1st time puppy owner, what should I buy? (and where)

[sakuda]

Well, I'm going to third the recommendation of Nature's Miracle if your pup has any accidents. While myself, I have not had any dogs, I do work at a pet store and have learned quite a bit not only from co-workers, but customers themselves. Everytime they come through the aisle with a product I'm not familiar with, I ask about it. See if they've used it, how it was, blah blah blah. Good with to get info.

The other thing I will suggest, is to take your new puppy to a pet store. Doesn't matter where it is, as long as you know there will at least be a few dogs. Now of course, you may need to ease into this, depending on the breed, but I am very close with a couple who own 2 akitas, a brittany, and a puppy Shiba Inu, and they ALWAYS bring their dogs if not once, but twice a week to my store, for the pure socialisation. of course, there are always dog parks, but there are some good ways to their thinking. one, at least where i live, i'm not familiar with many established dog parks, there may be some parks that allow dogs, but that wasn't what it was built for, or you can go to an established, well known place where you know there will always be dogs, and do it that way. there are several people who on their own teach their dogs tricks and manners in our store, using the distraction of people and other dogs as just another obstacle.

but ANYWAY, i digress. what i was going to say, price the items that you need, see what will fit your budget, and I work at petsmart so I can say this, if you have one of those near you, if you find any cheaper prices online at other websites, call the store and see if they will price match it for you. 98% of the time they will, although obviously they wouldn't do ebay. but most other websites, they'll match the price plus you dont have to pay shipping and you get it right away rather than waiting.

[luvmycat]

First, congratulations on your new puppy! I anxiously await the pix... Everyone here came through with great information for you, and I just wanted to stress the importance of getting the puppy checked out & vaccinated before taking it to socialize at pet stores or out and about in general. You dont want to risk the possibility of it catching something (or giving something) while interacting with other dogs. Behavior schools, etc. will require proof all shots are up to date anyway, but many places where the opprtunity for socialization comes up are spontaneous (like parks) and not run by any facility or people so it is fair game for any dog, sick or well, vaccinated or not...you get the idea. Good luck & keep us posted!

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by sakuda

The other thing I will suggest, is to take your new puppy to a pet store. Doesn't matter where it is, as long as you know there will at least be a few dogs.

You want to wait and do any socializing until after your pup is fully vaccinated, three rounds to avoid being exposed top the dangers of Parvo-virus and Distemper to mention a few.

[vemureaux]

^
I was just about to say the same thing. Do NOT take your puppy to anywhere that can be considered a high dog-traffic area until your puppy is fully vaccinated. Parvo is deadly stuff, and can remain alive on the ground upwards of 6 months if an infected dog has been there.

You also want to be careful of bringing parvo and other germs into the home. People recommend that until the pup is vaccinated, take you shoes off at the door, and ask guests to do the same (and gate the area by the door so the pup can't get to it). Some people even disinfect shoes with a mild bleach solution each time.

In the mean time, there are plenty of ways you can still socialize your pup. Take it with you to post offices, hardware stores, sit outside a grocery store, fire stations, etc. Have plenty of treats and reward the dog for exploring new areas as well as being handled by strangers. You can also have puppy parties where you invite several people and play games involving the puppy to socialize it to people. Also, if you know someone with a vaccinated healthy dog that is of balanced, even temperment adn good with puppies, you can have play dates with your pup. Do look into puppy kindergarten.

It's recommended to socialize your dog to 100 different people by the age of 12 weeks to ensure good socialization.

But until fully vaccinated, anytime you're in high dog-traffic areas (this includes sidewalks, and anywhere a dog may have been), PICK UP YOUR DOG.

[aquastone]

I agree....Solialization is very important. We adpoted a dog at 12 weeks from a young man (low to mid 20's). The dog was kept in his apartment and when she got out for a walk, etc.., she was walked in a busy city. Not much human or other dog contact. She now has some (very little) dog aggression. Although she is fine with our other dog, when we are out walking we have to be aware of any other dogs and humans. She has come a long way since we first got her. We put her in puppy class right away at about 14 weeks.....didn't go so well at first, but she did graduate. She is a great dog, Germ Shep/Yellow Lab mix. Socialize, Socialize, Socialize!!! with humans and other dogs (or cats, etc....). When we have new people come (especially our kids' friends) we have a small treat ready for them to give to her, sometimes she takes it right away, other times it takes a few minutes....never force it (for either of them). Good Luck, this forum is a great source for so much information. Love it!!