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So, you're planning to get a dog, eh? Congratulations! You're on your way to having one of the most satisfying, enjoyable moments of your life with your loyal friend and companion. But before you start picking out which cute pooch you'll be taking home to meet your family, you have to keep in mind a few important things first. Buying a new dog is more than simply finding the cutest puppy in the store and buying a bag of dog food. Acquiring a new canine is nearly as important as adopting a child. They need constant attention and love, especially when they're young. You will need more than dog food if you want to keep your pooch happy and healthy.

When you first walk into a pet store you will be bombarded by everything from designer clothes to dog food. It's not going to be any use talking to the salesmen; they're just there to sell you everything in the store if possible, whether you need it or not. In reality there are really only a few basic things you need for your new pet. My suggestion is first and foremost, get a good book and learn about your dog's breed and its characteristics. All breeds are very different and have different needs and personality quirks. But don't think of the book as the ultimate authority on your dog. Treat it as more of a guide.

What you need next is a good collar, one that you can stick at least two fingers into between your dog's skin and the collar itself. Also remember to get one that has plenty of room for your growing dog. Some dog breeds can grow very fast in just two or three weeks, and you don't want to be replacing the collar every two weeks during your puppy's first year.

Speaking of collars, I recommend getting a training collar, such as a German pinch collar or a choke chain. But don't let the names scare you; these two collars work great at training your dog to behave properly at the end of a leash without tearing your arm off its socket. But never use these collars as your dog's everyday collar. I know some people who forget to replace the collar after training their dogs and end up having to cut the collar off because the dog grew so big the collar would no longer fit over its head.

The other supplies needed are simple. Get a weighted water bowl and a food bowl. Dogs, especially puppies, seem to have a fondness for playing in their dinner as much as eating it. A dog crate or dog house is next, depending on whether or not the dog will be an inside or outside dog. You will also need at least three leashes of varying lengths, used for training and walking purposes. The book you get will explain how the different sized leashes are used in training.

Don't forget the chew toys! Dogs require constant exercise on their gums, so get your new pet a wide selection of chew toys, or else you'll be replacing your upholstery and your shoes on a regular basis.

Of course, we can't forget the dog food! Despite what some animal rights groups would have you believe, dogs are carnivores. They eat meat. So it's recommended to check the ingredients. Corn and other vegetables should not be the first ingredients you see, or else, your dog won't be eating what he really needs. Look for chicken or beef to be listed as the first ingredient.

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