Welcome a Labrador at home it’s always exciting, but knowing what to buy for a new puppy can sometimes feel overwhelming. From dog beds and blankets to toys and treats, the choice available to new pet owners is endless!
Preparing a checklist is always a good place to start, condensing everything into a list that you can check off as you go.
To make life easier for you, we’ve rounded up a selection of the essentials, along with tips and techniques to help your new friend settle in.
Here are 10 useful things you will need to purchase before bringing your Labrador indoors.
Labrador indoors: food and water bowls
This is a good place to start when preparing to bring your little Labrador dog home indoors. We recommend the bowls in stainless steelas they are long lasting, easy to clean and resist puppy gnawing!
Puppy food
Puppy food should be nutritious e well balanced, to help your canine companion grow strong and healthy. Before bringing your Labrador puppy indoors, it is a good idea to talk to the breeder or a veterinarian about the diets they will be able to follow.
When deciding which food to buy for your new 4-legged friend, consider his age and size. Check the nutritional content to find high-quality, easily digestible options.
It is best to feed little food but often when the puppy arrives home, leaving enough time for better digestion between meals.
Rewards for education
Training your puppy can be incredibly gratifying, as you watch him explore and learn about the world around him. From good manners around the house to walks in the park, everything will be new to your pet.
It is always best to use positive reinforcement during education to maintain the serene and playful interactions. That’s why you need to have some training treats on hand.
Labradors are a lot motivated by food and they’ll happily do anything for a delicious treat! Make sure the snacks are suitable for the puppy and balance his meals with the amount of treats he ate!
Tag, leash and collar
Identification plate or medal
The identification plate it is not a legal requirement in Italy. If you choose to buy it from your Fido, it must contain your address and contact details. Choose a lightweight model, as a heavy tag could cause your puppy discomfort.
Collar and leash
The collar and leash must be light and soft. The collar should be with a flat buckle, to make sure it is as comfortable as possible while the puppy trains on a leash.
A lightweight training leash is a great addition to the list of accessories your Labrador puppy should have around the house – so you can train him to recall without risking your new friend walking alone and running away!
Toys, toys and more toys!
Toys are an essential item for any puppy, and having a variety of options will be especially useful if your new canine companion is a Labrador!
Labradors are intelligent and energetic dogs that need to use their brains as much as their bodies!
I interactive games and puzzles they are great for young dogs. They help stimulate the brain and can keep the dog entertained while waiting to be taken for a walk outdoors.
Chew toys are a great idea for puppies too Labrador teethingwho could blame the furniture if they are not given an alternative!
As your puppy gets older and can get more exercise, you can opt for toys like balls or Frisbees, which can stimulate his innate recovery instinct.
Poop bags
Once the training begins, you will need poop bags. With a choice of designs and even colors, make sure they are of high quality and, if possible, biodegradable.
Dog beds and blankets
The choice of the bed to buy for the new puppy will depend a lot on personal choices. Some owners prefer a soft, easy-to-move bed, while others opt for blankets in the first few weeks. The most important thing is to make sure that the cot is quite spacious to allow the puppy to relax.
Keep in mind that your Labrador puppy may want to chew on his new kennel as well. Maybe you shouldn’t go for the more expensive options right away!
Puppy shampoo and brush
Dog shampoo has your pet’s health in mind and is designed to be gentle on the skin. Go for a puppy-specific cleanser – it will be gentler and more suitable than other options out there.
The type of dog brush to choose depends on your puppy’s coat type. A short coat with no undercoat requires completely different maintenance than a long, double coat, for example.
You should also purchase other practical accessories, such as nail clipper, toothbrush and ear cleaning wipes. Trust me, your puppy will need it!
Gate for puppies
The dog must be kept safe in the house and a curious puppy can try to go into dangerous spaces. That is why it is necessary to make the house puppy proofjust like you do for small children!
Examine the house for dangerous cables and wires and restrict access to high surfaces. A puppy gate can help with all of this!
Pet insurance
Buying pet insurance can be a good financial decision for you and your canine friend.
Although Labradors are generally a healthy breed, they often suffer from hip dysplasia as they age. Labradors are also very prone to obesity, which can make any other medical condition worse.
If you decide to take out pet insurance when your puppy is young and has no pre-existing medical conditions, you will ensure that you get the best deal possible!
Taking some time to plan what you need will help make the first few weeks with your Labrador indoors wonderful. Once everything has been laid out and settled, you will be ready to enjoy every precious second with your beloved pooch!