Hi everyone.

I'm collecting my Ridgeback puppy in 5 weeks and am beginning to compile a shopping list of things to buy.  Can anyone help with what items should be on that list?  I've bought an adjustable feed/water bowl stand and 2 bowls (as I'm aware that bigger dogs are better being fed with bowls off the ground).  Now I'm onto things like collars, leads, toys, bed, harness for car, etc.

Am I missing anything obvious, and can anyone recommend a good 'type' of collar and lead (i.e. rolled leather or quick release), and should I buy a special dog padded bed/basket/blanket/beanbag or just use any old blanket?

Any advice/recommendations welcome.
Thanks!

Congratulations on your new puppy! 

Be careful with the raised feeders...there's been a study done that they increase the risk of bloat by 110%.  If your dog doesn't end up with some medical reason to make one necessary, it's really of no use.

I think collars are just a matter of personal choice.  My basset can't wear a collar because of his droopy skin so he wears a bandana...my Boxer girl can't wear anything but very soft cotton as her neck gets raw with anything else...the others all just have Lupine collars.  Lupine is my choice because they come in nice patterns and are guaranteed for life.

As far as toys, I find Kongs to be the best for dogs with strong jaws and keeping a puppy busy.  Mine have a wooden platform type bed filled with old blankets, a crib mattress with cute kids' sheets and a couple crates with old blankets and towels.  I wouldn't spend a great amount of money for a puppy's bed until you know if you've got a destroyer on your hands.  ;)

um- a large puppy kong/activity ball- keep his mind busy, might give you a 'little' break!
a car harness,
poo bags,
brush-nice soft puppy one, maybe a 'zoom groom'-soft rubber brush,
get a blanket- if you can give it to the breeder so she'he can get the litter smell on it- then when you collect pup take the blanket back and use that for the first days.
a crate- nice enclosed bed, pop a sheet over to create a den like area.
a soft adjustable collar for a start and a clip on lead
a little plastic box/folder to keep his records in- vacc card/kc reg/worming timetable etc!
think thats all i can think of at moment-

i'd also recommend that you go around every room in the house and on your hands and knees- check out everything the pup can reach!

maybe a child gate- at bottom of stairs, inbetween rooms.

lots of things you may need- phew!

Oh no, I had been told completely the opposite about raised feeders!  Never mind, I can always take the bowls off the stand and use them on the floor to see how Earl gets on with it.  If he looks or acts uncomfortable I can always put it on the stand on a low setting.

Sounds like a puppy Kong is an absolute must :)  I'll look into the Lupine collars and leads.

Thanks for the bed advice, I will take a blanket with me when I visit the litter in a couple of weeks so it's nice and 'smelly' by the time we bring Earl home!

Chrisjack - by 'crate' do you mean one of the cage type beds?  No worries on the checking at puppy level and stairgate front... I have a 23 month old daughter so we live in a house segregated by stairgates and everything dangerous/breakable well out of reach 8)  Oh, and we have a ton of nappy sacks in the house so we can be nicely scented pooper scoopers!!!

Thanks very much for the help.  Hubby will be pleased (not) when he sees my lovely shopping list getting longer and longer......!

Kitchen paper....lots of it :D Best to go for the 'better' brands as they absorb the wee better Also, a solution of biological washing powder/liquid and warm water is best for cleaning up any little accidents.

Just what I was going to suggest ShaynLola! :-D

A sense of humour, and start investigating training classes. Have fun!

Definitely get a crate - will speed up toilet training no end: http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/crate-train.pdf

By crate she means what I think you're thinking.  ;)  A cage or an airline type carrier.  They're invaluable when you're housetraining and afterwards.  I have 5 dogs and 3 crates that remain open...never an empty crate around here, someone always needs a break from something.  :)

Purdue University did the study on the raised feeders.  We've ALL heard just the opposite with them...until the study came out it was just accepted that they were better for the dog.  There are some problems with the study, like any study, but it was basically accepted that raised feeders, at the very least, did nothing to prevent bloat if not raise the instance.

You can do a search for 'lupine collars' and you'll find tons of sites that sell them...even eBay typically has a decent selection.  I love the patterns they come in.  So far, they've all held up in the wash and with 5 dogs chewing on each other's necks...I've not had to take advantage of the lifetime guarantee!  ;)

Another thing you may want to start going, not necessarily buying, is to research food a bit and see what you'll eventually want Earl to eat.  There's a ton of information out there and you'll want to make an informed decision. 

Most of all...store up all of your patience!  ;)  Have a great time with him...they aren't puppies for long!

Many thanks everyone.  All advice taken onboard, really appreciated.

Hi,
Lucky you, I'm so envious!  I had a puppy booked but the bitch sadly wasn't in whelp.  I am so disappointed.
Did try to pm you to be nosey and see where you were getting your pup from, but system won't let me do it - very annoying.
Best of luck with your new baby

Hi Ridgielover,
I've sent you a private message - hope it makes it OK!

Thank you!