Hello Everyone,

I am new to this website and am getting a English Bull Terrier puppy in May. Just thinking of things to buy for the little one and was wondering if anyone could advise me on the best sort of lead to get, what toys, bedding etc and also some training classes in my area. I live in Loughborough, leicestershire. Want to take him as soon as i can so he gets good socialisation at an early age.

Any Info/Advice would greatly be received.

Thanks.

I bet you're counting down the days til you get your little bundle :)

Bed wise it depends on whether or not you're going to use a crate?  If not then a plastic high-sided bed with a plush fill (washable of course ;) ) would be good - just make sure you get a size that your pup will fit in when fully grown!

Collar and tag must be worn at all times when out of the house so I suggest you get pup used to it from day one.  A puppy lead and collar set costs about £4 from most pet shops and this will suffice for the first few months :)

When older a medium nylon lead would be fine as nylon leads are very strong.  Also nylon collars are but if you prefer leather than a soft leather collar and lead are equally as sturdy :)

You may think about a harness depending upon how much pup pulls etc but if you work on lead training persistantly from an early age, and the collar is properly fitted (you should be able to slip 2 fingers between the collar and dogs kneck - anymore and its too slack) all should be fine :)

Toy wise IME EBT's are chewers so robust chewy toys (for teething), puppy bones which can be bought in a pack (again for teething), ragger (rope toy) and some sort of teddy with a squeak in would be good :)  Just ensure pup doesn't dissembowel the poor plush toy ;)

Training class wise I don't know as I don't live in Leicestershire.  I would recommend contacting your vet/the vet that you're going to register pup with and asking them if they know of/have had good feedback from any local puppy classes.  Puppy classes are primarily for socialisation but they will give advice on basic training for you and pup :)

Hope this helps!

:)

Hi

You are not far from the UK's top clicker trainers, the Learning About Dogs team.  I would highly recommend their one-day, all day, puppy course:

http://www.learningaboutdogs.com/acatalog/Puppy.html

I would highly recommend you book onto one of these!

As for more regular training, I would highly recommend Puppy School: http://www.puppyschool.co.uk/   I believe there is a trainer in Loughborough, if you look up your area on that website.

For more choice, have a look at the APDT website: www.apdt.co.uk

There is a dog training club at St Peters Community Centre in Loughborough on Storer Road it is called Companion Dog Training, they only use award based training and i think they also do the good citizen scheme as well. pm me if you would like their contact details!

A soft brush and some nail clippers wouldn't go amiss. I started grooming my puppy with the puppy brush from the day I got him home so he was use to being handled and groomed.