What to buy your dog

Collars
A very young puppy should wear a soft collar for short periods every day. This should be removed when unsupervised as it could get caught in a door handle or its paw could get stuck. Neck size enlarges rapidly as the puppy grows and care should be taken that the collar is not too loose or too tight.
Many breeds of dogs look best in their own specific type of collar. Ask the breeder to show you the kind of collar traditionally worn by your breed of dog.
If your dog's skin shows any sign of allergic reaction in the area of the collar, remove it at once and consult a veterinary surgeon.

Leads
The most important part of a lead is the hook which attaches it to the collar. Check frequently the hooks and the D rings which attach them to the lead and also the stitching on the loop handle. Many accidents happen because the collar or lead breaks at a critical moment.

Beds
Every dog should have its own bed in a quiet and warm area of one room in the house. The dog can be told to go to its bed to prevent it being a nuisance.

There are many different types of dog beds available and often your dog will have a preference on the type of bed it likes best. In general, woven wicker baskets are not really suitable for puppies as they are the most inviting to chew, and can be difficult to clean and disinfect properly. However, many owners find them very convenient especially for smaller dogs. For older dogs, a bean bag filled with polystyrene beads offers warmth and comfort and can be very comfortable for dogs with joint problems. This type of bed is good as it does not harbour parasites and the outer cover can be washed to keep the bed clean.

Blankets
The most hygienic and work-saving blankets for dogs are those made of porous polyester fur fabric, which is warm, long lasting and easily washed and dried. Dogs do not tend to chew this type of fabric as much as woollen rugs. Blankets can be very useful when travelling as they are easily transportable and you can train your dog to sit on it wherever it is laid, keeping your car and other areas clean.

Toys
Dogs love to play and using a toy is a good way for you to bond with your dog. Toys can also be used to train your dog but do make sure they are suitable for its size and breed. Many products will come in a variety of sizes and shapes and specify the size and weight that it is suitable for. Often it's best to see which your dog likes best and you may find it beneficial to have a variety of toys to keep your dog entertained.