Basic Supplies You’ll Need for a New Pointer Puppy

Of course you’ll need to buy some nutritious puppy food – that goes without saying. But beyond that, you’ll also need some basic supplies to keep your new Pointer pup both happy and healthy.
Here’s a handy list you can print out and use as a checklist while you’re shopping:

• Food and water bowls. Personally, I like stainless steel bowls the best, especially the ones with non-slip rubber bases. They’re the easiest kind to keep clean and they’re just about impossible to damage (unlike ceramic bowls). Plastic bowls are cheaper but some dogs like to chew on them.
• Comfy bed. A Pointer would appreciate almost any type of bed, but you’ll like the kind with a machine-washable cover the best.
• Crate. Crates are one of the best inventions ever. They help with housetraining, but they also give your dog a safe, secure place of his own when he just wants a little “quiet time”. If it fits, you can put the bed inside the crate to make it more comfortable. Make sure you get the right size crate, though – just big enough to let your dog stand, sit, lie down and turn around.
• Collar and leash. You’ll probably need to replace the collar more than once while your Pointer pup is still growing. Nylon collars work great and they’re cheaper than leather. A 6 foot leash (again, nylon is cheaper) is just the right length for training and walking.
• A metal nametag. At a minimum, have it engraved with your pup’s name and your telephone number.
• Dog brush. Pointers don’t need much grooming, but a weekly brush will keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny.
• Toys and chews. With a pup, the need for these should be obvious. Make sure they’re sturdy and specifically designed for dogs.