You will need to purchase for your puppy:

 
A bed – this can be a hard bed with a vetbed insert or blanket or a soft bed.  Just remember that it needs to be snugly as you puppy will have left its brothers and sisters and will feel lonely.  (You can if you want use a cardboard box with a blanket in at first as your puppy will grow and a big bed may feel too big at first.  He may also chew his bed so a disposable cardboard box may seem a better financial choice!)

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A hot water bottle – this is useful to fill with warm water and place in a pillowcase in the bed.  Your puppy will snuggle up to it if they are cold.

 
Bowls – you will need 2, one for water and one for food.  It is up to you what type you choose, stainless steel are great because they can go in the dishwasher and are light to pick up – downside is they slide all over the floor! Unless they have rubber bottoms. China is great but it is heavy.  Have a look in a store and tell the assistant that it is for a boxer puppy and they should be able to help you choose.  Boxers need to be able to open their mouths quite wide to be able to eat so it needs to be quite a large bowl.  They also get a lot bigger so what is suitable as a puppy may not be the right size for an adult.

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A Collar - your puppy will come with a little collar on.  This is only a puppy collar and will need to be checked as they grow and then replaced with a bigger one once they have outgrown it.  Fastening on the collar is a personal decision, the snap fastenings are quick and easy to fasten and unfasten which can be a life saver if your dog get the collar caught on something like another dogs mouth.  You must check this type of fastening frequently as cheap ones run the risk of snapping under the strain.  The other option is a buckle which is very sturdy but more difficult to get off in an emergency.

 
A Lead –  Your pup will come with a lead.  This is a puppy lead and you will need a stronger one as your pup grows. A lead is your personal choice; they come in all styles, materials, colours, have a look and just remember that it needs to be comfortable in your hand and strong.

 
A Harness – Your pup will come with a little puppy harness, this will need adjusting as he grows. You may find a harness is better for you to walk with as they get bigger as it can give you more control and are kinder on the dog’s neck and throat.  There are many harnesses out there that help with pulling. ​

An identity disk – Your puppy will come with an id tag.  They can lose these so keep an eye on it and make sure your dog always has an up to date id tag that complies with the law.  Current law states that a dog must wear a collar with owners name and address on it at all times.    My advice is to put your name, house number, postcode (that will comply with the law) and your mobile number on one side and either your vet number or another emergency contact number on the back, you can also put that your dog is microchipped.  The more phone number you put on there the more chance of getting your dog back if it is found. You can get tags from me or from the kennel club, vet practice or from the pet tag link on our useful links page.

 
Toys – Your pup will come with a rope toy and a tennis ball but you will need to purchase a couple of puppy chew toys, more rope toys and more tennis balls, and rubber toys, like Kong.  Have a box or tub for them and give the puppy some variety and changes every couple of days.

 
Food – Your puppy will come with some food but you will need to purchase food to have in store.  Make sure you find out what they are currently on as that is the food you will need to get.

 
Books - A copy of the Doglopedia by J M Evans and Kay White approx £10, is a great idea. – Amazon sells this as do other book retailers.

 
Vet - Make sure that you are registered with a vet. 

 

If you live locally I would recommend the Bridge Veterinary Surgery, 205 Fir Tree Road, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 3LB, near Drift Bridge in Epsom, telephone number 01737 351 482. 

 

Tell them what dog you are getting and make an appointment to have the puppy checked out on the day you take your puppy home or within 48 hours and an appointment for the second vaccination.

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Puppy Crate – This is personal choice, It does provide a safe place to leave your puppy where they won’t chew things and confines the mess to their area.  It should not be used for very long period or it will seem like a prison.  Your puppy will want to be with you when you are about.  It must be big enough to provide an area for sleeping and an area to go to the toilet and have a water bowl.  Some dogs learn to love their crate and regard it as their home and place for peace and quiet.

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I have used one with my puppies and found them very useful and the puppies really liked the crate and even chose to go in it to sleep.

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​Before your puppy comes home:

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A good tip is also to go on your hands and knees at home and look around your rooms.  See what your puppy will see and if it is precious or dangerous – move it!