Essential supplies for your dog: What your pet really needs – and what it doesn't.
Before a new four-legged family member moves in, preparations need to be made. What initial equipment is useful for the dog, and how can you make the start in its new home easier for the animal?
A dog is moving in – how exciting! Especially for people welcoming a dog into their daily life and home for the first time, this marks a whole new chapter. To ensure that you and your new four-legged friend get off to the best possible start, the right initial equipment for the dog is essential. It not only provides safety but also ensures that everyone feels comfortable. We explain which products are useful.
1. Collar, harness, and leash
Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, a suitable collar or harness, along with a leash, is essential for your pet's safety and well-being. A harness is particularly useful for puppies, as it distributes pressure more evenly, which helps them learn to walk on a leash more quickly . Keep in mind that your puppy will soon outgrow its first harness. Then it's time for a new one to ensure your four-legged friend can always move comfortably without any pinching or chafing.
The same applies to the collar. It should fit snugly so the dog can't pull it over its head when pulling on the leash, but it shouldn't be too tight either – and it should also be adjustable to grow with the dog. Wider collars are generally more comfortable than narrow ones, which can make a difference, especially for puppies who pull more on the leash. A collar isn't just important for walking the dog on a leash, but also for attaching the dog tag or Tasso tag.
The collar also indicates that the dog has an owner. If the dog runs away, the tag on the collar can help bring it home more quickly. During the darker months, light-up collars are also a good idea, so your pet is seen in time. Alternatively, there are also luminous pendants for the collar or harness, as well as high-visibility vests and leashes with reflectors .
A leash is also essential for getting a dog. It can be helpful to have several different types. One leash for everyday use – for example, for walks around the block – and a longer training leash for outings in nature. Training leashes are also great for practicing basic obedience with a puppy . In areas where dogs aren't allowed to run free, such a leash gives your four-legged friend as much freedom as possible.
2. Bowl and food
A bowl is an essential part of any dog's initial supplies. It's essential to have a separate food and water bowl. Both should be made of stainless steel or another easy-to-clean material. To prevent the dog from pushing the bowl around the house while eating, a non-slip mat can be helpful in keeping the bowl in place. It also protects the floor from water stains and food spills.
For puppies, it is essential to have suitable puppy food on hand. Ideally, the same food they're already familiar with from the breeder or foster home. After that, you can gradually switch them to regular dog food. But how do you feed your dog the right food in the long term? And how do you recognize good dog food? You'll find the answers here .
3. Dog bed
To help your new dog settle in quickly, a suitable dog bed is essential for their comfort. Place the bed in a quiet spot where your dog can relax and escape from stressful situations. A soft dog bed or basket , as well as a padded dog crate, will provide the perfect place for your dog to unwind. It's essential that the bed is made of durable materials and has a removable, machine-washable cover.
If your dog is allowed on the sofa, a dog blanket is a good addition. This clearly shows the dog where its territory is and also protects the sofa's material from stains and hair.
4. Toys for all the senses
Essential items for a new dog include toys to keep it occupied and entertained. Puppies especially enjoy anything they can cuddle or chew on. Never leave your pet alone with a toy – or even a chew bone . It could choke on it or get pieces of the bone lodged in its windpipe, which can have serious consequences.
Great toys for dogs include puzzle toys or snuffle mats, which require the dog to use its nose. These are a good way to tire them out without long walks. That's why these toys are also ideal for keeping your dog occupied on rainy days. A Kong toy is also often a hit. The advantage: despite chewing and roughhousing, it's virtually indestructible . The inside of the Kong can also be filled with treats, creating an even greater incentive for your dog to play with it. Tip: Vary the toys and put some away from time to time. This way, the toy will quickly become new and exciting for your dog each time.
5. Initial equipment for the dog: grooming products
Dogs love to romp in the mud, roam through forests, and roll around in the meadow. Owners then get back a happy, but usually rather dirty, dog that they generally wouldn't want to let onto the couch in that state. Therefore, appropriate grooming products are essential for a dog's initial supplies. This includes not only nail clippers but also a brush for removing knots and dirt . Regular brushing is especially important for dogs with thick coats. For heavier soiling, a bath is often the only solution – ideally with a mild dog shampoo. Tick tweezers or a tick hook are also essential , as ticks and other parasites like to find a place to bite in a dog's dense fur.
6. Stair gate, puppy playpen, and transport box
To prevent the puppy from exploring the entire house right away and potentially destroying something, a stair gate can be useful. This limits the area in which the dog can move around safely. An alternative is a puppy playpen .
Dog owners should also pay attention to their pet's safety when traveling. This starts with car travel . A transport crate is a good solution for securing the dog. It also provides a safe space where your four-legged friend can rest. Alternatively, car harnesses are another option for securing your dog. These can be attached to the seat belt.
7. Equipment for outings with the dog
The ideal starter kit for dogs on walks and longer outings consists of biodegradable poop bags, a treat pouch, and a water bottle. Just like humans, your four-legged friend needs to drink enough when he's running around and playing. A good rule of thumb is 20 to 100 milliliters per kilogram of body weight.
A leash and harness are essential, and they can be supplemented with a GPS tracker. Attach the tracker to the collar or harness, and you can then see your four-legged friend's location on your smartphone at any time. This can be especially reassuring if your dog is running free and might wander out of sight in the woods. If your pet gets scared and runs away, it can be located and secured more quickly.
8. First aid kit for dogs
Just like people, dogs sometimes fall ill or get injured. In such cases, it's helpful to have a first-aid kit included in your initial supplies. Therefore, it's best to put together a home medicine cabinet for your four-legged friend. This should contain bandages, suitable wound ointments, disinfectants, and a thermometer.