to convey the pup in the car. If you travel and take your dog with you, a wonderful item to have for your dog to sit safely in and if staying in a hotel. Crate training is very easy to achieve and we have supplied a link below for you on how to achieve this. When you buy your crate, purchase for the size your dog will grow into and simply close off part of it with a bit of cardboard until the dog grows fully into it if need-be. They are available in both material and metal and are collapsible, we prefer the metal one as much longer lasting and cannot be chewed. The crate should be big enough that when fully gown the pup will be able to stand up, lie down, stretch and turn around. They should be cosy but still allow the room to move around. For something bigger you can always consider a Doggy Play Pen. Link to Crate Training http://www.friendsofthedog.co.za/crate-training.html Have a look at the selection at www.takealot.com |
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Dog bed
If you are getting a crate then this can also be your dogs bed – if not, then you will need a bed that is used specifically for your dog. You want to look for something that is comfy and will keep the pup warm, especially when it is very small. Look for beds that are easy to wash. There is an enormous variety on the market to suit any tastes. Have a look at the selection at www.takealot.com |
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Food and water bowls
Once again there is a large variety available in different colours and designs. Some point to be borne in mind when making the choice for you pup will be to avoid plastic if possible. These are not only easily chewed they can also harbour bacteria especially in area where the dog has chewed upon. We prefer metal as easy to clean, can go into the dish washer safely and not nearly as likely to be chewed by the pup. Many of them have the additional features that we love such as a non-slip rubber base and some even have a rim around the bottom where you can add water to keep ants at bay. Have a look at the selection at www.takealot.com |
High Quality Food, treats
As above, try and keep the dog on the same food that it is used to for the first two weeks at least. If you start to change the food immediately it could cause a tummy upset and then you will not know whether this is from the new food or if the dog has a potential health problem.
When it comes to changing food, do ask you vet for advice. The first 18 months of a dog’s life are so very important when it comes to building strong bones and a strong healthy immune system, so go for the best you can afford – this is especially important where the large and giant breeds are concerned. When changing food do this gradually over about 10 days so that you can see if the food has an adverse effect on the dog.
Dogs will need to eat 2 times a day and the food should be given and then picked up and the bowl put away. This will allow you to see that the dog eats all its food if multiple dogs (remember that often the first sign that a dog is not well is if it does not eat) plus will keep bowls safe from rodents, birds and disease. An additional factor is that by controlling such an importance resource to the dog, you will automatically raise yourself in the combined human/canine social structure and by putting the bowls away it stops resource guarding of food bowls between dogs. Part of the dogs food can also be put into a Kong/Squirrel/Busy Buddy to provide entertainment while you are out.
When it comes to treats, using a dog friendly treat is far preferable to feeding human food as the treats have been designed specifically for dogs. No dog should be fat, so do limit the amount of treats used and reward with treats for special occasions and learning new things. Remember that less is always more, so award the smallest treat you can get away with.
As above, try and keep the dog on the same food that it is used to for the first two weeks at least. If you start to change the food immediately it could cause a tummy upset and then you will not know whether this is from the new food or if the dog has a potential health problem.
When it comes to changing food, do ask you vet for advice. The first 18 months of a dog’s life are so very important when it comes to building strong bones and a strong healthy immune system, so go for the best you can afford – this is especially important where the large and giant breeds are concerned. When changing food do this gradually over about 10 days so that you can see if the food has an adverse effect on the dog.
Dogs will need to eat 2 times a day and the food should be given and then picked up and the bowl put away. This will allow you to see that the dog eats all its food if multiple dogs (remember that often the first sign that a dog is not well is if it does not eat) plus will keep bowls safe from rodents, birds and disease. An additional factor is that by controlling such an importance resource to the dog, you will automatically raise yourself in the combined human/canine social structure and by putting the bowls away it stops resource guarding of food bowls between dogs. Part of the dogs food can also be put into a Kong/Squirrel/Busy Buddy to provide entertainment while you are out.
When it comes to treats, using a dog friendly treat is far preferable to feeding human food as the treats have been designed specifically for dogs. No dog should be fat, so do limit the amount of treats used and reward with treats for special occasions and learning new things. Remember that less is always more, so award the smallest treat you can get away with.
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Grooming
Even though your pup will not need to be groomed initially, it is a good idea to get the pup used to being groomed while it is still young. Always do this gently and ensure that it is a positive experience for the pup – this will prevent future problems in connection with grooming. Many dogs do not like to have their nails trimmed and if taught in the correct manner at a young age this problem can be avoided. Here are a few links for you to read through and have a look at the selection at www.takealot.com Grooming - article Bathing your dog - article Trimming Toenails - article |
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Car Safety
Having a pup or dog loose in a car is a real safety hazard, both for the driver, the occupants and the pup. If you are not going to use a crate in the car then do consider using a safety harness and getting your pup used to using this as early as possible. These normally slot into the seat belt attachment and keep the dog safe and contained. The other alternative is a divider between the seats so that the dog is contained in one area. The other thing that we love to have in cars is a car seat cover. These keep your car seats clean, are mostly non-slip for the dog, can go in the washing machine and the majority of them have slots so that the safety harness can be attached to the dogs harness. If you have a pup that gets car sick, then a real bonus! Have a look at the selection at www.takealot.com |
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Poop Bags
There is nothing worse than taking you dog for a walk and having to avoid ‘landmines’ all over the place! Not only is it disgusting to get these on your shoes, stools can contain disease which can be easily transmitted to your pup when it stops to smell it. There are some great holders for poop bags available now a days where you can just pull one from the bottom (and keep your car keys in it as a bonus) and other containers for poop bags that attach to your dog’s lead. Do make a difference and make sure that you are not one of ‘those’ people that lets their dog poo all over the place – costs very little and makes a huge difference to the environment and our dog’s health! Hopefully picking up poop will become the law in SA as it is in USA and many European countries. Have a look at the selection at www.takealot.com |
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