When we found out that Fenn would be joining our family, we were excited, anxious and overwhelmed. Not only were we welcoming a new dog home with the hopes that she would get along with Odie and be good with baby, but we also had to figure out what we really needed for her (amidst buying all of the things baby would need!).
Luckily, we knew just the place to turn to! Tail Blazers Kelowna had everything that we needed for Fenn and they have very knowledgeable staff that helped us to figure out what was necessary and what we could skip.
Here are a few things that the team at Tail Blazers Kelowna believes are essential to have when welcoming a new dog home, and a few things that you probably don’t need right away.
+ A good crate in a suitable size for your dog. You will want a crate that will fit the dog when it is fully grown.
+ A leash and collar to keep your pup under control. We use the continuous loop leashes for Odie and Fenn.
+ Food and water dishes or a slow feeder.
+ Healthy food for your pup, whether that be raw or kibble. The Tail Blazers Kelowna team are experts at helping you choose the right food for your dog.
+ Training treats to help nail those commands! Odie and Fenn like the Tricky Trainers in Cheddar or Peanut Butter.
+ It’s great to have pumpkin on hand to help with digestion and transitioning diets. Hot tip: Freeze pumpkin in an ice cube tray. You won’t need all of it at once and it will only keep a few days once opened, so this is a great way to make it last.
+ A toy or two – you don’t need a whole basket full! This stuffing-free toy has a removable squeaker and a replacement squeaker, which is perfect for puppies.
As for what to skip or hold off on, the team says that you don’t need an abundance of everything. No need to buy multiple kinds of food or treats or toys to see what your dog likes, just start with one and go from there. If you’re getting a puppy, it’s also a good idea to hold off on the expensive collar or bed. They will quickly grow out of their puppy collar and bed, and there is a chance that they destroy the bed as well!
If you’re welcoming a new dog home or already have a pup that you want to spoil with healthy treats and fun toys, and you happen to be in the Okanagan, I highly recommend visiting Tail Blazers Kelowna for all of the goods!
Disclaimer & disclosure: This blog post is sponsored by Tail Blazers Kelowna, but all content and opinions are my own.