What we bought and what we actually needed
Before you get a puppy into your home, you naturally find out what you need. That was also the case for us. So we went to the well-known online department stores with a shopping list containing things like:
- Toys
- Puppy food
- Necklace
- Dog harness
- Linen
- Bowls
- Dog Box
- Cuddly toys
- Beds
- Care
So we went out and ordered. But many things turned out to be too much, wrong or simply unnecessary. So here is what we bought and our assessment:
- Toys/Cuddly Toys
1.1. Kong Bear for small Dogs
This little teddy is still Balu's sleeping teddy. Besides a normal filling, it has ropes inside, which makes it very robust. Except for the sewn-on patches, this is still the most stable teddy.
1.2. Rope Set
A very nice set. The only catch: not really suitable for small sharp puppy teeth. The first ropes were chewed through very quickly. Then we put the ropes away until the new set of teeth arrived. Now the ropes are holding very well.
1.3. Ball
We quickly got a new supply of these balls. They are still one of our favourite outdoor toys. But be careful: don't throw them into trees or too high meadows ? - Food
We decided on the Wolf of Wilderniss food in advance. First the Junior Soft:
And in the meantime the normal Junior. Later on, we will also switch to the adult Wolf of Wilderniss. We have noticed that Balu tolerates the Junior food better when it is softened. And so we were also able to improve his fluid balance a little. - Bowls
We have chosen a 400ml bowl set with base . We are still super enthusiastic:
- Leashes/Dog collars/Dog harnesses
4.1. Puppy harness with car buckle
In advance we have ordered a Puppy harness with car buckle :
We used this one until it didn't fit anymore. Especially the bright colour was very useful in winter.
4.2. Dog collars
We ordered a Dog collars for puppys:
The mistake: It was much too big for a long time... Fortunately, the breeder had given us a self-made paracord collar. When the collar we bought fitted, we were very excited. However, Balu quickly outgrew it again.
4.3 Leash
We ordered the Trixie BE NORDIC V-leash because of its many adjustment options:
But what we had not thought about: This leash is much too big and heavy for a puppy... Fortunately, our breeder had also given us a light and homemade paracord leash. In the meantime, the Trixie leash is our constant companion in restaurants, in traffic, ... - Dog box and beds
5.1. Dog Box
This subject of dog boxes is very sensitive. However, I am of the opinion that everyone should do what they think is right. We decided that Balu would sleep in a dog crate at the beginning. You can read more about this in our post about the first nights with Balu.
I had read up a lot and had decided on this box :
My mistake: I bought the box in the size in which he would still fit later. However, he felt too insecure in the big box at first. Fortunately, we still had a smaller box, which we then took. In the meantime, the box fits and we still like it.
5.2. Bed
I wanted a cuddly Bed with edges:
But here, too, the puppy teeth threw a spanner in the works. Balu quickly thought he had to gnaw on the pillow in the bed. After a few sewing sessions, however, the bed is still one of his favourite places to sleep. - Care
6.1. Brush
In the beginning we had a normal brush :
However, we quickly noticed that most of the hairs are rather undercoat. Therefore, we quickly bought another Underwool brush :
Both brushes are still in daily use.
6.2. Claw shear
The Claw shear was unfortunately a bad buy for us. Not because the scissors are bad (they are really good), but Balu has been nibbling his claws to the perfect length since day one:
Of course, it quickly became clear that some purchases were unnecessary and some things were still missing. We quickly realised that Balu urgently needed something to chew on during his teething phase. Here I then ordered Chew Bones with Flavour for Puppies :
Even though we often had to hold them for Balu (even now he likes it when his chews are held), they accompanied us through the whole teething phase. You just have to be careful to put them away in time, because the right dentures destroy them quickly.
In addition, we have opted for a Kong and for a Quay ring. Both are still in use:
When it comes to collars, we switched to our breeder's idea and make them ourselves from paracord (more on this in this post).
As a place to sleep we have meanwhile settled on a Mattress . However, Balu prefers to sleep on the floor leaning directly against our bed:
As a leash for normal walks, we then bought another Flexline with eight metres length :
When it comes to toys, we have found that Balu doesn't really care what we play with. The main thing is that we play with him. He likes tug-of-war games best of all. That's why we also use a Bite sausage from Hebrü :
You can read about how we do parenting with the bite sausage in this post.
