Helpful things to have
X-pens
There are two styles of X-pens: the standard style and the travel version.
Firstly, a standard style X-pen is recommended. They serve as a wonderful safe space for your puppy in the house, or, after all vaccinations, outside at the park. They are available in various heights. Medium is suitable for dogs that don't attempt to climb, tall is for those showing an interest in climbing, and tops are for the climbers. Some have doors, and some do not; It is equally easy to open a one with or without doors. with some that have a door, you can attach to crate as a sleeping cave to the outside so that the pup can't get on top of the crate. (Very important that the pup can't get on top of anything to fling themselves off of)
Travel-style x-pen are for temporary use. they are made of cloth, have bottoms and sometimes a zipper on top. They are wonderful for traveling many hours with a puppy that hasn't had all of its shots yet, as they keep them off the bare ground and away from any nasties. strongly suggest getting ones with zipper off bottoms for easy clean up and wipes downs.
Crates
Crates - we suggest having two.
We prefer the airline flight-style crate over the wire style. The airline crate offers more protection in an accident, provides a darker, cave-like atmosphere that dogs crave, and legs are less likely to get caught and injured.
we also like Ruffland crates, well-made though do not break down for storage
Sleeping / indoor Crate (not needed if using a regular style x-pen) If not using an x-pen, for a toy fox or Italian greyhound, indoor/sleeping Crate should be big enough for the pup's litter box to fit in the back and a bed in the front. Think Germen Shepherd size.
same size for a xolo or larger. no need for a litter box.
The size of a travel crate depends on the length of your journey. We always use crates when traveling. because I don't want my pup to be thrown through the window in the event of an accident. For short rides, a smaller crate that your pup feels comfortable in is better, as it's more cave-like. For longer rides, a larger crate is needed to allow them to stretch their legs.
leashes, collars, and leads
There are various types of leashes, collars, and leads available.
Leash and a Lead are not the same thing. A leash attaches to a collar (a two piece setup).
A lead is a collar/leashes combo (one piece). We use both. depending on the dog.
Leads are commonly used by those in the showring. It fits snugly behind the ears, secured by a slide or ring, preventing the dog from backing out of the collar. I appreciate them for their versatility, suitable for any age, from puppy to adult. they come in many colors and bling! YES I said bling! some beads and are made from silk, paracord and kangaroo leather.
link to a wonderful lady who hand makes them
her's are the only leads I use on my igs and tfts.
Martingale collars are difficult to find and even harder to describe; it's best to view a picture. Etsy is the ideal place to find one, two, or even thirty-five. Visit the site, and you'll see what I mean—it's tough to choose just one! you can also find matching leashes there!
Fancey handmade , custom, cute to bling, collars. made by Relic. that come in martingales
click here
Italian greyhounds require either a show lead, slip show chain or martingale collar. they can easily back out of a regular dog collar.
Toy fox terries can use a regular dog collar or any of the above.
Xolo, we prefer to use a wide flat martingale or ones from Relic. and slip show chain when showing.
Food and water holders
Coop cups are bowls designed to fit into a hoop that attaches to the side of a standard exercise pen or the door of most crates, preventing them from tipping over. They are ideal for providing food and water at rest stops when traveling. although not recommended for use while in motion. Recommend stainless steel only and ones that have wing nut attachments. Amazon link
Stainless steel buckets are fantastic! They provide ample food or water without occupying too much space and can be easily attached to standard x-pens or wire crate doors using a carabiner. come in all sizes, though we most often use 2-gallon, 2-quart, and 1-quart sizes. Amazon link
Elevated bowls, are just that. a stand that elevates the severing bowls. we found one at T.J. Max that will hold stainless steel buckets. work wonderfully for extra water.
Beds
Our IGs and TFT have three favorites: the clam, the donut, and the raised.
Xolo love to have 3 blankets. not type but number. not 1 or 2 but 3. and the raised
The clam style has a top kind like a blanket sewn in, they love to snuggle under/in it
Donut style- shaped like a donut =)
Raised beds are excellent for outdoor sunbathing but are best suited for adults. Puppies may become too excited and treat them like trampolines.
we like Kuranda brand
Grooming
or IG and TFT
we wash all of our dogs in tear free baby wash
For flees we start by washing the dog in a lavender smelling, tear free baby wash.
if more flea control is needed we will go to the vet and use Bravecto (talk to your vet about slightly under dosing IGs)
A grooming table may be necessary or not; it depends on whether your pup allows you to trim their nails or brush their teeth. We have always used a grooming table to groom for showing.
BUT Last year, it became indispensable as we started using it with a game-changer.
THE GROOMING HAMMOCK!! OH, i wish we had found it years ago!! life is so much easier. Amazon Link
we use it with a grooming arm .
Attached to our grooming table. our table came from champagne tables and pet products. sadly, they seem to have gone out of business.
Dremel - we use a Dremel brand rotary tool for nails, but most pet owners find a pet nail grinder easier to use.
For the dewclaws we use kitten
clippers
For Xolo
hairless. something to clean up stray body hair - razer. some people like electric but i use the old fashioned kind.
body lotion - our dogs do well with Niva Almond oil kind
Dremel for nails. with a lot of bribery "good boy" treats
with flex shaft attachment added
storage
storage food -
we have found Vittles Vault brand to be the best for indoor or undercover use.
we also love Rubbermaid Animal stopper trashcan for out door use. IF you can find them. sometimes marketplace
I will post more as I think of or discover them.