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| Phoebe’s puppies at 12 days |
Equipment for Your Havanese Puppy
The first few days with a puppy are very special ones. Make sure the course is as smooth as possible. Here are a few things you may want to have on hand.
1. Carrier (to bring your puppy home)
If you plan to travel on an airplane with your Havanese it is wise to purchase a sturdy carrier that is airline approved and will fit under the seat of your airplane. Get a size that will be large enough for your puppy when he is full grown. Plan to spend about $30-50.
2. Harness and leash
Because a Havanese puppy is so small, I don’t recommend collars. The size harness you will want will be extra small (up to 4 pound pup) or small (4-8 pound pup).
3. Crate.
I recommend the open wire crates with a removable floor (for cleaning) and a divider that will create a smaller space for sleeping until the pup is completely housebroken. A crate appropriate for a 15 pound dog is more than sufficient. Any larger gives the pup too much space inside.
4. Exercise Pen (X-pen)
The 8 panel, 30” tall, pen is fine. Some come with gates, some do not. Plan to spend about $40.
5. Food bowls.
Ceramic or stainless steel are best. Puppies will chew plastic ones. Smaller is good (5” max) as the older pup’s ears will likely land outside the bowl (and the food).
6. Food
Your puppy has been eating Organix Puppy Food (Whole Foods) and Wellness Super Mix Just for Puppy (most pet stores). They are used to three meals a day…about ¼ cup per meal.
7. Toys
Puppies love toys! Lots of toys keep their interest away from furniture, cords and shoes! Tough rubber toys for teething are good, especially the small “Kong” toys you can stuff with yogurt and freeze. Squeaky toys are good too. Just don’t spend a lot on these squeaky toys as they pup will likely dismember it in a few weeks!
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| I can’t believe Maxi’s pups are 3 weeks old! |
8. Piddle Pads
Your puppy is trained to use a piddle pad. I use the pale blue, plastic backed ones with 4 layers of newspaper on top. This seems to reduce the shredding motivation. As the pup matures you can eliminate the newspaper.
9. Piddle Pad Frame
You will also need the plastic piddle pad frame to hold the pads in place. I was lucky enough to find the adhesive backed pads at one point, which eliminated the need for the frame. I have not
been able to find them lately though.If you plan to keep your
piddle pad as a permanent place for pottying you can buy
them online a lot cheaper…100 for $50.
been able to find them lately though.If you plan to keep your
piddle pad as a permanent place for pottying you can buy
them online a lot cheaper…100 for $50.
10. Nail Clippers and Brush
Your puppy is used to having his nails trimmed. I do this to reduce their angst down the road. You can use a human nail clipper for now…the kind that clip from the side are good. Later you will need a regular dog nail trimmer. The mini slicker brush work best for general grooming. Again, he is used to this and it is a good idea to continue to brush him 2-3 times a week just for a few minutes.
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| A big yawn |
11. 5-6” long Nylabones. Do not use rawhide chews for puppies and always supervise your puppy when he is chewing any kind of bones.
12. Natures Miracle spray. There are all kinds of sizes as well as special formulas for hardwood floors, laundry, etc. The best produce I’ve found for removing odors and stains.
13. Bathing supplies should include shampoo, conditioner and detangler. For the first two, I actually use Tresemee’ brand that you can find in most grocery and drug stores. For the detangler I use Christensen’s Ice on Ice Detangler which can be purchased online.
Perfect timing! I was planning a trip to the local pet store today to pick up a few things. Now, do you mean the Tresemme products for people or do they make one for dogs? Your helpers must be doing a fabulous job because the puppies are sprouting up very quickly!
Nope, the Tresemme products for people. I'm not sure if they are all organic, but I use the organic varieties.
I went to the store and started getting ready.
Isn't that fun Terri! Our house is getting full of all the puppy supplies. And the Amazon delivery seems like a daily event!
Sue, I placed an Amazon order over the weekend also…it is so fun preparing and sharing everyone's excitement through this blog!
It is and hopefully we can continue to stay in touch once we have them home. Our own personal Maxi/Phoebe offspring support group! 🙂 But just like the year you get all your holiday shopping done early you still keep buying….that's me! Oh, now that would be cute for the pup! Eeek I better stop! And now I think my husband Mike has caught on. This weekend he brought me a very cool wine crate to keep the dog toys in. We are in trouble deep.
That is too funny…I'm the same way! The pet store loves to see me walk in. I like the idea of the support group..especially when the terrible two's set in. Psst…do you think Jacqui would be upset if we hinted around for an updated video? 🙂
Video or pictures with stories, we don't care which just bring 'em! No pressure Jacqui we want you to enjoy the pups and their busy mammas. (hehe)
If I recall puppies by two are perfect…it is about 8-9 months that you better have your training skills.