Required items for your puppy or dog's health, happiness and safety:

• Collar - needed for attaching your pet's identification tag, and for attaching the leash when walking or training.
  
  
• Leash - necessary for walking your dog, and keeping control.
  
  
• ID tag - an absolute essential for every pet.
  
  
• Food Bowl - many to choose from depending on your personal preference and your dog's special needs.
  
  
• Water bowl - clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
  
  
• Food - a balanced, premium food is healthiest; table scraps can dramatically shorten the dog's life and jeopardize its health.
  
  
• Toys - toys help keep your dog from being bored, restless or destructive.
  
  
• Chew items - chew toys, rawhide, and bones satisfy your dog's natural need to chew, and is especially helpful for teething puppies.
  
  
• Toothbrush and toothpaste - a dental health program will promote healthy teeth and gums that need to last your dog a lifetime.
  
  
• Grooming tools - depends on your dog's coat, but a good brush is a must for keeping the skin healthy and the coat shiny and mat-free.
  
  
• Nail clippers - unless you plan to have your dog professionally groomed, your dog's nails will need to be tended to.
  
  
• Bed - every dog should have a place to call his own.
  
  
• Crate - if you need to leave your pet alone, if you are house-training, or plan to travel with your pet.

These items are highly recommended:

• Stain and odor neutralizer - for quickly treating any accidents.
  
  
• Treats - for training, or just because you love her!
  
  
• Auto containment - needed if you ever plan to travel any distance with your dog.
  
  
• Dog door - especially nice for the dog that has been trained to go outside, or just likes to spend time there.
  
  
• Ear Cleaner - to keep your dog's ears clean and healthy since they can't do it themselves!
  
  
• Shampoo and conditioner - to keep your dog looking (and smelling) nice.
  
  
• Heartworm preventative - a monthly dose in treat form to keep your dog from contracting fatal Heartworm disease.
  
  
• Pooper scooper - do we need to explain this one?
  
  
• Containers - for holding dry food and treats are a little more convenient than digging to the bottom of a big bag.
  
  
• Scoops - for scooping dry food are designed for getting food from the container to the bowl without getting it all over you and the floor.
  
  
• Hair pickup - to remove hair that your dog has shed on clothing and furniture.

These items are suggested for special circumstances:

• Puppy pads - for both puppies and adult dogs that are being trained.
  
  
• Vitamins - for pets that need a little extra boost due to being undernourished or sick.
  
  
• Bags for picking up dog waste - from your own yard, but especially if you plan to walk your dog or go somewhere with your dog. No one wants to dodge doggie doo, so make sure you clean up after Fido.
  
  
• Dog Rugs - If you live in a cool or wet climate you may like to invest in your dogs comfort by purchasing a showerproof or waterproof dog rug/coat.