While you wait for the arrival of your new friend, it is pretty easy to get carried away at overspending in preparation.  There are so many exciting and wonderful dog products now available that it is hard to decide what is needed and important.  A poop bag holder is definitely one inexpensive purchase that is needed for your puppy

and this will last the lifetime of your dog.  It is one purchase worth making and we will cover it last.

** Puppy Collar

 The second thing on your list is a dog collar.  A simple collar with a buckle is the best.  Nylon or high quality, soft leather are your best choices for a puppy.  They won’t be uncomfortable of chafe the pup’s neck.

Make sure your buy a collar with enough growing room, yet not too large when you buckle it on the tightest hole.  Collars come in XS, S, M and L and these range in size from 6 inches to 24 inches.  The correct fit is where you can get a couple fingers between the collar and your pup’s neck, but is not so loose that it will slip over the head.  You will need to buy additional collars as your pup grows, unlike your poop bag holder which is a one-time purchase.  Get in the habit of checking you puppy’s collar for a good fit on a regular basis.

**ID Tag

Once you have a collar for your puppy, the next thing on your list is an ID tag.  Every collar should have a dog ID tag firmly attached to it.  There are many designs available.  These range from small plastic discs to standard, engraved metal tags, and on up to jeweled, hand decorated versions.  This is a must product for your pup.

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**Dog Leash

The next thing on your list is a leash.  There are a huge range of options, similar to dog collars.  Sometimes you can find a leash to match your collar.  A cotton or nylon weave is best, with cotton being more comfortable to hold.  Leather may last longer, but will be quite stiff at first.  Also, puppies love to chew on leather, so it may be better to leave this option until your puppy is a bit older.  Chain leashes are uncomfortable for you and for your puppy.

A 6 foot length is good to start with.  When you begin training classes, they may recommend a 10 foot leash.

**Dog Bowl

Dog bowls are also needed for your new puppy.  You will need 2 bowls – one for food and one for water.  Stainless steel bowls are the most practical choices.  They are easy to clean and sterilize and are indestructible – meaning they are un-chewable.  Although earthenware dishes are attractive, they are prone to cracking and breaking which can be a problem.  A broken or cracked dish needs to be replaced immediately.  Cracks in the glaze can allow potentially harmful materials that are present in the clay to leak into your pup’s food.  Broken dishes can cut your puppy’s mouth.

Plastic dishes are too light and your puppy will push them over the kitchen floor, slopping water and food.  They are also short-lived as they are prone to being scratched and chewed.  The scratches trap particles of food and saliva, which aren’t easy to clean off properly.

**Puppy Bed

Your new puppy will also need a place to sleep.  There are a whole variety of choices in different colors, fabrics, etc.  The beds that are filled with poly-beads are the easiest to wash.  Some beds come with a removable outer cover which makes the job even easier.

Stay away from foam beds, as foam filling tends to encourage more chewing.  In addition, the foam is not good for your pup if he swallows it.  Cedar chippings may smell good, but once your pup urinated or vomits on the bed it will not.  Cedar beds are not washable, which is a real drawback.  Wicker, wooden, and foam-sided beds may all look adorable, but are best left until your puppy is older and out of the chewing stage.

**Poop Bag Holder is Least Expensive

Your poop bag holder will be your cheapest purchase.  Yet is it one that will last the life-time of your pet.  It can be attached anywhere on your leash or held on your belt or belt-loops.  It can be moved to any position as you so desire.  It will always be available to assist you in picking up dog waste in a convenient, discreet and sanitary manner.

It will carry your empty and full poop bag, your hand sanitizer, all of your dog-walking necessities and even more.  Since you will be outside exercising your pet frequently, you will need to fulfill this responsibility often.  Make sure you add this poop bag holder to your list.  Enjoy the adventure as your new pup arrives.