One day you went to the website ADRTC.ORG and found yourself fascinated by a picture of a certain dog. You may have visited this site many times before and enjoyed the pictures, but you were always able to leave with just a smile.
But on this day, there was a picture of a special dog that you just could not put out of your mind. You finally gave in and visited the dog at the foster home. It was just a visit, because you were curious and maybe looking for a dog, if it was just the right one. Now that you know it is, and you are about to bring it home, you will want to know what you have done and what you are going to need at home to make this new dog a proper member of your family.
Here is a beginning list that we hope will help. Please send us your comments and suggestions for changes and additions so others can benefit from your experiences.
1. Feeding equipment
We recommend stainless steel pans. Pans of 2 and 3 quarts work best with most of the breeds we place. Stainless steel is best because it is durable, dishwasher safe, and dogs cannot chew it.
Aluminum is not recommended, as small amounts may be ingested by the dog and could negatively affect health. Aluminum has been implicated in neurological disorders, so we avoid using it when it is not necessary.
We recommend two bowls, one for food and one for water. Additional water bowls may be required depending on your household setup.
2. Food
We recommend feeding your dog a natural dog food. There are many more options on the market now than in the past. Avoid grocery store foods, as they are rarely good nutrition for northern breeds. Quality foods can be purchased at feed stores, pet stores, or ordered online.
There are many natural dog foods that work well. Some examples include products from Naturapet, Nutro Natural Choice, Solid Gold, Pinnacle, or Lundquist.
Dry food is generally recommended, as it helps keep teeth cleaner. Some northern dogs can be finicky eaters, so this may occasionally be a challenge.
We recommend avoiding frequent snacks and using treats only for training and reinforcement. Remember that feeding can stimulate bowel movements, which may complicate house training if treats are overused.
3. Collar and leash
Each dog from CCNDR comes with at least one collar. You should not need additional collars, but a leash is essential.
A general rule to remember is that the longer the leash, the less control the handler has over the dog. Use a short leash for maximum control and continue using it until you are confident in your dog’s behavior in all situations. Short training tabs are also helpful. Long leashes should be used only for training purposes or later for controlled recreational use.
4. Crate
A good crate is an ideal way to start out happily with your new dog. Almost every dog from CCNDR is crate trained when placed. Many are also trained on tie down lines.
A crate provides your dog with a private, secure space to sleep, eat, or play quietly with toys. If you have more than one dog, a crate is almost a necessity. Even with only one dog, a crate helps your dog feel safe and secure. Properly crate trained dogs view the crate as a place of security, not confinement.
For an average size dog, such as a 50 pound Siberian, a size 400 crate is adequate. If a mesh crate is preferred, a small size works well. Mesh crates are often collapsible for storage. Plastic crates with solid walls are better for shipping or transporting dogs.
5. Identification
An identification tag with your name, address, and phone number is essential. Dogs from CCNDR wear an Alaskan collar and a CCNDR identification tag with a unique reference number.
We recommend adding a personal tag with your name and contact information, but leaving off the dog’s name. Including the dog’s name may encourage theft and can make proving ownership more difficult if the dog has not yet been microchipped.
We strongly recommend microchipping all dogs. Some of our dogs are chipped, but many are not due to cost limitations. We hope this will change in the future.
6. Grooming tools
For general use, a slicker brush works well for most northern breeds. Longer haired dogs such as Siberians, Samoyeds, Keeshonds, and some Malamutes may require a rake.
A longer rake with closely spaced teeth is more effective than one with short or widely spaced prongs. Other helpful tools include a shedding blade, a rubber grooming brush such as a Zoom Groom, and a comb.
7. Medications: flea, tick, and heartworm
If fleas are a concern in your area, products such as Advantage or Frontline can be effective. If ticks are also a concern, Frontline is preferred, as it treats both fleas and ticks.
We recommend establishing a regular application schedule, such as the first weekend of each month. Frontline may be applied every one to three months depending on the product and local conditions.
Consult your veterinarian to determine whether heartworm prevention is necessary in your area. Some regions have very low incidence, while others have a high risk. Your dog’s activities also matter, such as hiking in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent. Heartworm preventatives require a veterinary prescription.
8. Miscellaneous supplies: Nature’s Miracle and Bitter Apple
While many CCNDR dogs are mature and trained, some are puppies or adolescents who may chew.
For dogs inclined to chew inappropriate items, Bitter Apple can be sprayed on furniture legs or other objects to discourage chewing.
Nature’s Miracle is useful for all dog owners. Even well trained dogs can have accidents or become ill indoors. After cleaning with standard carpet cleaners, applying Nature’s Miracle helps break down organic residue and eliminate odors over time. It is also effective for use in vehicles.
9. Bedding
Bedding should be kept simple. We recommend using the crate for sleeping, though this is not required for fully house trained dogs.
Bath towels work well as bedding and are easy to wash and reuse. Rugs, carpets, and dog beds are harder to keep clean. Dog beds are best reserved for dogs that have passed the chewing stage, as younger dogs may destroy them.
Old towels are perfectly suitable, and friends or family often have extras they are willing to donate.
10. Toys
Toys are important, but we recommend avoiding rawhide. Northern dogs may consume large amounts, which can irritate the digestive tract and cause prolonged gastrointestinal upset.
Squeaker toys can be engaging but should be supervised, as dogs may remove and swallow the squeaker. Nylon or vegetable based chew toys work for some dogs, and rope toys are popular with young dogs.
Cured cow hooves work well for many northern breeds when sourced from reputable suppliers. While no chew is completely risk free, providing an appropriate outlet for chewing is far better than allowing dogs to damage furniture, fencing, or landscaping. Some dogs have even been known to chew rocks, which is dangerous and costly.
11. Yard inspection
Inspect the area of the yard your dog will use, especially if the dog will be unattended. Remove toxic plants and check fencing, gates, garden tools, sprinkler heads, and ground lighting.
Northern dogs can escape through very small gaps. An opening as small as 4 inches can allow a 50 pound dog to squeeze through.
Digging is common among northern breeds. Fence lines should be designed to prevent digging underneath. Preventative measures are far easier than correcting escape behavior after it begins.
Summary Shopping List
- Two stainless steel pans
- All natural dog food
- One leash and optional training tabs
- One crate, size 400 for a 50 pound dog or equivalent mesh size
- ID tag with owner contact information
- Grooming tools: slicker brush, rake, and optional rubber brush
- Medications for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
- Nature’s Miracle and Bitter Apple
- Old or inexpensive towels
- Toys appropriate for your dog, avoiding rawhide
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