The other supplies needed for happy dogs are simple:

 A weighted food and water bowl. Dogs, especially puppies, seem to have a fondness for playing in their dinner as much as eating it.  A well made crate or dog house, depending on whether or not dog will be an inside or outside dog; at least three leashes of varying lengths, used for training and walking purposes. The book you get will explain how different sized leashes are used in training.  Chew toys, chew toys, chew toys. Dogs, especially puppies, need to exercise their gums regularly and unless you plan on replacing your furniture, your expensive crown molding and your slippers on a regular basis, get your new friend a wide selection of chew toys.  And finally, DOG FOOD! Despite what some animal rights groups would have you believe, dogs are carnivores. They eat meat. So check ingredients. If corn and other types of vegetables is first ingredient listed, your new four-legged friend is not getting what he needs. Look for chicken or beef to be listed as first ingredient.

A few more supplies you will need as dog gets older, but aren’t necessarily mandatory when you first get your puppy include; a good brush, ID tag and dog treats. Treats are better utilized as just that – treats. Instead of using treats as a training aid, substitute your dog’s favorite toy. Trust me, after about a month you will discover what his favorite toy is.

And now for supplies that might be fun to have. Squeaky toys are very cute in store and your dog will love them. But they will get very old very quickly. Imagine this scenario. You’ve just walked in front door from a long day at work. You sit down to watch TV and decompress and from other side of room you hear, “Squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak.” That will get old very quickly.

And even though they’re cute, please save your dog’s dignity and avoid buying any clothes, designer or otherwise, for Fido. Have you ever really looked at a dog’s face when he’s wearing clothes? He’s embarrassed. A good rule of thumb to use is this – if you wouldn’t be seen in public wearing it, don’t make your dog wear it. Have fun with your new family member.

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Pour attention and love on your pet. Why even bother having a pet if you don’t plan to give it affection? That’s whole point of keeping a critter around, right? So when your little guy (or girl) greets you at door after work, or wants to snuggle in your lap in front of TV, don’t push them away. Award them for their faithfulness.

Groom your pet. Grooming counts toward that love and attention requirement, but it also is necessary for animal’s health as well. Depending on your type of animal, grooming could involve a bath, occasional haircut, regular hair brushing, tooth exams, and paw inspection.

Hop, skip, and a jump. Animals love exercise. Whether they’re normally cooped up in a cage, an apartment, or, well, a coop, be sure to free them from these confines as often as possible. Dogs don’t just like to take walks to go potty. Cats don’t like to tear up and down furniture just to shred it. They have energy to burn, and will be better off for it.

Teach your pet proper bathroom etiquette. Speaking of going potty, it is essential to train your pet at earliest possible age to do so properly. Of course, this doesn’t mean training them to put down lid when they’re done (although supposedly rabbits can be taught to do so!). But it does mean getting a cat to use a kitty litter box, for instance, or a dog to wait until it’s outside. If you don’t know how to train them, learn before you own them. Ask your parents or friends, read a book, visit a chat room, or talk with vet.

Consider a proper place of higher learning. When training becomes an issue, whether it’s for potty training or how-not-to-chew-up-your-shoes training, consider obedience school. It is not a mark of shame for either you or your pet. In fact, it may be just what your fur ball needs to live happiest, safest, and healthiest life possible.

To put it bluntly, if you can’t follow these rules, you shouldn’t own a pet. Buy a plant instead. However, if you’re up to task—and really, most people are—your rewards will be immense. For a little bit of responsibility, time, and money on your part, you and your family will get a lifetime of love and unconditional adoration.