Essential Tools and Equipment

Gates

• You might want a gate to enclose a play area that is kept clear of household objects or anything that is not appropriate for puppy to play with
• Ideally, the area should have a floor surface easy to clean such as tile or linoleum
• Gates can be used to discourage puppies from going into off-limit rooms
• Gates may be necessary to block off dangerous spots like stariways, ledges or porches

Crates

• If you plan to be gone more than six hours, your puppy is better off enclosed in a kitchen, bathroom or utility room
• Indoor pens are also available for times you will be gone longer than six hours
• Crate your puppy only when necessary.  Crating will be necessary during housebreaking, if you do not close off a small area for the puppy.  If you have a small area to close off just for confinement of puppy, you won't need to use a crate for housebreaking
• Crates are very useful for when your puppy must be left unattended for less than six hours
• Crates are useful during sleeping hours with young, unhousebroken puppies
• Crates are useful as feeding stations for distractible puppies

The confinement of puppy in a crate works as a safety or preventative measure for puppy and all family members.  Puppy can't get into trouble there. 

You will need to provide additional training to communicate leadership to your puppy and to teach puppy how to behave in all rooms of your house. 

Collar and Lead

Be sure you have these on hand when puppy arrives.

Toys and Chews

Young puppies teeth and they need appropriate chews to help through this process.  I personally like Nylabone products and the HealthyPetNet bones.  Go here to learn about HealthyPetNet products:  http://www.healthylife27.com

Grooming Equipment

The type of grooming equipment you will need to have depends upon what breed of dog you choose.  Please see Grooming Section that is organized by breed of dog.  You will find many helpful articles in this section.