You've picked your puppy or dog, reviewed and signed the purchase contract, placed a deposit, and arranged a date to pick it up. How exciting! Now what do you need to do to prepare for your new arrival? Here's a list of things you will require.
Collar
Leash
Crate
Food
Bed
Scheduled vet visit
Recommended things
Harness
Soft blanket
Snuggle sack
Exercise pen
Toys
Chew toys
Training
The collar and leash are pretty self explanatory; you need a way to control your dog. You will find, however, that there is an infinite variety of choices at a wide range of prices from very inexpensive nylon leashes, rope leashes, and more expensive rolled leather leashes. My advice is to find what works for you and feels good and secure in your hands. My favorite is the Hund Denmark rolled leather leash.
The crate is your dog's safe place. Use it when in the car and use it at home when you can't watch him. A 24" crate gives a Minpin plenty of room.
Minpins love to burrow under blankets. Cat beds fit them perfectly. If you give them a soft blanket too then they'll be in heaven.
While a harness is optional I highly recommend it because a good harness will take pressure of the dog's neck and will also prevent them from slipping out of their collar. The BrilliantK9 is the best harness I've found. Most toy size harnesses at the pet store will not fit a Minpin because of how big their chests are relative to their size. They have a deep chest and the BrilliantK9 harness doesn't have a chest strap.
An exercise pen is a great way to restrict your dog in the house, especially while house training. They are curious and it will also help keep them out of trouble.
Minpins like fluffy toys that look like rats or squirrels, especially if the crackle or squeek. Chew toys are necessary to help them when teething and to clean their teeth. Don't use rawhide chews or antlers. What works best is real, raw bones (not cooked or dried). I prefer beef short ribs which are about the perfect size for a Minpin. The butcher may sometimes have cow thigh bones (much cheaper than at a pet store). For older dogs I also feed raw pork ribs. These are softer and the dogs can chew and eat them. Remember to supervise the dogs when feeding anything just in case they choke.
Finally, your Minpin can be a real tyrant unless trained. So I highly recommend that you continue training your Minpin. You'll both be much happier.
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