good places to get... stuff! Karen's dilemmas...
 I keep second quessing as to whether it will hold up to abuse, be sharp enough, be safe enough, be big enough etc. etc.  I'm worrying this to death! I've spent hours combing through the old posts looking for lists of things to get (and found a few). I think I need a shopping buddy to help me.
Can you guys give me some ideas for sturdy brands of dog "stuff".. it doesn't matter what. What holds up well for you- collars, leashes, toys anything... Do you think it is ok to buy stuffed animals from a goodwill type place? I've paid attention to how fast many of the sheepies go through their toys, and don't want to spend a ton of money on any of the stuffies that puppy will probably destroy anyhow. What should I look out for when buying cheap stuffies? I think I NEED to find a little lamb or sheep for the puppy to keep him/her company on the ride home... Is it normal to be so excited and worried at the same time??? 
Karen  |
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Awww the worries of an expentant sheepie mom. 
Someone posted before about stuffed toys, can't remember who, but get them from a baby shop/toy wholesaler rather then a dog shop. They are better made last longer and cheaper to buy. I actually got some new ones from a toy place after reading that post. 
Small Kong is good too. |
| Karen,
Here's the lambie I got for Belle . . . . she didn't care about it one bit, but Bentley likes it! http://www.jbpet.com/Shopping/category. ... ush&page=1 JP Pet has great prices on LOTS of things! |
| I think one of the most important purchases is grooming tools. I was never able to find a pin brush with no knobs on the end at the pet store. I ordered online. I think there are several recomendations in the grooming section. I use one from Christensen.
I had very mixed feelings about using a crate. I think I only used it for the first month, until Mojo was house trained. If you are only going to use one for short term maybe you could borrow one or purchase a smaller less expensive one. If you plan on using a crate all the time I would buy the size for an adult dog with an adjustable divider. I bought a nice pad with sheepskin cover and Mojo wouldn't sleep on it. He prefered the cool bottom of the crate! I use the rolled leather collar. They seem to be easier on the fur. Less matting. At the recomendation of our trainer we got a 6 foot leather leash to use instead of the retractable one we had been. As far as toys go, I wouldn't buy too many just yet. Maybe one of a couple of different types. That way you can see what your baby is actually going to like to play with. Our pet stores let you bring your dog in the store with you. Mojo loves to go pick out his own. |
Yes, Karen, you're perfectly normal! 
I agree with Angel that if you intend to crate train, buy the large adult crate with the dividers now and just adjust it as he/she grows. Neither of mine really like anything on the bottom of their crates either. They just push it out of the way, so I gave it up.
Some of the places I get supplies are jbpet.com, petedge.com, chrissystems.com, and of course the local PetsMart & Target. Sidenote: This reminds me -if anyone uses non-edible Nylabones, I got the BigKnot bone at Target last week for $4.99!! I saw it at Pets Mart yesterday for $17.50! I knew that $4.99 was a good buy, but didn't realize it was that good. I wish now I'd gotten another as a backup. I found stuffies at the Dollar Store (yes for $1), which as fast as my two tear them up, is as much as I want to spend on them. I have just recently figured out that if I buy the smaller ones that fit into their mouths, but with not much hanging out, they can't play tug-of-war with them so they actually play with them instead of destroying them. (Mom's a little slow on the uptake sometimes!  )
As for durablilty and what your puppy will like, I've found that our PetsMart takes everything back. I can't tell you how many things I've returned even after using them. I just mentioned to the manager there one day that something I'd purchased didn't last long enough and she said anytime you're not happy with something for any reason, just bring it back. So I do.
And most of all, don't worry! You'll do fine!! And we're all here to help. |
| Thanks guys...
Here's my purchase list so far: Grooming tools: Pin brush comb(s) ? matt rake clippers (probably the Oster A5) Nail clippers Scissors shampoo- what kind is good??? Dematting stuff- cowboy magic? I'd like to get a grooming table and gear, but that might not happen right away... Daily stuff: Water and food bowls, pref. the kind that can be elevated Collar- I'm thinking leather but haven't looked at any yet, are there any styles that are adjustable? Lead- Here I'm a little at a loss- I'm NOT getting a retractable kind for everyday use, I think they're great for playing fetch or running games, but I'm a traditionalist when it comes to walkies... Puppy will learn to heel (I hope!!!). So what kind do I get? I love the leather ones, but they're spendy, and will puppy chew through it? What about nylon or chain? Puppy won't be able to chew through the chain, but will it hurt it's teeth??? Crate- does anyone use the crates that have the wire on the inside and the wicker covering on the outside? I saw those online, and they're very pretty, but again, Im wondering about the chewing issues... Are there any other misc items I should know about? Doggie beds etc? Toys: A kong A lambie A squeaky A ball A non-destructible chew toy (what are the good ones?) What are the other major "types" of toys??? Am I missing one of the basics? Ok, fill in the blanks, do I have my bases covered, or am I missing something here? Karen |
| That's a pretty inclusive list you've put together!
I tried the Cowboy Magic detangler and while effective, I found it to be a bit oily for me. I prefer The Stuff or Ice on Ice. I like the looks of the wicker/wire crates, too. I'm just afraid it would end up chewed and ratty looking.  I would like to think it'd work, though, as they're prettier and fit better into a decor.
I have a six foot leather lead that I really like. Very durable. Have fun shopping! |
| if you take the puppy to training, they'll probably prefer a 6 ft. leather lead. as far as collars, buy a cheapie nylon one for now since he/she will grow out of it and, by that time, you may decide that you don't even want to use one regularly. we just use a nylon one for walks and then it comes off at the door. i spent all this time picking it out but, the funny thing is, you can't even see it under all the fur!
one other thing i'd suggest, and maybe someone has mentioned it already, but have you thought about microchipping? i don't consider it foolproof but it's one more thing to help but your mind at ease. |
ButtersStotch wrote: i spent all this time picking it out but, the funny thing is, you can't even see it under all the fur!
Ha ha! me too! I spent forever choosing collars for Maggie and Chumley that you can't see At All! They are cute though. |
| Yes, that is DEFINITELY something I'm going to discuss with the vet! One more way of protecting my precious baby (you gotta love that- I haven't even picked him/her out yet!!!!)
What is everyone's dogs favorite chew toys? I'm going to petsmart tonight to buy my first official puppy thing... not sure what yet! What is a good collar size- width and length to get for the puppy? I'm expecting him/her to get to be about 75-80 lbs, that is both momma and daddy's size, what is the right size crate for that size dog- the 42" or the 48"? I think that's all I've got for now... By the way- Mom's call name is MAIZY not MAGGIE as I had previously said my bad!!!
Karen |
| oh, and one more thing for you. get yourself a "puppy" outfit-- ratty jeans and sweatshirt, especially for the first few weeks of housetraining. clyde thought "outside" was a game that involved biting pantlegs and running the opposite way at first. there were some wardrobe casualties! |
| Good call Jill! |
| Luckily with all the house remodeling, I have lots of expendable wardrobe items... in fact I have more rough stuff then I have nice casual stuff... I need a nice new pair of jeans.... Good call though, I'll warn the other household members!!! |
Iriskmj wrote: What is everyone's dogs favorite chew toys?
I'm so excited for you! My two both will spend endless hours gnawing away at raw marrow bones but neither seems inclined to chew on anything else. If you can't find raw, the Choobles kind sold at petsmart are also good (they just have a slightly sharper smell to them): http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_ ... &N=2026204 (I'm not sure if bones are ok for puppy teeth) Maggie LOVES her red kong bouncing ball. It is so bouncy but she can't chew through it (which is good). http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_ ... t=kong&N=2 |
| Every dog seems to be different when it comes to chewing things. Frank for instance has never intentionally ripped apart a stuffed toy so we have a lot of longevity. Personally, I loved getting gigantic stuffed dog toys when Frank was little because he would snuggle with it and it was the same size as he was. About halfway down my little puppy site pix there is a photo: http://www.ideapatio.com/oursheepdog/12-16wks.html
Frank also loves the I-cube. Also, I give my small raw beef bones/soup bones to chew on and they love those as well. Also live cats make good toys too! |
My girls favorite toy, which has so far been indestructible for them, and was not expensive, is this:
As to crate size, I think the large crates, not the extra large, are good. Then again, my dogs are not that big. Sky is about 70 lbs, and her large crate is more than big enough. It measures 27" wide, 42" long and 30" tall. |
| Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Verveup- I'm not sure that the kitty girls will be that excited about being toys for the puppy... I'm gonna add the icube to my list, Stacey- does that spotbites have a squeaker, or is it just a cool vinyl chewie thingy???
I did make my first puppy purchase last night... I bought a puppy Kong- the medium size, as I wanted puppy to be abe to use it when he/she got home. I also bought a floppy lambie, which baaawwsss when you squeak it... if the puppy doesn't like it, I'LL keep it!!!! My puppy is 8 days old and already spolied!!!! 
Karen |
| I don't think our ball has a squeaker. They have vinyl squeaky boomerangs though too that seem to have held up well enough.... |
| Best advice I can offer is not to scrimp on grooming tools. Angel's recommendation of Chris Christensen brushes is very good. I like #1 All Systems tools, I have their long pin brushes (straight, smooth tip pins), small slicker brushes for feet & face and wide tooth metal combs. I just recently got a grooming table (a Sett-R-Rite with adjustable legs). If you don't get a table right away, try to acclimate your pup to being on some kind of stable, elevated surface. Helps your back and makes it easier to control your dog.
We use several different shampoos and conditioners depending on coat length and condition, whether they are muddy or smelly or stained or whatever. Just be sure to rinse out really well. We like "The Stuff" as a leave-on detangling spray, occasionally Cowboy Magic for bad mats, Self- Rinse Plus (no rinse cleaner) for dirty faces and spot cleaning. We have more toiletries for the dogs than we do for the humans around here. (Unfortunately, Nelson wasn't looking his best in our avatar. Please overlook the fact that we have all this stuff but don't use it as regularly as we should )
Here are a couple of suppliers that have professional-quality tools at reasonable prices: Pet Edge (petedge.com), Dog.com (dog.com), Cherrybrook (cherrybrook.com) and Care-A-Lot (carealotpets.com) Congratulations on your new puppy, Karen!   |
| I seriously recommend Lupine brand leashes, collars, and walking harnesses. They are guaranteed if chewed! This means that if your dog chews 'em up, you can send them back to the company and they WILL be replaced for FREE. I have replaced 3 leashes, one walking harness, and and a collar this way. It doesn't matter if I soak the leash in bitter apple or not - if Duds wants off, he chews himself free! I could NEVER use a leather leash because it chews too easily and is way too expensive. I do have a green rolled leather collar that I got for him for 99 cents on clearance at pet smart, though. That one is for "special occasions". Also the best place to get these things is from their online web store, Charity Pets http://www.charitypets.com. At the end of your purchase, there's a list of local Rescues and I think it's something like 20% or 30% of the sale goes to the Rescue group of your choice. I always choose the Husky House because that's the rescue from which I adopted Dudley. They run their rescue on significantly less than a shoe-string budget. Hope this helps! Good luck with your puppy. Don't forget the crate, too! ~Katie. |
| Ah the joys of impending motherhood and the fun in shopping for things. Here's my take on the subject...get the neccessary stuff that you need when puppy comes home. Once you meet your new furball you will have a much better understanding of the priority of your purchases. It's also a lot of fun to take puppy and bask in all the attention you'll get when you visit a pet suppy company with the new puppy. You'll also have sooo much fun allowing him/her to pick a toy...and trust me even at that age they will bypass some things and will focus on a specific thing.
The one requirement I would definately have is a chew toy for those sharp puppy teeth and to immediately show hands are off limits but toys are okay. Soooooo excited and happy for you!!!! Marianne and the boys |
| I'm so excited for you!!! Your enthousiasm is so contagious!!!
I think that what ever you buy now...no matter what...they will like the other thing that you will eventually buy! Murphy's Law!!!
I just got The Muppets the I-Qube...they love it!!!! AND they haven't ripped apart one single ball yet!  It's a miracle! It is also very amusing for me! The Gooch has no idea why Murphy pays so much attention to him when he's got one in his mouth?! That's because of the squeaker of course!!! So Gooch just chews and chews and runs past Murphy over and over...ok so we have only had this toy for 3 days...I'll let you know if I still find this funny after a month of this!  |
| Your puppy is lucky to have you as her new mommy! Don't buy a lot of fun stuff now as you will be hounding the pet stores for new stuff as she grows (if you're like me and love to shop). Never noticed pet stores before! Get a lot of sleep now as you may be up several times during the night at first. That was our experience but may not be for everyone. Good luck! |
| I was up all night with Mitch For his first 2 nights at home.
Everytime i left him he howled and he howled and he howled .After 4 hours of howling into the early hours of the morning i figured the neighbours might of had enough so i got up and sat with him.Everytime he fell asleep i tried to sneak out but i never made it back to my bed
At this point i'm asking myself "why am i getting another pup"
Iv'e just gone and bought a squeaky teddy for my new arrival .Off to petsmart on friday so i'm bound to come back with some more stuff and i new toy for Mitch so he doesn't feel left out. |
| Yeah, I'm taking puppy maternity time off when puppy comes home Too bad I can't get it compd! I figure we'll have a couple busy nights before puppy manages to settle in...
What kinds of doggie beds do you guys have for your dogs? Do they use them at all? |
| Mitch is using a plastic bed with a duvet,fleece +pillow .Pupster will have the same.
Iv'e had 6 oes 4 used a bed and 2 wouldn't have anything to do with them. JULIANNE |
| A crate in the bedroom with a pad, a bunch of towels, a worn T shirt, and toys during the night. During the day, the pad and all her stuff is taken out of the crate. In addition, she has a snuggle bed that I move around the house. However, the hard cold bathroom floor is her most favorite spot. |
| Karen,
Congrats on your impending arrival!! I was just as excited as you are before we brought Max home. One thing I've seen is that chewing is serious business for my sheepie, so I like to have a variety of chewy things for him like nylabones, pigs ears, compressed rawhide (with supervision). He loves to chase tennis balls and attack stuffed animals. One thing I'd recommend is that you consider getting the giant sized crate. Max is about 85 lbs. and giant is definitely necessary for him. I had an x-large size, but it's not quite big enough, luckily I can still use it at my mom's house when we visit so I don't feel totally ripped off!! Max has a big pillow but my kids use it more than he does I guess every sheepie is different!! Look forward to seeing which puppy you get!!
Sharon |
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