With your experience...

[Joxgirl]

With your experience, what was your most important item to have, when bringing home your dog? Maybe you have more than one item to list. Please indicate the age of your dog at home coming. Thank you.

[Steve Gossmeyer]

Crate for any age

[Joxgirl]

I don't like how the dog cries in a crate but I know that it's a really good thing for them. I will be getting a crate. Any suggestions where I can get good information on crate traing?

[Steve Gossmeyer]

Don't make it a punishment, they should like the crate and it's great for potty training, keeping the dog from being able to destroy things and helps so you get a break from puppy stuff as well as keeping the puppy from getting into anything... I'd suggest hiring a professional trainer that is versed in working breeds that's a good balanced system trainer

[Joxgirl]

Great tip, about not using it for punishment. I'm glad you told me this. I do plan on getting professional training for the dog in addition to the training I provide.
Do you suggest using crates for the size of the dog as they grow, or use the crate that they will grow into? I might be able to borrow smaller crates from family while puppy is small.

[Steve Gossmeyer]

With a puppy you don't want a big crate for potty training purposes... I always grow the size of the crate as the dog grows...

[Joxgirl]

Thank you, we will use different size crates.

[TimL_168]

I know there's some crates that have dividers specifically to accommodate puppies while training.
It can be very easy to accidentally send the dog to the crate as a punishment. It takes real focus to make sure you catch yourself and change your approach before your pup associated the crate with something negative. En loves her crate. I leave the door open most of the time, and she just hangs out in there.
I would also hold a good, heavy duty kibble container a stainless water bowl, and a tug just a small step below a good crate.

[Joxgirl]

Tim, what is a tug?
I put kibble bowl on my list. I have a small one for a little puppy but will need to upgrade to a bigger one. I'm also going to need an extra water bowl this year.

[TimL_168]

He's a listing for tugs from a distributor I've used and like:
http://www.elitek9.com/Tugs-Training/departments/29/
You can also get rope tugs at Petsmart
Here's a food container similar to what I use:
http://www.petsmart.com/dog/supplies-an ... -6700.html

[Joxgirl]

Oh ok. I see what I missed when I read this at 4 am. A good container. Thank you for the links. I will be buying a few of those tugs.

[TimL_168]

[Dutchringgirl]

Joxgirl, is this your first dog?

[Steve Gossmeyer]

Joxgirl, is this your first dog?

I was thinking this too

[Joxgirl]

Not my first dog. I was just asking. i like finding out what others do to widen my knowledge and choices and ideas.