Meet Lucy.
It’s been a long time since we’ve had a baby in the house. Fortunately, she is a really good girl. Like with human babies, you need a bunch of stuff to take care of a new puppy, so I’ve been shopping. I want to share some of the things that are working well for us!
One of my first purchases was a dog car seat. Honestly, it felt a little over the top but my big dogs could sit in the car without sliding all over the place and our last dog, a Jack Russell Terrier had a much more difficult time. Lucy seems content in her seat, and it keeps her safe. The seat is easy to clip into the car, has a waterproof bottom to protect against muddy paws and soft sides perfect for resting her little head. I added a pee pad (it was a few hours home) and a blanket.
Next, I got Lucy a dog harness. This will prevent tugging on walks, but we aren’t there yet. Right now, the harness is keeping her safe and comfy in the car. We clip it to the car seat, and she can sit, lie down and turn around, without jumping around the back. It’s safer for her and the driver.
Lucy is both spunky and elegant. I decided that she needed a collar and leash that reflected her sense of style while also being soft and comfortable. This jewel-tone velvet set fits the bill. She actually picks up the leash and drags it to her crate so that we are clear that it’s hers.
If you are looking for something a little more sturdy and less formal, this is the dog collar I will get for the summer when she is a little bigger and needs a new size. It comes in a variety of colors.
We are still in the house training phase with Lucy. I stocked up on these puppy pee pads for car trips or bad weather when it might be challenging to get her to go outside.
Lucy is only ten weeks old, so she’s teething….. on everything. We have a vinegar mix in a spray bottle to spritz the chair legs or other things in the kitchen that get into her little chompers, and we redirect her to an appropriate teether. We have tried a few, and the Chicken Flavor Puppy Teething Ring is her favorite, paws down.
In addition to the teething ring, she likes her stuffed squeaky toys, and this 100% cotton rope pull toy. I like the fact that there are no artificial dyes. It’s just 100% natural cotton, durable and machine washable.
Lucy needed a place to keep all of her stuff; this sweet little wicker dog bone basket was just the right size for her puppy paraphernalia. It’s almost as cute as she is.
We are crate training and at the same time teaching Lucy that she has her own “spot” where she can lie down to be with us throughout the house. I got her the donut cuddler dog bed, hoping it would be the right size. It is. She is obsessed with it. This puppy is constantly bringing in little sticks and acorns and trying to hide them in her bed. She also flops down for a snooze whenever she needs a break. We bring it from room to room whenever we introduce a new space in the house so that she knows where her “spot’ is. I imagine we will be sizing up on this one as she grows.
Meal times can get messy. Puppies sometimes step in their water and tip the bowls over, or the food flies during their feeding frenzies. The Leash Boss Dog Food Mat has raised edges to contain any mess. It’s non-slip, dishwasher safe, and comes in great colors.
We haven’t had many baths yet, but it’s been raining every single weekend. I have enough trouble managing the towel situation with my humans when everyone is home from school, so having a dog towel specifically for Lucy will keep her out of the mix.
I mentioned that we are house-training. That means accidents. We are learning to read Lucy’s puppy signals, and she is getting better at letting us know when she needs to go. But when we get it wrong, Folex Carpet Spot Remover is the best cleaner. I have been using it forever. It’s a miracle with red wine stains, too.
When you are all finished with your puppy training for the day, make a cup of tea and relax. You’ll be back at it again tomorrow!
I chose to file this post in my Health & Wellness section because I truly believe that animals are key to our well-being. Petting a dog can bring down your heart rate. A snuggle can reduce anxiety. They take you out for walks even when you don’t want to go. They keep us active and provide boundless love. If you have the opportunity to invite a pet into your life, either through adoption, fostering, or just dog walking for a neighbor, take it. You will get so much more than you give.
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