Ten Things Every Dog Owner Should Buy Their Pet

Buying a dog can be a wonderful experience. Here, we offer ten items every new pet owner should purchase.

Training Harness
Teaching your dog to walk on a leash takes determination and daily work. A proper training harness will teach the animal not to pull and will make the process easier.

Face Harness

A newer alternative to the leash is the face harness, which is a loop of flat leash material that fits loosely around your pets muzzle and head and attaches at one side. This makes pulling 100% impossible, as if a dog pulls he’ll find himself automatically turning sideways to look back at you. A lightweight leash attached to a face harness can easily and naturally control even a large, powerful animal, as you’ll be working with their instincts rather than against them.

Leash
When it comes to buying a leash, be willing to spend extra. A thicker leash offers more control for larger animals, while retractable options let you choose how much leeway the animal can have (important if you are walking beside a busy road). Leather is recommended if your dog likes to chew!

Feeding Dish
When buying a bowl, choose one that is slightly elevated. This reduces the risk of choking for your dog, and will stop them spilling dog food all over the floor.

Microchip
No matter how well you train your animal, there is always a risk that it will run away. Microchips make finding your pet easier and can carry important medical information.

Tags
Whether you are using a collar or harness, your dog should always be wearing tags. This shows that the animal is vaccinated, and helps people return it if it gets lost. If you lose a dog with no microchip and no tags, you will find it very hard to locate your pet, even if he or she is found by a nearby animal shelter or animal control. Many shelters put down animals if no owner is located after a certain amount of time (varying from days to weeks), so a $1 tag with your phone number on it can literally mean the difference between life and death for your dog under these circumstances. 

Toys
Dogs need stimulation. Squeaky toys and other fun items can help keep your dog from getting bored or destructive when you are away. Avoid synthetic or plastic materials if you dog is strong enough to chew and swallow these toys.

Interactive Objects
Your new pet wants nothing more than to enjoy quality time with you. Find toys and games that allow you to play together.

Flea Medication
Fleas and ticks can present numerous health problems to your dog. Purchasing monthly flea treatments is best for their health and well being.

Food
Purchasing dog food that is all natural and organic offers many health benefits and can help keep your pet happier.

You can find all of these items at any local pet supply store.