Before you introduce your Gordon Setter to his new home, there are a few basic items that you should purchase. Having these items in advance will guarantee a smooth transition and eliminate any unnecessary problems in those first crucial weeks. Knowing what items your Gordon Setter will need to be comfortable, happy and healthy is essential to beginning the training and socialization processes quickly.
Basics
Moving your Gordon Setter to his or her new home is very similar to when a person switches homes. The first thing you want to make sure you have is a place to sleep. Before you bring your Setter home, you should have purchased a large crate and blanket. You will need the crate already set up in an area designated for your Gordon Setter. A blanket is necessary to make the crate more comfortable, like a safe haven for your new pet. Inside the crate, you should also make sure there's water for him or her when you're away from home for more than a few hours. Finally, you want to make sure you've purchased a sturdy but comfortable leash for your puppy. Because Setters are heavier dogs by nature, you'll want a leash that allows you control but doesn't cut into the neck of your new pup.
Extras
There are other items that you won't be able to resist buying for your new puppy, especially toys. Having a Gordon Setter pup is like having a new kid; you just want to shower him with gifts. As fun as this may be, you should definitely make an effort to secure at least one chew toy to keep inside the crate. The chew toy will serve as a distraction when your Gordon Setter is home alone. With a chew toy, he'll have something to do other than bark. You may even want to get a ball of some sort for catch or fetch. When you're at the pet store perusing the chew toys, look for the balls that look like tennis balls. These are made for rough play and can generally stand up to the jaw-strength of the Gordon Setter. Spend the first night with your Gordon Setter playing a relaxing game of fetch!
Food
Of course you already know that you should have food available for your Gordon Setter but you should make sure that the food is consistent with what your pet has been used to. A few days before you're scheduled to bring home your Gordon Setter home, ask the breeder what type of food they have been using. Typically, they use dry commercial food so if you opt for a healthier, fresh food diet for your Gordon Setter, you'll want to gradually introduce him to his new diet. Starting with the food he is used to will make your new pup more comfortable in his new home. What's a good meal without dessert? You'll want to have some sort of doggy treats around for your pup.
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