Preparing for a new puppy is as exciting as preparing for a new baby. Every new dog owner should read this list of pet supplies that they will need to get for their new puppy.  These supplies should be gotten before the puppy arrives at your home.   As much fun as it may seem to take your dog the nearest pet supply store and gather everything at that time, I strongly recommend that you be prepared in advance.  Your puppy will need to have all of your attention when you bring it home.  By opening bags, pulling tags off toys and setting things could overhwhelm your dog.   I am an experience breeder of yorkies.  Since this is a very small breed I'm overprotective and that's a good thing...and my advice to you should be should be taken.   Get all the supplies you need before hand and make sure that you do everyhing to protect your puppy from dangers in your house.  It only takes one little thing that could mean the difference between life or death for your puppy in your house. So, when you are gathering your supplies also think about your house and make is pet safe. I will give you a big list here and reinforcement of the importance of these absolutely necessary new puppy supplies. Okay, now here is my big list of pet supplies that any new dog owner should buy.

Dog Food:
1. Quality Dog Food. This is absolutely the most important pet supply you can get.  Purchase the food the breeder was giving your puppy and wean it off of it after 10 days by slowing introducing the food you choose to give it.  Purchase dry kibble that is breed specific. Breed specific kibble is your best bet since no two breeds are alike. Each dog originated in a different area of the country and food staples were different. Their survival depended on these foods and made the breed strong. So kibble dog foods that are specific to the breed is a good choice – also look for dog food ingredients that are human grade.  There are many natural dog foods on the market today – beware of canned dog food and learn about the potential harmful ingredients in them).

2. Dog bowls for water and for food. I also like small flat dishes (I use corelle brand because it’s unbreakdable) I like these dishes for food because they can be heated up before served. When your buying dog bowls, look for Stainless steel dog bowls because those are really the best – restaurants have to use stainless steel bowls…. they are the most sanitary because they are non-porous. You want to make sure that when you use the bowl, scrub it with soap and rinse it thoroughly (even if it’s stainless). Never just keep adding water to a bowl. Water becomes contaminated with air particulates, dust, bacteria, and bugs that float in the bowl. It can also harbor dog slime. Every time your dog drinks it can leave behind saliva – especially if they bark a lot of chew on dirty toys (Ah, dirty toys….another subject in and of itself) leaves behind a saliva and a slime which can collect on the bottom. First of all this shouldn’t happen if you clean the bowl everytime you put water in it. If it does, then the best way to clean the dog slime off the bottom of the bowl is to clean it with chlorox – rinse it good and follow up with putting it in the dishwasher or wash it by hand with hot water and soap. Obviously, dust and slime aren't healthy....so wash those bowls!!! And if you’re lazy about it, picture yourself drinking slime every time you see your dog’s bowl.

3. Plastic dog placemat. This is a must because your puppy may take food out of it’s dish and put it on the floor and then eat it. You wouldn’t eat something up off the floor would you? It’s best to put a dog placement under the bowls/dishes and clean it daily. You will find a variety of dog placemats at the pet store and online…try not to get ones that are woven or cloth….those are not as easy to keep clean every day.

4. A quality dog bed. Depending on the size of your dog, small dogs like snuggle beds, larger ones need bigger beds.  Don't just throw a pile of clothes on the floor, or a blanket, or human pillow....get your dog a nice dog bed --the best that you can afford.  Your dog should be able to stretch out. If you are like me and  let your dog sleep with you, they still should have a bed or two -- a sprawler is nice for in the living room...dogs like to have treats and chew on bones in their own space on a sprawler near you. This type of dog furniture fulfills them and their privacy…. and then a cozier snuggly dog bed belongs in the room it sleeps in along with a blanket. Dog’s need to know that they have their own place and security, so the beds are important.

5. An area rug. If the floor that your pet will be have it’s bed on is made of concrete, tile or wood, then put something under it to put a barrier between the cold and your dog’s bed.

6. A dog crate. Purchase a dog crate big enough to hold water and food and wee wee pad and you dog!. When I mention a dog crate, it’s only for your dogs feeling of security. I’d never close the door and keep it locked in that. It’s awful. Try crawling in a crate and having someone close the door. I am telling you, it’s awful – a dog’s prison – so, don’t use it for punishment or training -- you’ll limit your dog’s happiness…get it for security.

7. Puppy Wee wee pads. These are also known as puppy training pads. You may not be able to take your pet out during the middle of the night, so it’s a great idea to put down a wee wee pad where they sleep at night. Make sure that if it’s a male dog that you bend part of the pad up to protect the door or wall from your dog’s loose cannon. Also, you will need wee wee pads if you bring the puppy home in the winter. Do not take your puppy out in the cold….never, never never.

8. Dog Chew toys (pig ears and hooves are good). Dogs love all kinds of chewy things for their teeth.  The most important thing here is to supervise them. You have to be concerned with small pieces of rawhide being swallowed and causing a choking hazard.  Dogs love rubber dog toys with arms and legs.  Make sure it's all made of non toxic materials. 

9. Puppy Teething toys. This is especially important during teething. Hard rubber toys with bumps that massage gums are great. Look for specific teething toys in the pet store.

10. Squeeky toys, balls and soft Frisbees make the top of the list. Dogs love to play fetch and balls are great because they bounce and roll which adds to the fun. Dogs naturally are attracted to little rodents, so things that squeek really get them going…and going….and going.

11. Dog Harness. Harnesses are way better than collars because you eliminate the choking hazard that a collar can cause. If you don’t believe it, then take your dog for a walk on a leash and when he pulls you’ll probably hear him coughing and choking. Yes, there have been incidences where dogs have pulled so hard on a lease that they’ve broken their wind pipes – even the large breeds. So, please, be carefull and only purchase a dog harness for your dog.

9. Dog ID tag (you can get these from most any pet supply store). These are a super idea and can keep you and Fido forever united. Dogs should always be supervised when outside and protected. I have seen so many pet owners let their beloved dogs just run around outside for hours…not on a leash, not in an enclosed area. Folks, you shouldn’t do this unless you like playing roulette. It’s a matter of time before the right cat, squirrel, chipmunk, etc. catches your dogs eyes and the critter it’s eyeing is across the street. I have a friend that owns a store and her little dog was permitted to run all around….even when customers were coming and going. I was horrified and warned her that the right situation hadn’t presented itself and she was lucky so far that her dog hadn’t run out in front of a car. This past summer, I stopped in the store and saw a new dog…when I inquired about the former, sadly the dog ran out the front door and was run over by a Mack truck. If this is you with your dog, count your blessings and stop it. Okay then, if your dog knows how to look both ways before crossing the street and simply gets lost, an ID tag will help the folks that find him notify you.

9. A leash. There are 2 kinds, ones that retract and expand and ones that are fixed width. The ones that are fixed width usually match the harnesses and that is cute. The fixed width leashes are excellent for training to and are perfect for keeping your dog at your heels when you are walking. There are all different sizes and clasp sizes….read the label and get the appropriate size. Tiny dogs, like yorkies, shitzus, poodles, Pomeranians, maltese, lapsa apsa, chihuahua, need the lightest weight you can get...think cat leashes. If you are going for the big exercise and you don’t have to worry about cars and objects, get a flexi type leash….those can expand anywhere from 10 feet to 26 feet.

10. A warm coat. A dog coat will protect your dog from the wind or the rain or cold....so button their little bodies up and keep them warm.

11. Dog Boots. If you have a dog that loves to play in the snow, keep their feet protected – you simply must. Dogs tend to play and not feel their little feet getting numb….also affects their ears and tails. If you’ve ever seen frostbitten paws, you’ll protect those precious little pads. There have been cases so bad of frostbite that paws have fallen off. If you don’t buy dog boots, then make sure you wipe off your dog’s feet after it’s been out in the snow and especially if it’s been on rocksalts. Also, never let a puppy out in the snow. It does not have the proper protection against the cold.

12. Toothbrush and toothpaste. This is especially important if you feed your yorkie wet food. It's easy to introduce canine hygiene...follow the instructions on the toothbrush/toothpaste kit.

13. A liquid dental product that you add to your pets drinking water. There are several different brands you will find at the pet store. Oral care, dental fresh… these products are wonderful and keep their mouths clean and smelling fresh.

14. A dental gel rub. This is another step in the dental care of your pet. Gels that you apply on your dogs teeth only take seconds…once a day is all it takes. Gels fight and prevent plaque on your dogs teeth.

14. Tearless Puppy Shampoo. It's easy to get them to enjoy bathing by making is pleasant and giving them a reward such as a small piece of cheese (during and after). Never put water or soap on your dog’s face. Wet a wash cloth with warm water and clean it that way and only that way. After a few times in the sink or your bathtub, your dog will learn that bathy bath time is fun!

16. A quality moisturizing conditioner specifically for dogs. You should not buy human conditioner or cheap conditioner. You do get what you pay for…so get one that softens, moisturizes, eliminates tangles and matts and smells great. There are a lot of quality dog conditioners on the market. You’ll find your best assortment in pet stores, rather than department stores.

16. Quality Dog hair brush. Get a combination dog hair brush with pins on one side and a brush on the other. Also get a slicker brush.

17. Small groomer quality elastic bands for pony tails if you have a dog that's going to be wearing bows.

18. A Dog book or two about the breed of your dog!!!