The Newf Puppy Shopping List
BOWLS - Two 2-3 quart stainless steel bowls or elevated double diner made of stainless steel are recommended as they clean the easiest.
WATER BOWLS - A 5-gallon bowl is recommended for multiple Newf households. If you are on treated water, start saving and washing your milk jugs. Ask your breeder to fill them up and start adding your water to her water once you bring the puppy home. The alternative is to purchase "spring" water from the store then start adding in your water. Well water isn't always better than city water- it really depends on the individual well system.
ABSORBING WATER - (Newf will absorb most water for you). A strategically placed storage bin or boot tray with towels on the bottom will catch most of those splashes.
OUTSIDE WATER BOWL - Purchase a 20-30 quart "horse bucket" (flat back and a handle that can be clipped to something to prevent puppy from knocking it over). Select one made of really tough plastic that doesn't crack in the winter and can be bleached for cleaning purposes). Use a "pony bucket" for a small puppy. Additional suggestions: 10" heated bowl for winter, Lixit Dog Waterer (attaches to high water faucet or elevated garden hose, dogs lick to activate flow).
COLLARS - These will need to be changed often! Types include: flat nylon with quick release buckle, rolled leather collar (disrupts neck fur less than flat). A puppy usually starts with an 18"-20" adjustable (no metal grommet holes) collar.
IDENTIFICATION - There are many ways to identify your dog: easy to read tag, tattoo (don't forget to register), or microchip (don't forget to register). Take your pick!
TRAINING COLLAR - These come in a great variety: Gentle Leader (halter collar), Haiti Head collars (halter collar), slip collar (choke collar), nylon snap choke (choke collar), No-Slip collar (The Greyhound Collar) (tightening collar), Harness (adjusts your Newf to feel of harness for later hauling and can be used to attach a seat belt restraint in the car)-choose which works best for you.
LEADS - A 6' leather lead (puppy will want to chew on it so store it out of reach) is nice but a sturdy nylon or cotton web lead might be better until the puppy learns not to chew. Purchase extras to keep in the car.
CRATE (or Den) - Buy the best possible crate you can for an adult sized Newf as it will last a long, long time. You can use a divider to reduce crate size for puppy to prevent crate soiling. A fitted pad or blanket in bottom will make a (1 nice "floor" for puppy to sleep on (and chew!). Recommended crate size minimum: 42" I x 24" w x 36" h
BED - You can purchase these to fit your decor: 52 - 54" round bed or thick piled throw rugs that can go in washer and dryer for easy cleaning. When traveling, consider fuzzy sheepskin-like things or futons (covered with plastic, mattress pad and then a sheet. Why not -the dog will probably end up there anyway!). Additionally, many Newfs may decide not to use anything you provide for them because they prefer a cool floor or bathtub. Don't worry that there may not be enough room on your bed because Newfs don't seem to mind hanging off the bed a bit.
GROOMING SUPPLIES - Purchase good quality grooming tools as they last longer. You will need a fine tooth comb, mat splitter, pin brush, rake, scissors-blunt nose, thinning shears for ears, slicker brush, nail clippers, styptic powder, dog shampoo, conditioner, bath or beach towels (your old ones will do quite nicely), dog dryer (helps get them dry to the skin and blows out all the loose coat), dog toothpaste and toothbrush, ear cleaning supplies (solution and cotton), and a first aid kit. Ask breeder what grooming tools they use then purchase them a couple at a time.
TOYS - There are so many toys out there that the list is far too long. The most important thing to remember is the toys should be large enough that they can't be swallowed whole. They should also be made of material that will not easily break apart. Your puppy will grow very quickly so check the toys regularly to make sure puppy isn't out growing them and for wear and tear. Make sure there are no very small parts that can be removed. Many toys contain squeakers or
grunters. These toys should be played with only under supervision. As your puppy outgrows his/her toys you can donate them to your local shelter or your neighbor's "smaller" dogs. ball
CRUNCHY THINGS - Among the favorites are: 6"-8" bleached bones, marrow bones, hooves, knuckle bones, large sterilized bones, mammoth (or dino) bones, paddy wacks (very tough beef tendons roasted in their own juices), pig ears, and rawhide bones. You should allow your dog a "crunchy" only when you are present to supervise. Dogs can easily choke on long bits of rawhide. You may want to consider buying all these in bulk for lower prices.
WATER TOYS - Water toys come in many shapes, sizes and colors: red plastic retrieving dummy, Splunkie/Splunky, Water Kong, half-filled 500, ml. pop bottle, orange canvas bumpers -only when supervised or will destroy-and retrieving duck, just to name a few. You can start by dropping in kiddie pool to teach puppy to retrieve.
WATER COOL OFF - Take your pick: kiddie pool, firm plastic, sprinkler, lake, ocean, stream, or river.
FOOD - Feed what the breeder recommends. A 40-pound bag of dog food lasts one Newf approximately one month to six weeks when fed two cups, twice a day.
VITAMINS - Ask your vet and your breeder for their advice.
COOKIES - Pick your flavor-regular, beef basted, peanut butter or gourmet! Just be careful that you don't feed too many. A growing Newf puppy is always watching his/her weight.
CAR SEAT, HOTEL BED & FURNITURE COVERS - Old sheets or moving blankets will help to prevent the slime and hair from collecting.
WASTE MANAGEMENT - A two-piece pooper-scooper, disposable scoops for walks (or plastic grocery bags wrapped, around hand (store in an empty paper towel tube in the car) should be among your tools for clean up. Use paper towels and disinfectant for house soiling clean up because "accidents" will happen.
VETERINARY CARE - Make sure to get your puppy to the vet to assure that he/ she is up to date on shots and worming. Provide your vet with puppy's records that were given to you by your breeder.
PUPPY KINDERGARTEN CLASS - Your puppy will usually be welcome at class sometime around 4 months of age (after they've had their permanent shots). Check with the classes in your area to find out what their requirements are.
DOG LICENSE - Check with your town/city hall to find out the price and what paperwork is necessary.
IN YOUR HOUSE - Make sure you secure your garbage pails, puppy proof your house (destroyables and poisons, get down on your hands and knees and see things from the puppy's point of view), remove poisonous house plants, provide no-slip rugs for slippery floors and think about installing a doggie door to a securely fenced-in area. Puppies do have inquiring minds.
SECURITY / CHILD SAFETY GATES - Step-Lock Safety Gate (with "door"), latches for bathroom doors (to prevent access to litter boxes) will help keep puppy safe. Many adult Newfs can be easily trained to stay out of specific areas without a gate.
FENCED YARD WITH SELF-CLOSING GATES Prior to bringing your puppy home flea treat your yard and other pets, puppy proof yard by removing all poisons, including poisonous plants. Don't forget a dog house so puppy has shelter outside. Check the fence line around your yard. Is it secure? Examine it from a new puppy's perspective. Can it wiggle under the fence? Can it squeeze through that gap? A puppy can find every loose board or gap in a flash. Don't give it the opportunity. Be prepared before your puppy comes home.
NEIGHBORHOOD - Take a walk around your neighborhood and make notice of where the dogs are located and whether or not they are "restrained." Try to remember if you've had any past "encounters" with these dogs. Are they friendly? Did they seem to get along with other dogs? You don't want to take your new puppy for a walk only to have the neighborhood four-legged "bully" come charging out!
