BRINGING YOUR PUPPY HOME

Before you bring your Cavalier puppy home, you would be wise to have in your possession the following items. Note: For suggestions on where to buy doggie related items click the link at the bottom of this page.

Either an 18 X 24 inch or 21 X 30 inch wire crate,

or a 200 Vari-Kennel Size

Mats/Bedding for the bottom of the crate

Water Bowl

"The Water Hole Bowl"

or

a 1 quart size metal or ceramic bowl

Food Bowl

a 1 pint size stainless steel made not to tilt

or

 ceramic bowl

Dog Food

Wellness, Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul

More on that under Feeding

A flat natural bristle brush

A fine toothed comb

A flea comb

A slicker brush

A blunt-nosed scizzors

for tangles and feet

A nail cutter and Quik Stop

Dog Shampoo/Conditioner

Toothbrush or finger brush

Doggie Toothpaste

Collar or Harness

My favorite is the Coastal adjustable collar.

It is a nylon type, about 3/8 inches wide, fully

adjustable from puppy to adult, with an easy

on/off snap closure

A regular 4 or 6 foot lead

Either a leather one, a webbed one, or one that matches the collar

You may also want a show lead

Which is a small nylon loop lead, approximately 4 ft. long.

This is excellent for indoor training

A clicker

Some dog toys, nylabones, etc.

Some favorite toys are fleecy ones, buster cubes which you put

treats into, kong types. I do not suggest rawhides, pigs ears, etc. due

to risk of salmonella poisoning to the humans in the family;  many

digestive obstructions that need surgery are due to these items.

Track down a veterinarian (if you don't already have one)before the puppy arrives as you will need to take your puppy to your vet within the first few days of its arrival. Ask your friends, relatives and neighbors for references. Visit vets, check out their clinic and personnel--rely on your common sense to tell you if this is the place you want your dog's health attended to. Pick a vet that will listen to you. Ask the vet if he/she is familiar with Dr. Dodd's vaccination protocol. If they are and will adhere to it that is a good sign. Many vets still promote the yearly vaccinations because of liability issues. They should be willing to follow the minimal vaccination protocol if requested.