What to buy before puppy arrives?

[Keri]

Hi there,

We will be bringing home a nine-week old Goldendoodle on Oct. 31. I am so excited, but this is my first dog in 20 years, so I'd really appreciate tips on what I should purchase before he arrives. I know the crate, leash, collar and a few other basics, but I wonder if dogs are like babies and people buy all this gear and don't end up using half of it. Any tips on puppy must-haves would be greatly appreciated! Thanks  :)

[Mary Hall]

I've been impressed with all the replies you've received in response to your question about what to buy for your new pup.  I knew you would find good help here.  :-)

[Abigail *George & Juno*]

All of these responses are very good! I would like to give the perspective of someone who has two puppies 6 months apart at the moment. 

For our first puppy almost a year ago, we got the crate, some toys, treats, ruffwear collar and leash, food, bowls, dog bed, bells, shampoo, probably 5 different brushes, and grooming tools, etc. (We did NOT get baby gates, and we have tile so we still have no use for a carpet shampooer.)

All of the things I just listed were still being used in their original condition. George doesn't tear anything up (NOTHING, I swear!), get into anything, she's been okay by herself in the house since 4 months....then we got JUNO! Juno chewed through George's leash, a $20 bill, our grooming comb has teeth marks ALL over it now, she likes to knock things off tables, and we have made GREAT use of a baby gate since her arrival.

Over the past year we have also acquired two west paw nature nap mats which not only fit their crates perfectly, and can be put in the washer and dryer, but they are the girls "place" and we use them all the time. So while your puppy might be able to chew through 5 leashes and collars, and 2-3 new beds in the first few months...she also might need none of that. I honestly think that we could have had a collar and a bag of food when we got George and we would have been just fine. Juno is just a completely different dog, and baby gates are pretty cheap when your dog literally eats money. ;)

[Mary Hall]

While I'm sure none of Juno's antics were too funny at the time, I had to smile reading your post.  I think I must have her brother here.  Cowboy is in to everything, and I have to be careful what I do in front of him because he will come along behind me and undo it all... and he's always watching!   Hmm (big sigh)

[Abigail *George & Juno*]

She is VERY smart. People like to ask us who is smarter, George or Juno or which we like more. Our answer is always... They're both equally intelligent (or we love them both the same) as far as we can tell..George uses her "power" for good, Juno for evil. ;) Of course George is much easier to get along with, Juno is better for entertainment though! 

Our trainer says that Juno will be a VERY good dog in a few years if we have the patience to get her there. ;) 

I bet Cowboy will be the same way! He reminds me of my Juno in appearance, she doesn't have near the amount of white that cowboy has though. 

[Mary Hall]

Oh my gosh, your pups are adorable!  It looks like they're good friends too... very sweet.

Cowboy is without a doubt the most trainable dog we've ever owned.  He really is smart and knows multiple commands and tricks at just 12 weeks.  It seems that after dark the "devil dog" comes out to play, and we can't decide if that's because he's just over stimulated since now we're all home together or if he's just overly tired much like a two year old child would be.  :-/  At any rate, I believe he will be a great dog with a little more maturity.

He does look quite a bit like your beautiful Juno.  He's a mini parti-color goldendoodle who looks just like his daddy and was the only one in the litter to get the parti-color.  Also, he was the only dog in the litter they considered "confident" on the puppy aptitude test.  (Now we know what "confident" meant... lol)

[Denise L. McCall]

[Denise L. McCall]

[Keri]

Thanks so much for all the great advice! Now it's time to get on Amazon and start ordering! We are surprising our kids (ages 4 and 6), so I have to hide all the gear when it arrives too :)

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

You've gotten great responses!  Of course!  We love to spend other's money!!!! ;)

 Remember, not to change food or treats the first 2 weeks your newbie is home.  You don't want to mess with his/her stomach, along with all the new things in his/her life.

  Join the Food Group and learn the best foods and treats....so much JUNK out there, some of which could be dangerous for your pooch!

  Have fun!  Can't wait to see pics!

[Keri]

One of these guys will be ours :)

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Oh...be still my heart! I swear I smell puppy breath! Adorable!

[The Zoey Files]

Keri, good luck today! And thanks to all who posted, I used many of these suggestions to prepare for Zoey, who we brought home on 10/29! We haven't brought a puppy home for 13 years, so this info was fabulous! I don't know who is more in love with the SnugglePuppy, Zoey or Me! Thanks!