The pet aisle wants to sell you forty things. A new dog needs about eight. Here is the honest week-one list, learned the expensive way.
The non-negotiables
A well-fitted collar with a tag, a flat leash, two bowls, a bed one size bigger than looks right, and a bag of whatever food the dog was already eating. Changes can come later; week one is for settling.
Two toys, not ten
One soft toy for carrying and one rope for tugging covers the first fortnight. Watch how the dog plays before investing in a toy box – throwers, puzzles and squeakers each suit different personalities.
Skip for now
Coats, fancy feeders and travel kit can wait until you know the dog. The raincoat bought before the dog arrives is always the wrong size. Ask us how we know.
The one splurge worth making
Buy the good bed. A dog sleeps twelve hours a day, and a bed with a washable cover pays for itself the first muddy season.
