New Puppy Owners
I get many questions from new puppy buyers about what to buy or tips on training, etc. Below you will find some information about puppy care. Some products we consider essential and others we use and like but are optional.
I also created an informational binder to send home with you and your new puppy. It has a variety of topics tailored to the first time puppy owner or if you have had dogs your whole life. There are also a few tabs in the back of the binder to keep all of your important paperwork together. Please let me know if there is something that you would like more information about so that I can add it to the binder or here on this informational page or if you have any questions.
I also created an informational binder to send home with you and your new puppy. It has a variety of topics tailored to the first time puppy owner or if you have had dogs your whole life. There are also a few tabs in the back of the binder to keep all of your important paperwork together. Please let me know if there is something that you would like more information about so that I can add it to the binder or here on this informational page or if you have any questions.
Puppy Preparations
After you have chosen your puppy you will need some basic necessities to get ready for his/her arrival into your home. Here are some of the products that we have used and know work well. If you have questions or concerns please call me at 469-855-7993.
Fromm Gold Puppy
|
Pro Plan Performance
|
Replenish feeder for dog food.
|
Replenish waterer for water
|
|
Dog door
|
Wellness Wellbites Soft & Chewy
|
Stella & Chewy Carnivore Crunch Treats
|
Freeze Dried Treats
|
Whimzees for teething
|
Knuckle/knee bones
|
Dog bed
|
24 inch crate
|
24 inch carrier
|
Exercise pen with dog door
|
Exercise pen
|
Potty patch.
|
Door bells for potty training.
|
Pooper Scooper
|
E-Z Whelp pad
|
Harness
|
Leash 4 to 6 feet
|
Martingale collar
|
Collar
|
Bell
|
Barkbox
|
Cat toy (no feathers or catnip)
|
Crinkle Toy
|
Grooming Tips & Supplies
How To Pick A Good Groomer...
Most of grooming schools do not have the authority to certify professional pet groomers.. Certification is voluntarily pursued by the groomer. While a free-lance groomer may not be licensed the facility they work out of should have a license. There is no license or certification requirement to be a professional groomer. A certified groomer earned a grooming certificate after finishing a professional dog grooming certification course from an accredited school. No states at this time require licensing but it is under advisement. There is no regulation in this field.
- Grooming after the last shots at 4 months and get the Bordetella shot (prevents kennel cough) yearly if taken to a groomer.
- Make sure flea treatment is up to date.
- How does the groomer interact with clients, dogs and fellow workers?
- If you feel uneasy about anything, chances are your dog will too.
- Ask to tour the salon before making a commitment. Is it well-operated and organized, or chaotic, hectic and noisy?
- Make sure it’s clean. How does it smell? Are they friendly? Relaxed?
- Groomers have to pursue their own certification through formal associations such as the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) https://nationaldoggroomers.com/ to be certified.
- What kinds of products do they use? Are they natural products or commercial, chemical-laden ones?
- Ask how long the grooming establishment has been in business and at that location.
- If your dog is the anxious type, ask what the groomer can do to calm his fears. A good groomer knows how to soothe a dog’s anxieties.
- Many grooming establishments offer standard services such as bathing, clipping and nail trimming, as well as teeth brushing, ear and paw pad cleaning, and anal gland expression. Research before you do the anal glands to be sure you want that service.
- Watch your dog following a grooming session. If he seems nervous or lethargic, or suffers from diarrhea for a couple of days, this indicates he is over-stressed and talk to the groomer about it. A change may be appropriate.
- Always ask the groomer how your dog did at every appointment and listen to the answer closely.
At Home Grooming Supplies
Basic hair care grooming supplies include a metal comb, a couple of brushes, and three different kinds of scissors. There are nail and ear grooming tools. A grooming table allows you a dedicated work space. Accessories are varied from small rubber bands to the choice of the clipper blade you use. It is important to set a budget and re-check your choices along the way. We do not recommend getting the top of the line items to start with generally, although, we do have some premium products presented. We offer suggestions for products we use and most are moderately price. You can always upgrade with experience.
The most important grooming tool at any level you have is your attitude. Unfortunately, it is not available at the stores but has to be in place before beginning your session. 'F.U.N.' is the word for the J.O.B. Your goal is for your pup to leave the session believing that next time will be fun, too. If you feel you will need a muzzle - quit now. The path is through praise, patience, treats and precision. Sweet talking is good. Grooming will be a place to visit for the rest of your dog's life so you begin training your pup to make it more than just an endurable experience so the return trip is not a problem. Read about letting clippers run before you use them to allow the sound to become less frightening for your pup maybe during bath time or even running them off and on over time days before grooming. Bath time should be full of praise, good scrubs and keeping the nose up and out of the water - a fear-free experience. Grooming time should be up beat, steady and gentle. Read, look at videos, etc., for help prior to starting. This is not the place where we go into detail 'how-to.' This is about what you need or optional choices to get there. You fill in the 'how-to'.
Set the mood: Turn on the radio. Relax. A dog's nose is extremely sensitive so be careful with any shampoos, air freshers, etc.
We do not profit by any product presented.
The most important grooming tool at any level you have is your attitude. Unfortunately, it is not available at the stores but has to be in place before beginning your session. 'F.U.N.' is the word for the J.O.B. Your goal is for your pup to leave the session believing that next time will be fun, too. If you feel you will need a muzzle - quit now. The path is through praise, patience, treats and precision. Sweet talking is good. Grooming will be a place to visit for the rest of your dog's life so you begin training your pup to make it more than just an endurable experience so the return trip is not a problem. Read about letting clippers run before you use them to allow the sound to become less frightening for your pup maybe during bath time or even running them off and on over time days before grooming. Bath time should be full of praise, good scrubs and keeping the nose up and out of the water - a fear-free experience. Grooming time should be up beat, steady and gentle. Read, look at videos, etc., for help prior to starting. This is not the place where we go into detail 'how-to.' This is about what you need or optional choices to get there. You fill in the 'how-to'.
Set the mood: Turn on the radio. Relax. A dog's nose is extremely sensitive so be careful with any shampoos, air freshers, etc.
We do not profit by any product presented.
|
Foaming Facial Wash
|
Panteen Pro-V Shampoo
Sleek & Shine |
Skout's Honor Probiotic
Detangler |
Straight Shears
|
Curved Shears
|
Thinning Scissors
|
Chunky Scissors
|
Rounded Tip Scissors
|
Scissor combo
|
Steel Butter Comb
|
Pin Tail Comb
|
Flea Comb
|
De-matting tool
|
Pin Brush
|
Slicker Brush
|
Wet Brush
|
|
Grooming Table
|
Grooming Table Arm
|
Forced Air Dryer
|
Dryer Stand
|
Oster Volt Cordless Clipper
|
Wahl Professional Chromado
|
Clipper Coolant
|
Trimmer
|
Clipper Blades
|
Dremel
|
Dog Nail Clippers
|
Styptic Powder
|
Finger Toothbrush
|
Toothpaste
|
Ear wipes
|
Ear Flush
|
Q-Tips
|
Ear Powder
|
Curved Clamps
|
Elastic Rubber Bands
|
Hair bows
|
Bandanas
|
Bowties
|
www. Petpoisonhelpline.com 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center 855-764-7661
CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN OR POISON CONTROL CENTER IMMEDIATELY.
Symptoms: Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea, Difficulty Breathing, Abnormal Urine (odor, frequency, color, etc.), Weakness, Seizures, Fixed Pupils, Lethargy or Death.
Top 10 Life Threatening Most Frequently Reported Food & Household Items
1. Xylitol/Sugar Substitute in peanut butter/food/gum,Liqu-Gel Benedryl
2. Grapes, Raisins and Macadamia Nuts
3. Chocolate
4. Table Scrapes, Corn Cobs (breaks in to pieces inside intestines)
5. Onions, Onion Powder, Garlic
6. Compost/- icides: Insect/Bait Stations/Flea-Tick Treatments/Rodenticides/Weed Killers
7. Any Prescription and Non-Prescription Medicine/NSAIDs/Anti-Depressants
8. Possum Urine (Very sweet- same as antifreeze –glycol: EGW or PGW- Deadly
9. Bleach and Cleaning Fluids
10. Alcohol & Raw Bread Dough
Xylitol is the most dangerous!!! Very quickly goes directly to organs to cause organ damage usually resulting in death. Other names for Xylitol: Birch Sugar, E967, Meso-Xylitol, Méso-Xylitol, Sucre de Bouleau (Birch Sugar), Xilitol, Xylit, Xylite, Xylo-pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol. In addition to U.S.A. names there are other international names. Watch for 'Sugar Alcohol' which is a broad category of sweeteners. Xylitol is a common sugar alcohol.
Harmful Foods
1. Avocados/guacamole Dairy Allium Family (Onion, Garlic, leeks, chives)
2. Baking Soda/Spices Apricot Mushrooms (if toxic to humans)
3. Balsam Pear Salt Pear and Peach Kernels
4. Coffee Grounds Rhubarb Tomato and Potato Leaves and Stem
5. Japanese Plum Spinach Wild Cherry (pits of any kind)
6. Yeast Dough Moldy Bread Nuts of any kind
Harmful Household Products
1. Acetaminophen Disinfectants Paint/Turpentine
2. Antifreeze and other car fluids Drain Cleaners Rat Poison
3.Boric Acid Furniture Polish Rubbing Alcohol
4. Deodorants Hair Colorings Matches Shoe Polish
5. Deodorizers -Icides: Weed, Insect Nail Polish & Remover
6. Detergents Mothballs String
7. De-icing Salts Gasoline, Kerosene
Harmful Holiday Products – Come Sprayed with The Anti-Inflammatory & Dye Is Sweet Tasting for Dogs ~ In Memory of Kenzie ~
Evergreen Trees (coniferous)- sprayed with anti-inflammatory and/or dye /Christmas Trees
Artificial Christmas Trees - sprayed with anti-inflammatory and/or dye (tastes sweet -yummy)
Tinsel Pine Needles & Sprays such as wreaths Tree Preservative in Water (quick drink?)
CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN OR POISON CONTROL CENTER IMMEDIATELY.
Symptoms: Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea, Difficulty Breathing, Abnormal Urine (odor, frequency, color, etc.), Weakness, Seizures, Fixed Pupils, Lethargy or Death.
Top 10 Life Threatening Most Frequently Reported Food & Household Items
1. Xylitol/Sugar Substitute in peanut butter/food/gum,Liqu-Gel Benedryl
2. Grapes, Raisins and Macadamia Nuts
3. Chocolate
4. Table Scrapes, Corn Cobs (breaks in to pieces inside intestines)
5. Onions, Onion Powder, Garlic
6. Compost/- icides: Insect/Bait Stations/Flea-Tick Treatments/Rodenticides/Weed Killers
7. Any Prescription and Non-Prescription Medicine/NSAIDs/Anti-Depressants
8. Possum Urine (Very sweet- same as antifreeze –glycol: EGW or PGW- Deadly
9. Bleach and Cleaning Fluids
10. Alcohol & Raw Bread Dough
Xylitol is the most dangerous!!! Very quickly goes directly to organs to cause organ damage usually resulting in death. Other names for Xylitol: Birch Sugar, E967, Meso-Xylitol, Méso-Xylitol, Sucre de Bouleau (Birch Sugar), Xilitol, Xylit, Xylite, Xylo-pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol. In addition to U.S.A. names there are other international names. Watch for 'Sugar Alcohol' which is a broad category of sweeteners. Xylitol is a common sugar alcohol.
Harmful Foods
1. Avocados/guacamole Dairy Allium Family (Onion, Garlic, leeks, chives)
2. Baking Soda/Spices Apricot Mushrooms (if toxic to humans)
3. Balsam Pear Salt Pear and Peach Kernels
4. Coffee Grounds Rhubarb Tomato and Potato Leaves and Stem
5. Japanese Plum Spinach Wild Cherry (pits of any kind)
6. Yeast Dough Moldy Bread Nuts of any kind
Harmful Household Products
1. Acetaminophen Disinfectants Paint/Turpentine
2. Antifreeze and other car fluids Drain Cleaners Rat Poison
3.Boric Acid Furniture Polish Rubbing Alcohol
4. Deodorants Hair Colorings Matches Shoe Polish
5. Deodorizers -Icides: Weed, Insect Nail Polish & Remover
6. Detergents Mothballs String
7. De-icing Salts Gasoline, Kerosene
Harmful Holiday Products – Come Sprayed with The Anti-Inflammatory & Dye Is Sweet Tasting for Dogs ~ In Memory of Kenzie ~
Evergreen Trees (coniferous)- sprayed with anti-inflammatory and/or dye /Christmas Trees
Artificial Christmas Trees - sprayed with anti-inflammatory and/or dye (tastes sweet -yummy)
Tinsel Pine Needles & Sprays such as wreaths Tree Preservative in Water (quick drink?)
Top 5 Pet Insurance companies 2025
WSJ Top 5
#1 Trupanion
Claims paid directly to vet at checkout!!!
Trupanion is unique in offering its VetDirect Pay™ service, meaning that instead of paying the vet bill up front and waiting to be reimbursed, Trupanion can pay your vet directly at checkout.
The way Trupanion pricing works is that it’ll never put pricing up just because your pet gets older. So, if you sign your pet up aged 1 they’ll always be priced as a 1 year old.
#2 Pets Best
Consistently low pricing and flexible coverage for any budget
While it does offer cheaper plans that you can see when you click through to the Pets Best website, we display the ‘Elite” plan, which also includes vet exam fees and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and hydrotherapy.
As bonus, if you also have a CareCredit card, you can use this to pay your vet bill instead of paying with your savings, and Pets Best will reimburse this card directly.
#3 Spot
Rated 4.7 on Trustpilot (7,331 reviews)
Spot Pet Insurance is a very highly rated provider, scoring 4.7 on Trustpilot, from over 7,000 pet parents.
The Spot Pet Insurance plan covers any accident, new illness, including dental disease, and also offers an optional routine wellness plan for your pet’s regular preventative needs.
#4 Fetch
Excellent dental coverage also included
As well as covering accidents and new illnesses, Fetch has the best dental coverage of any provider too, with every tooth covered against accidents and illness. Periodontal disease is also covered, which many other providers do not cover.
The Fetch plan also includes $1,000 in virtual vet visits, with no copay required. This is ideal if you either cannot get to the vet or if you’re not sure and are just seeking advice. This service works by phone, text, email or video chat with a vet.
#5 Embrace
Great for puppies and kittens
The Embrace plan is ideal for kittens and puppies, and also has the most generous multi-pet discounts, so if you’re looking to insure more than one pet Embrace could be for you.
The additional routine wellness plan offered by Embrace is the most generous of all providers too – and will cover everything from the annual wellness exam to spay/neuter surgery.
https://www.wsj.com/buyside/a/pet-insurance?utm_source=bing&source=wsj-SEM-b-LPi-NB-dogcat-insurance&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=US_WSJ_Search_NonBrand_DogCat_Insurance&utm_content=US_WSJ_Dog_Insurance&campaignid=521947907&adgroupid=1324913970068875&location=66420&keyword=dog%20insurance&matchtype=p&network=o&device=c&gclid=&creative=&placement=&target=&adposition=&utm_term=Insurance&msclkid=6fe124977f701eeed151435a9862d687
WSJ Top 5
#1 Trupanion
Claims paid directly to vet at checkout!!!
- One simple plan with unlimited payouts for life
- Vet bills paid directly at checkout
- Voted #1 pet insurance by veterinarians
- Over $3 Billion paid in vet bills
- Monthly prices will never go up based on your pet’s age
Trupanion is unique in offering its VetDirect Pay™ service, meaning that instead of paying the vet bill up front and waiting to be reimbursed, Trupanion can pay your vet directly at checkout.
The way Trupanion pricing works is that it’ll never put pricing up just because your pet gets older. So, if you sign your pet up aged 1 they’ll always be priced as a 1 year old.
#2 Pets Best
Consistently low pricing and flexible coverage for any budget
- Choice of affordable plans with flexible out-of-pocket costs
- Covers any new accident or illness, including vet exam fees, surgery & meds
- Add a routine wellness plan for regular preventative care
- Includes free 24/7 pet helpline
- Rated as the Best Pet Insurance 2025
While it does offer cheaper plans that you can see when you click through to the Pets Best website, we display the ‘Elite” plan, which also includes vet exam fees and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and hydrotherapy.
As bonus, if you also have a CareCredit card, you can use this to pay your vet bill instead of paying with your savings, and Pets Best will reimburse this card directly.
#3 Spot
Rated 4.7 on Trustpilot (7,331 reviews)
- Covers any new accident or illness, including hereditary conditions
- No networks - use any vet or emergency pet hospital
- Cancel anytime with zero fees
- Over $1,000 in inclusive promo codes to all policyholders
- Rated as the Best Pet Insurance 2025
Spot Pet Insurance is a very highly rated provider, scoring 4.7 on Trustpilot, from over 7,000 pet parents.
The Spot Pet Insurance plan covers any accident, new illness, including dental disease, and also offers an optional routine wellness plan for your pet’s regular preventative needs.
#4 Fetch
Excellent dental coverage also included
- Very competitively priced for most pets
- All major and minor accidents and illnesses covered
- The best dental coverage also included for no extra fee
- Now includes the option to add a routine wellness plan
- Rated “Excellent” on Trustpilot
As well as covering accidents and new illnesses, Fetch has the best dental coverage of any provider too, with every tooth covered against accidents and illness. Periodontal disease is also covered, which many other providers do not cover.
The Fetch plan also includes $1,000 in virtual vet visits, with no copay required. This is ideal if you either cannot get to the vet or if you’re not sure and are just seeking advice. This service works by phone, text, email or video chat with a vet.
#5 Embrace
Great for puppies and kittens
- Choose from $5,000 - unlimited annual coverage
- Includes coverage for vet exam fees, diagnostics, surgery & rehab
- Generous multi-pet discounts
- No credit checks required
- Over 500,000 pets insured
The Embrace plan is ideal for kittens and puppies, and also has the most generous multi-pet discounts, so if you’re looking to insure more than one pet Embrace could be for you.
The additional routine wellness plan offered by Embrace is the most generous of all providers too – and will cover everything from the annual wellness exam to spay/neuter surgery.
https://www.wsj.com/buyside/a/pet-insurance?utm_source=bing&source=wsj-SEM-b-LPi-NB-dogcat-insurance&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=US_WSJ_Search_NonBrand_DogCat_Insurance&utm_content=US_WSJ_Dog_Insurance&campaignid=521947907&adgroupid=1324913970068875&location=66420&keyword=dog%20insurance&matchtype=p&network=o&device=c&gclid=&creative=&placement=&target=&adposition=&utm_term=Insurance&msclkid=6fe124977f701eeed151435a9862d687
|
Best Money Top 5
#1 Spot Customizable coverage for puppies
Customized pet coverage to meet your specific needs
Pet Insurance for accidents, illness & routine wellness
Business Insider’s best for comprehensive coverage
Protect your pet starting at just $1/day
https://www.bestmoney.com/pet-insurance/compare-dogs?bkw=the%20Best%20pet%20insurance%20for%20dogs&bcampid=568702078&bcamp=PI%20US%20-%20Bing%20DT-Dog%20Pareto&bagid=1173180685845985&bag=Dog%20Insurance&btarid=kwd-73324112303342:loc-4126&bidm=bp&bnet=o&bd=c&bmobval=0&bt=search&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=Top%205%20dog%20insurance%20companies%202025&utm_campaign=Bing+CPC+Campaign&c=73323995390908&m=p&k=73324112303342&&bphysical=66420&bfeedid=&binterest=&a=B5302-123&ts=BPI&topic=PI_DT_Bing&upf=&clicktype=&msclkid=1867def11db81242b5e8b93cfaaa6d1d |
Consumer Advocate Top 5
#1 Spot Up to 90% Cash Back on Vet Bills
Affordable Same Day Coverage
Unlimited Reimbursement at Any Vet
Coverage Starting as low as $10/Month
Covers Exam Fees + Sick Visits
https://www.consumersadvocate.org/pet-insurance/lp/top-rated-pet-insurance?pd=true&keyword=insurance%20for%20dogs&gca_campaignid=382719101&gca_adgroupid=1221557892757757&gca_matchtype=p&gca_network=o&gca_device=c&gca_adposition=&gca_loc_interest_ms=&gca_loc_physical_ms=66420&gca_creative=&msclkid=04cef83a786f19c396bf9ff79f7db85b |