Dog Supplies for your Chihuahua

Buying a new Chi is more than simply finding the cutest puppy in the store and buying a bag of dog food. Acquiring a new canine is nearly as important as adopting a child. They need constant attention and love and buying the proper dog supplies can be as confusing as deciding what kind of dog to get in the first place. So I’m here to help you.

When you first walk into a pet store you will be bombarded by everything from designer clothes to dog food, and the salesmen are rarely any help. They’re goal is to sell you everything you lay your eyes on. But in reality there are really only a few basic things you need to make your new family member comfortable and you a happy dog owner.

Make sure you get a good collar. Make sure you can stick at least two fingers between the dog’s skin and the collar. Also make sure you get a collar that allows plenty of room for growth.

The other supplies needed for happy dogs are simple:

* A weighted food and water bowl. Dogs, especially puppies, seem to have a fondness for playing in their dinner as much as eating it.

* A well made crate or dog house, depending on whether or not the dog will be an inside or outside dog; at least three leashes of varying lengths, used for training and walking purposes. The book you get will explain how the different sized leashes are used in training.

* Chew toys, chew toys, chew toys. Dogs, especially puppies, need to exercise their gums regularly and unless you plan on replacing your furniture, your expensive crown molding and your slippers on a regular basis, get your new friend a wide selection of chew toys.

* And finally, DOG FOOD! Despite what some animal rights groups would have you believe, dogs are carnivores. They eat meat. So check the ingredients. If corn and other types of vegetables is the first ingredient listed, your new four-legged friend is not getting what he needs. Look for chicken or beef to be listed as the first ingredient.

A few more dog supplies you will need as the dog gets older, but aren’t necessarily mandatory when you first get your puppy include; a good brush, ID tag and dog treats. Treats are better utilized as just that – treats. Instead of using treats as a training aid, substitute your dog’s favorite toy. Trust me, after about a month you will discover what his favorite toy is.

And now for the dog supplies that might be fun to have. Squeaky toys are very cute in the store and your dog will love them. But they will get very old very quickly. Imagine this scenario. You’ve just walked in the front door from a long day at work. You sit down to watch TV and decompress and from the other side of the room you hear, “Squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak.” That will get old very quickly.