What to Buy?

[Sara and Birdie]

I am now just about 3 weeks away from bringing home our pup, and I think I am starting to nest.:)  I have this itch to get shopping and get ready for her, just like I did with each of my babies.. Do any of you feel this same way?  I have not a thing except for the crate that a friend is letting me borrow, that is it.  I am compiling a list of what I need (or want).  So, what have you all bought? And where from?  I love to shop online since I am a little out of the city.  Any tips would be helpful!  Thanks in advance!

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Sara - Absolutely - I am the same way. We already have crate - purchased from Amazon.com. I got the Lifestyle crate with the divider panel that we can move as he grows, crate pad, toys, grooming supplies and food. And yes - I also feel like I am nesting!  Casey (our little one-to-be's name) will require very different grooming supplies than my wirehaired dachshunds. I use stripping combs on them, but got big combs, pin brush and slicker brush for Casey. I definitely feel like a new mom-to-be waiting for him. We will pick him up next Friday. We are making the trip up in our motorhome so we won't have to take him out at all on the way home. We will have him in a travel crate, and when we stop, I'll put down pee-pee pads for him in the motorhome. One of my dachshunds is an alpha bitch, so we are taking her with us to get Casey so that she can meet him outside of the home territory. She isn't aggressive at all - just very dominant. That is the reason we chose a male doodle - didn't want a new female who could possibly also have an alpha personality trying to compete with an established alpha.  But I digress - - - most of the supplies we bought from Amazon. I love them!

[Sara and Birdie]

Joyce, I love Amazon too.  I keep price matching Amazon and Petsmart and seeing who has the best price on everything.  You are going to be getting Casey so soon!  How exciting! I am so excited to see pics!

[Kristin and Sophie]

Hi Sara,

a puppy Kong.  You can fill this with peanut butter, biscuits or cheerios.

a nylabone

a squeaky tennis ball (use this to tire her out at night - we roll it down the hallway and have her bring it back, etc.)

a dog stuffed animal to snuggle with

a brush/comb

puppy shampoo

leash/harness

id tag with your address/phone number

water/food bowls

puppy food

id tags

I bought a car harness - we will see if it works.  I'm taking her to the vet's tonight for her shot.  It's just me and I don't want her loose in the car.  I hope it works!

cheerios/small dog treats for training.  Look at the ingredients - some are really not that good and high in fat. We are using cheerios until Sophie turns her nose up at them.

A small blanket -  we use it on the sofa so that she can get up there with us.  Doesn't always work as she seems to crawl all over the place.  But, it was a good thought.  

[Sara and Birdie]

Thanks Kristin!  That is a great list!  I have noticed that there is a huge variety of types and sizes of both the Kongs and the Nylabones.  What kind does Sophie like?

[Kristin and Sophie]

She has the regular size medium (not the puppy size). We thought the puppy size kong was too small. Sorry, I think I said to get a puppy kong - I didn't want to have to buy one and then replace it.  I just worried it was too small and that she'd choke on it.  The medium works well for her.  :)

[Adrienne]

Sara,

I would also add that you should read the discussion below.   It touched on things that I had not considered. 

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/my-tips-for-new-doodle-pup...

Oh, and keep plenty of batteries for your camera.  We want lots of pics :)

[Sara and Birdie]

Thanks Adrienne!  I read that discussion a while back, but is a good one to keep in mind thank you!  Now I just will have to read it like 5 more until it sticks in my brain before she arrives.:)