Lhasa Apso puppy supplies and necessities

Way back in darkest January when this blog first began I did a post on Money Saving Tips! Seriously though, it was about saving money on a bed for your new pup.

But, as a new pet owner you will want to know what other supplies and necessities you should get in for when your new puppy arrives.

If you go about the choice of a pup properly, you will meet the bitch with her litter [maybe seeing the dog too, if possible] at the home of your breeder. When choosing your pup, preferably choose one who is somewhere in the middle of the 'pecking order' - it should be easier to train. Your dog breeder should tell you about the feeding regime your pup is on, and you can get the correct food in ready for the arrival of your pup.

[If you have met your pup at least once before you go to collect him/her do try to choose a name for him or her, so that you can use it immediately and the pup can get used to it.]

Lhasa Apso puppy Supplies and Necessities

Add a dogs soft toy into your pups bed for company. If your pup should have an accident, the bedding and toy can be washed and a new box supplied. Use bigger boxes as your pup grows. See that he or she has a warm draught-free place for their bed... you may decide to have the pups bed in your bedroom, either at the side or bottom of your bed for the first few nights. Remember your new pet will really miss the company and warmth of their siblings and mother.

What you will need to have ready, as I've mentioned before, will be a supply of the food which your breeder recommends and has been using to feed the pup so far. Even if you intend to change to a different food in the future it is best not to change too quickly - introduce the new food slowly.

You will need bowls for food and water. I prefer the old fashioned breakable china/earthenware type of bowl... they are supposed to be best for a number of reasons, hygiene being one! They are also good and weighty, so won't be knocked over too easily.

You'll need a collar and lead to try and start training your new pet within the house and/or garden.

Do some research on which type of collar is best for your particular breed of dog - your breeder may offer some help. I personally don't like choke collars and a heavy leather one will be too much for a young pup.

Puppies and dogs are normally graded into about 3 to 4 general sizes, a Lhasa Apso being called a small dog, and the collars themselves will be adjustable. Choose a small and light collar as a first collar, they probably won't like to wear it at first and may damage it trying to get it off... you can get a more permanent collar later. One good thing, Lhasas aren't, in general, 'collar slippers'!

Some dogs are incredibly good at slipping their collars, having wide strong necks and heads which are proportionately smaller, making it easy for them to slip a conventional collar [RR'S are very good at this]. In this instance a lightweight nylon or cotton type collar with a chain insert is a good compromise.

A 'child gate' is also a useful addition for keeping your pet in a certain area, or alternatively out of certain areas!

A good supply of old newspapers and towels will also come in handy as will top quality kitchen roll.

Above and beyond this list have a look around an online pet retailer to get an idea of what you may need, and to get an idea of prices and availability. We can recommend an ideal supplier in the right-hand margin of this blog.

What I also recommend is a good general training book and a health care book. Preferably purchased, and studied, before you get your new pup - better safe than sorry! [See previous posts and/or the right-hand margin for our best recommendations.]