Shopping for puppy products.

Question:
we've decided to buy a puppy and that a Cavalier King Charles would suit us (married couple with two children, aged eight and five). We've been to see a few litters and have picked out a local breeder who has lovely, sensible dogs and a litter due any day now. However, we have had lots of conflicting advice about the equipment you need for a new pup. Can you tell us what is really necessary when it comes to puppy products like beds, bowls, collars and leads, and the best types to chose?
Mr and Mrs Lloyd, Suffolk.

Trainer Charlie Clarricoates replies...

Answer:
I am delighted that you have chosen this breed because they make wonderful pets, especially around children. Everybody has their own way of doing things so all I can do is advise what I would
use for a dog of this size and nature.

At first, you may want to use a large cardboard box as a bed and line this with Vet bed or fleece.
Remember, many puppies chew and a cardboard box can be cheaply and easily replaced. I would also recommend the use of an indoor den. This will help with house-training and prevent anything being chewed up while you are out of the house. As the dog gets older you can buy a more expensive bed but most puppies and dogs like Vetbed and it is very easy to wash.

Food and water bowls should be stainless steel and non-slip, and if looked after should last the dog's lifetime. You may wish to consider specific narrower bowls designed for spaniels to prevent their ears dragging in the food.
Choose quality toys designed for puppies, not adult dogs. Interactive toys such as Kongs, the mini Buster Cube or mini Canac Activity Ball are great as they offer mental stimulation as well as fun. Puppy teething toys such as Nylabones are also very useful.

As for puppy collars and leads, for the first few months your puppy will be fine in a soft nylon or leather collar but I recommend an adjustable half-check collar later. Check the collar fitting every week as puppies grow very quickly. You should not be able to pull the collar over the dog's head. You can get a light training lead with clips at both ends - Mikki makes an excellent adjustable version - and a three-quarter inch width that should last through puppy hood and into adult life. Or, go for a leather or nylon 40in lead with a clip. Be wary of using an extending lead without practicing in the garden.

Finally, don't forget to book the puppy into socialization classes.

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