Once the pup is about 6 weeks old, I encourage families to bring me a crate and blanket so I can put our home smells on it to help with the transition. These are my suggestions:
Hard Crate (Recommended) - Petmate Vari Kennel (size 100) - hard plastic that we use for sleeping in nightly. I also use mine for feeding their daily meals as well as safe traveling. You can find these online at Rens Pets Depot or most pet supply stores like Petland, PetSmart, Global Pet Foods, etc. Remember the purpose of the crate is to give your dog a 'den' so keeping in mind you dog should be approximately 9 1/2" to 10 1/2" at the shoulder, the crate should be about 12" in height maximum.
Soft Crate (Optional) - Good for campers or snowbirds as it can be folded down for easy storage or packing. Something like Tuff Crates is best due to the stronger frames. These crates are strong enough that they can be used for everyday use too and can be found at the higher end pet supply stores like Global Pet Foods.
Small Pet Carrier (Optional) - Some airlines will allow your dog to travel in the cabin with you as long as the dog remains in a crate under the seat in front of you. A soft carrier is the best for your dog. I also like to have one to put a dog in when we're traveling in the car for safety reasons.
Blankets - All my dogs like the microfibre blankets and there are lots of options out there. Just make sure the blanket isn't too large.
I will send home with you:
- A baby book
- A bag of puppy food
- Sample of shampoo and conditioner
- Toy (Havanese prefer stuffed animal type toys with squeakers)
- Treats
- Chews
- Harness
Before You Bring Puppy Home
You'll need to purchase:
- A six foot leash (lightweight with small clip)
- Food and water dishes (I like something with bottom grips or weighted bottoms) I also like straight sides and dishes that sit on the floor.
- Piddle Pads - the cheaper ones are the best. Check out Walmart or PetSmart for the cheapest that don't contain the expanding gels pellets. A pad holder is nice but not necessary.
- Ex-pen 36" in height (Recommended) - needed to successfully house train your puppy. Keep them in the small space and expand the running area as the puppy gets more consistent with going potty on paper or outside. Havanese have even been known to climb out of these pens...sigh*
- Poopie pick up bags.
- Remember to license your dog with your town or city. Here are our local cities: Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, and Lacombe. Every municipality is different so be sure to check the requirements for where you live.
Grooming supplies
- Brush - I recommend a pin brush with short and stiff bristles. I also have a Boar Bristle/Nylon brush that I absolutely love. As soon as I can find the dealer I will post the link here.
- Comb - Greyhound or Madan makes the nicest combs. You'll want one with medium/fine teeth
- Nail Clippers - Avoid the guillotine type as they pinch as they dull. Miller Pet Clippers are excellent. I purchase mine from RensPets Depot online. There are also some on the market that show where the cuticle is to avoid cutting by accident.
- Shampoo/Conditioners - everyone has a favorite that works best for their dogs coat or water. I use Pure Paws or Belcourt Grooming's Dirty Dog which are easiest to find in Canada through either Needs N Desires, PUPular Show Products or Belcourt Grooming direct. To watch a video on bathing and grooming your Havanese, go the the Grooming section of our blog.
- Ear cleaner - Keeping your puppies ears clean is so important. I strongly recommend picking the hair from the ear canal area with your fingers and using a gentle cleaner to breakdown any waxy build up. Try Ears So Fresh from #1 All Systems which doesn't have the drying agents found in most cleaners.
- Blunt scissors or very small electric clippers to trim foot pads and anus area.
- Clicker for training and a good set of training books such as Steps to Success, or local classes that use positive reinforcement.
- Collar when the puppy outgrows it's harness.
