New puppies owners need lots of equipment and as a retailer, you can be on hand with the right advice and products. Here, we look at what might be on their shopping list…
Crate
Many puppies love having their own space they can retreat to during the day and feel safe in at night. Crates are also great for owners who want to make sure they know where their puppy is during the night, and that he is not getting himself into mischief. An owner should place the puppy’s bed and bedding in there, and a crate water bowl, which can attach securely to the sides without spilling the contents.
Food
The puppy buyer should discuss with the breeder or rescue centre what they have been feeding the puppy. It is recommended that the new owner has at least one bag of this ready and waiting at home. If the owner wants to change over from this old food to a new diet, it should be done gradually to reduce the risk of upsetting the puppy’s stomach. Here is good opportunity to highlight your offering of canine diets, particularly your selection of puppy specific nutrition. Growing dogs benefit from tailored nutrition will contains ingredients which promote vital growth. If you can share your expertise with the owner, and find a food that benefits their pup’s well-being and suits their budget, you’re taking a big step to making the buyer a loyal customer.
Bed
It is recommended to avoid purchasing a wicker or beanbag bed as this could cause great frustration if it’s ripped to shreds, and, even more importantly, will also be dangerous if ingested. Plastic beds are often ideal for puppies as these are more durable and usually easier to clean if your pup has an accident in the bed.
The most important thing is that owners fill the bed with plenty of comfy, machine- washable blankets or fleecy bedding, so the puppy can feel safe, warm, and secure. Some breeders or rescue centres will supply a blanket with the puppy so that the familiar smell is comforting in a new environment. Buyers may even want to have a couple of beds in different areas of the house.
Grooming tools
It’s important that you get a puppy used to being groomed as early as possible, especially if they are a breed that will have a high-maintenance adult coat. At this early stage, it’s about building positive associations with being groomed, so a soft bristled puppy brush is ideal, as it will be gentle on his coat.
Toys
New puppy owners are always keen to buy a selection of fun toys for their new arrival. In fact, it is likely one of the only occasions when shoppers come looking for a range of toys in one visit. They want their canine arrival to enjoy playing at home and toys can distract from more destructive behaviours!
Chew toys will give the dog something to do with his mouth, rather than taking his teething out on sofas or coffee table leg, and interactive toys, such as frisbees and rope toys, will keep them mentally stimulated and help them to engage in play. It’s an ideal opportunity to highlight the benefits of the different types of toys you offer.
A key piece of advice to share with owners is to make sure they choose toys that are appropriate for the pup’s size, as if they are too small, there is a risk of choking.
Collar and lead
Although the puppy won’t be able to go for his first walk until after his second vaccination (around 12 weeks), they will need to wear a collar as soon as they come home. This should be comfortable for them to wear and should be constantly checked for its fit, as the puppy will grow rapidly. You should be able to fit at least two fingers snuggly between your puppy’s neck and collar.
Don’t forget the identity tag attached to the collar, too — owners are required by law to engrave the name and address of the owner on it. You could always link up with a local engraver to offer a tag service.
Travel equipment
The Highway Code states that dogs must be suitably restrained while you are driving so they cannot distract or injure you, or themselves, if you have to stop quickly. Therefore, owners must either have a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog crate, or dog guard ready for when they bring their pup home. Many dog owners don’t adhere to the Highway Code and are far more relaxed about how they let their pets travel, compared to how people would expect children to travel. As a retailer, you’re well positioned to advise people of the risks and encourage them to buy travel safety products that you can provide.
Bowls
A pup will need two bowls ready for when they get home: one for food and one for water. Ideally, they should be weighted or non-slip, and should be raised for large breeds as they grow. Remind owners to make sure fresh water is always available.
Poo bags and puppy pads
Owners with a puppy need to get used to going out in the garden! Regular trips outdoors so the puppy can toilet – and the owner can be on hand to reward the clever dog – are essential to getting a puppy house trained. This means your customers will need a good supply of poo bags. Not being the most glamourous of all the items on the puppy equipment list, these can easily be forgotten, so you can be on hand to remind shoppers. You could even offer a package bundle and include some freebies such as poo bags. If you have a eco-friendly poo bags it could be a good way to drop in your greener products and credentials.
While some dog owners don’t like the idea of puppy pads as they think it is just best to get their dog going outside regularly, other owners find puppy pads a useful tool. So, you could offer these, too.
Cleaning products
Of course, puppies have accidents. Dog-safe cleaning products can be good to clean away mistakes, before a dog associates that indoor spot with going to the toilet!
Pheromone diffusers and collars
These can be great for helping a puppy to settle and encouraging early socialisation. Featuring copies of natural pheromones released by dogs which reassure them, diffuser and collars can provide that extra reassurance dogs need to help them relax.
What else might you need:
- Puppy toothbrush
- Canine first aid kit
- Dinner mat
- Safety guards to wires
Product promotion:
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Dogmatic believes every walk should be a pleasure for you and your dog. For over two decades, Dogmatic has specialised in designing innovative, award-winning solutions that help you enjoy safer, calmer, more controlled walks – for the whole of your puppy’s life.
Start your pup off on the right paw – find the right equipment to help train your pup for walkies! Recommended by vets, behaviourists, trainers, and rescues, Dogmatic is for dog people by dog people. Visit: www.dogmatic.org.uk
Protect what you love: Keep your pet safe in the car
Car journeys are a fact of life for most dogs, and being able to travel happily and safely is just as important for your pet as it is for you and the rest of your family.
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