If you’re one of the lucky dog owners who’s been able to find a reputable Staffy breeder and bring home a Staffy puppy, then congratulations! You’re in for a great time and hopefully a long life with your new furry companion.
However, owning Staffy puppies is not just a one-and-done deal. They require food, enrichment, and grooming supplies just like any other breed. A good new puppy checklist covers the basics, but puppies need a lot of attention and stimulation in order to develop into happy, healthy dogs.
That’s why we’ve come up with a list of things that you’ll need once you have the essentials. Read on to get started:
Shopping for Staffy Puppy Essentials
While some of the items in our list today are a nice-to-have instead of a requirement, in our experience you get a lot of value from these small additions to your puppy toolkit. Think of it this way – if spending a little makes your relationship with your dog a little better and makes training a little easier, then it’s a good idea if you can afford it.
- Training treats
First up is a bag of tasty training treats for positive reinforcement. Some people claim that your dog’s kibble should be enough of a treat, but we see much better results with something special that they can only get during obedience training.
Just make sure to buy something that’s suitable for puppies – something like dried pigs ears may be too tough for your Staffy puppy’s little teeth.
- Stain and odour remover
Most people will have normal cleaning solutions that do a decent job of getting rid of puppy pee and poo. However, to really prevent your Staffy puppy from making toilet mistakes in the same spot repeatedly, pet-specific stain and odour removers are the best option.
These cleaners will completely eliminate any trace of the puppy’s pee and poo so that they don’t associate the inside of your house with going to the toilet. Plus, they’re typically safer for pets compared to normal cleaning products.
- Chew toys and puzzle feeders
Almost all puppies love to bite, chew, nip and gnaw at furniture, clothes, hands and feet – and trying to curb this behaviour is one of the biggest challenges for many new dog owners. Sturdy, dog-safe chew toys will help make this a little easier until your Staffy puppy stops teething.
Puzzle feeders also help by keeping your dog entertained and stimulated. This type of physical and mental enrichment is an essential part of owning a Staffy puppy and resolving behavioural issues.
