Chihuahuas are known for many things: They’re the smallest dogs in the world, and the breed is one of the very few that’s native to America. They are known for their spunk and spirit, and they are also known for being terribly noisy.

The Chihuahua is among the most popular small dog breeds in America, and it’s understandable since they’re very cute and lovable. They like staying by their owner’s side, which makes them very good companions.

If you are a new Chihuahua owner and you just got your new puppy, what are some of the things that you absolutely have to get for your new family member?

10. Puppy Gate

If you have stairs in your house, then you should get a puppy gate. If it hurts you when you slip off a step, imagine how it must feel for a smaller dog, especially a Chihuahua. Falling off stairs can hurt a Chihuahua a lot, so you have to make sure that they don’t get into accidents.

Puppy gets are installed at the top of the stairs so that your puppy won’t fall off, though they can also be installed at the bottom to prevent puppies from trying to climb up.

9. Puppy Crate

No, this is not the wooden crate that people use to transport fruit. Dog crates are made of metal or plastic, and look way nicer. Dog crates will make taking your Chihuahua around easier. It will also help you train your puppy early on. It’s a home away from home, and will make your puppy feel more secure. After all, Chihuahuas are like us in the sense that they like having a place that they can call their own.

When you get a crate, make sure that it’s big enough for your Chihuahua to stand up, stretch out, and turn around in. That’s not too much to ask – Chihuahuas are tiny, so you won’t need anything too big.

8. Pet Odor Remover

The hard thing about housebreaking a puppy is getting them to poop and urinate in the right place. This is particularly true of stubborn breeds like the chihuahua. When dogs soil one place, they will continue to do the same thing over and over again so it’s important to remove the odor from that place. The problem is that even if you think you’ve gotten all the smell off, there is bound to be something that’ll be left there that your dog’s superior nose can smell.

Pet odor removers will take away all traces of the smell, which is particularly useful if you want your dog to stop using your carpet as his personal toilet.

7. Exercise Pen

If you’re housebreaking your Chihuahua pup, it’s not a good idea to let your puppy loose around the house. Chihuahuas are tiny and can get into a lot of trouble where you will have a difficult time to reach them. One of the biggest things to worry about is someone stepping on your puppy. You don’t want that!

An exercise pen doesn’t need to be big. The good thing with a Chihuahua is that they’re so small that they don’t need too much space. As long as your Chihuahua has enough space to run around, the pen should work. The pen will allow you to leave your puppy alone without needing to worry about him getting into trouble.

6. Toys

Chihuahua puppies love to play. One way to make sure that your puppy always has something to occupy his time with is by giving your Chihuahua toys. These toys will not only keep your new pet happy, but also keep the puppy from chewing your furniture and shoes.

Chihuahua toys are available in pet stores. You can also make your own toys from old socks and other materials, but you have to read up on the various materials that you shouldn’t use for dog toys.

5. Grooming Kit

You only need three things for your basic grooming kit: Nail clippers, dog shampoo, and a brush. If you have a long-haired Chihuahua, you will also need to get your dog a comb to keep all that hair nice and smooth. Matted hair is unsightly and will need to be cut off, so you have to comb and brush your long-haired Chihuahua often.

Chihuahuas are usually found indoors, so their nails tend to grow long. Outdoor dogs always run around on rough surfaces, so their nails get sandpapered short. It is important to keep your dog’s nails at an acceptable length, because long nails can make them slip on smooth surfaces, which can hurt them.

Remember that you shouldn’t use human shampoo on your Chihuahua because it will dry their skin and cause them discomfort.

4. Bedding

Just as you like being comfortable when you sleep, dogs also like lying down on something soft and warm when they’re resting. Add a blanket and an old pillow to your dog’s crate. It will keep your Chihuahua warm at night, and make him think of his crate as his home.

You also have the option of buying a dog bed from your local pet store. When buying bedding, make sure that the materials used are not toxic to your dog, and that it’s not edible. The worst thing that can happen to the bedding next to getting soiled is getting ripped apart for snacks.

3. Food/Water Bowl

Your puppy’s food and water bowl are important because this is where they will eat and drink. Make sure that you get a sturdy bowl that they can’t flip over, and that the bowl is dishwasher and microwave friendly. You may need to get different bowls for your dog when he’s grown up, but for puppies, make sure that the bowls are not too deep that it would make eating and drinking hard for your puppy.

2. Collar and Leash

A collar and leash will help keep your Chihuahua stay by your side when you’re walking. As with most baby animals, Chihuahua puppies have a tendency to wander off because they are naturally curious about things. One moment they can be running around your legs, and the next thing you know, they’ve already disappeared under a bush and ran off elsewhere.

Collars should fit your Chihuahua perfectly. Try to get a standard buckle collar, the kind that makes it easy to snap the leash on. Of course, the collar you will buy will need to be extra small. The leash should be long, thin, and lightweight. The good thing with Chihuahuas is that no matter how they pull on their leash, they’re not prone to breaking.

1. I.D.

The most important thing you get for your dog is a way for people to identify the dog as yours. This is particularly important for dogs that tend to wander away from their owners. If your puppy gets lost, someone will pick him up.

This person wouldn’t be able to return your Chihuahua to you unless your puppy’s collar has an identification tag attached to it.

A basic ID includes your name, the puppy’s name, your home address, and phone number. It is usually very small and can hang off the collar without causing your puppy any discomfort. Make sure that your puppy has this with him at all times – you never know when he might do a disappearing act on you!

 

There are, of course, other things that you can get your puppy, but these are the things new owners should get first. Don’t forget to consider your puppy’s size. There are many things that you can do with big dogs that you can’t do with your Chihuahua, but that’s all right – they are still fun companions to be with.