Checklist: first equipment for a dog

Your decision has been made - you want to make a dog your friend and family member. The excitement rises, the move of your new pup is now foreseeable and you can not only enjoy the anticipation to the fullest, but finally get all the important utensils you need for your puppy. You can now find out what things should be ready when your darling enters their new home for the first time in our first dog equipment checklist.

Transport and on the go

• Dog box
• Blanket
• Treats
• Water bowl
• Toy
• Poop bags
• Collar, harness, leash

Dog equipment for on the go

When you pick up your puppy from the breeder or your adult dog from the animal shelter, the journey into his new life begins for your dog. You should have the following items ready for the drive home:

• Dog box: A dog box not only serves as a safe transport box for your dog, but can also calm his nerves during the exciting journey. Comfortably padded, an aluminum box or a plastic dog transport box also conveys a feeling of security and security. Foldable dog boxes are an alternative for young and small dogs. So that your dog cannot slip around and the stay in the box becomes a risky journey for him, make sure that it is the right size.
• Blanket: A blanket or a flat pillow are suitable so that your dog can make himself comfortable during breaks or when you are visiting friends and family. Flat cushions can also pad the dog crate.
• Treats: The popular snacks for in between are your most important means of motivation and reward.
• Water bowl: To quench your thirst, take a water bowl and some water with you.
• Toys: A small toy they may be familiar with will distract your future roommate and instill trust.
• Collar, harness, leash: Older dogs that are used to collar, harness and leash should always be on a leash during breaks or at least be held on with the harness. Otherwise, such a stressful situation can cause your new family member to run away when an opportunity presents itself.
• Poop bags: For big business during breaks, you can always leave rest areas or breakpoints clean.

Sleep and rest

• Dog bed
• Dog blanket
• Puppy gate (optional)

Basic equipment for sleeping and resting

At home you should prepare a quiet and comfortable place to sleep for your new roommate.

• Dog bed: This place serves as a retreat for your dog to doze off and sleep. When choosing the right place to cuddle up, take your dog's temperament, size and age into account. Puppies, for example, love to nibble on objects. For this reason, we recommend a hard shell made of solid plastic in this case. As a dog bed, you can also choose a classic basket or a dog sofa that is softly padded.
• Dog blanket: In addition to a permanent sleeping place, a mobile blanket, a pillow or a mat makes sense so that your dog can make himself comfortable wherever you are - be it in the kitchen or in the study. For puppies, a solid, robust blanket or dog mat is ideal, which the sharp puppy teeth cannot harm.
• Puppy gates (optional): Puppies like to seek protection in a den or a small retreat. A puppy gate can also help to get your puppy house trained faster, because dogs don't like to dirty their own realm with urine and feces.

Eat

• 2 bowls
• Food bowl base

Basic equipment for eating

It can get quite turbulent when eating: after the romp, dogs are often quick and hasty to gobble when the meal is served. Therefore, you should also take appropriate precautions here so that your kitchen does not have to be completely cleaned afterwards.

• Two bowls: You need a water bowl and a feeding bowl. We recommend dishwasher-safe and easy-to-clean food bowls made of ceramic, melamine or stainless steel. To avoid unpleasant surprises, make sure that the underside is non-slip.
• Food bowl base: If something goes wrong - be it water or some wet food - a food bowl base, for example made of easy-care, robust silicone, can be quickly wiped off and cleaned.

Food

• Puppy food (optional)
• Dried animal food
• Wet food
• Chewing bones
• Treats

Food basics

You should also have the accessories for eating and the right food ready right from the start. Often, previous owners, breeders or carers can give you tips on what food your dog is used to and likes. Also ask about possible intolerances, because the right choice of food is important and crucial for the health of your dog.

• Puppy food: Puppies need special puppy food, the composition of which is tailored to the nutritional needs of young dogs.
• Dry food: Dry food is dried food that should be offered with sufficient water and usually has a longer shelf life than wet food.
• Wet food: Wet food has a much higher water content and is therefore easily digestible for many dogs. For most dogs, both are equally suitable. Moist food and dry food can therefore often be fed alternately without any problems.
• Chewing bones : A chewing bone or other chewing article contributes to dental care and is a welcome activity for many dogs. Chewing bones are available in a wide variety of designs, for example also especially for puppies when changing teeth.
• Treats: Treats are the be-all and end-all in dog training, it's best to always have some with you. Dog owners are faced with an almost endless selection of treats. We recommend using sugar-free, natural treats and dog snacks that do not contain flavor enhancers or grains and are as low in fat and as rich in vitamins as possible.

Walking

• Collar or harness
• Leash
• Flea collar
• Poop bags
• Snack bags and treats

First equipment for walking

You should also be prepared for your first walks and excursions into the surrounding area:

• Collar or a harness (with a leash): We recommend well-padded collars/harnesses made of nylon for the beginning, which do not cut into the skin when pulling the leash. Make sure you get a safety harness for puppies or particularly anxious dogs. The dog cannot free himself from this - and you can enjoy carefree walking tours.
• Leash: When choosing your leash, make sure that the width and strength of the leash as well as the carabiner or connection hook are adapted to the size and weight of your dog.
• Flea collar: Parasite protection is important and ensures an improved quality of life for your favorite. Puppies and young dogs in particular tend to wallow extensively in the mud, in meadows, fields and fields. Unfortunately, this often brings uninvited guests into the house, who nest at the roots of your dog's fur and lay their eggs. This not only creates an unbearable itchiness on your dog, but in serious cases also inflammation or even open wounds.
• Poop bags: No matter where you are, you should always have poop bags with you
• Snack bags with treats: Especially when you are out and about together and meet other dogs, treats can work wonders when obedience is required. A practical snack bag that you can attach to your belt, for example, is also a functional companion for dog training.

Employment

• Dog toy
• Puppy toy (optional)

Dog toys for employment

If you want to buy toys for your dog, make sure that your choice is age-appropriate, safe and exciting. It must not splinter and should not contain any loose fibers or small parts that could be swallowed or found their way into the airways.

• Dog toys, puppy toys: a toy for hunting, a chew toy or a plush toy - the product range of dog toys is also huge. Here you can slowly approach what your dog is enjoying. Some toys are suitable for fetching and training, while others also care for your teeth. When you play together, you definitely maintain your relationship and strengthen your bond.

Care & hygiene products

• Harrow, brush and comb
• Claw pliers
• Tick tongs / tick hooks
• Basic first aid kit

Basic equipment for grooming and hygiene

Every dog needs some help with grooming and hygiene: be it because burrs have got caught in the long coat or the upcoming walk around fields and meadows carries a great risk of your darling being bitten by a tick.

• Harrow, brush and comb: Depending on the dog breed and type of coat, you will need different brushes and combs for grooming. Especially with dogs with a lot of undercoat, it is important to have the right tool to give your darling the best possible support when changing their coat.
• Claw pliers: In some dogs, the claws have to be trimmed regularly. This can also be done by the veterinarian. If you want to trim the claws yourself, you need to get advice from your vet beforehand so that you don't injure your dog.

• Tick tongs / tick hooks: The little dogs like to hang around in the tall grass, so you should search your darling thoroughly after every walk. If a tick has bitten, you should use tick tongs, tick hooks, or tweezers to remove the parasite as quickly as possible.
• First aid: In your first aid kit for dogs, you could include bandages, disinfectants, wound ointment (which should be tolerated if your dog licks up the ointment), marigold ointment or petroleum jelly, ribwort juice (for coughs) and a simple clinical thermometer (but what for Measuring needs to be introduced rectally, so you should only measure if you feel confident using it).

Insurance & Co.

• Liability insurance
• Dog sign
• First vet visits

Before a dog moves in, however, purchases are not only made to make your home dog-friendly. You should also think about a few organizational things before your new roommate moves in with you - from registering your dog to vaccination appointments with the vet to dog liability insurance. We have summarised what is important when you want to prepare for the arrival of a dog in our article "A puppy moves in: What should be considered?"

The puppy move-in is coming up soon and a lively bundle of fur will be your new partner? Our first dog equipment checklist can easily be transferred to the first puppy equipment.