This page lists useful items to consider having. It's not that every item is a necessity, but these are things that have proven helpful over time for home and travel.
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 it. (Very important that the pup can't get on top of anything to fling themselves off of) Amazon link
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. Amazon link
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 the long legs of an Italian Greyhound are less likely to get caught and injured. link to Tractor supply
we also like Ruffland crates, well-made though do not break down for storage Link
Sleeping / indoor Crate (not needed if using a regular style x-pen)If not use an x-pen The 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.
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.
There are various types of leashes, collars, and leads available.
An Italian Greyhound requires either a lead, (which I use) or a martingale (also known as a hound collar.)
A lead combines a collar and leash into one, 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! beads and are made from silk, paracord and leather.
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! link to Esty
you can also find matching leashes there!
Bowls, coop cups, and buckets
good ones are worth investing in.
We prefer bowls made of stainless steel or ceramic. plastic gets chewed on making it hard to clean.
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
Beds - my IGs have three favorites: the clam, the donut, and the raised.
The clam style has a top kind like a blanket sewn in, they love to snuggle under/in it Tractor supply link
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 Amazon link
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 . Amazon Link
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. Amazon link
For the dewclaws we use kitten clippers Tractor Supply link
food storage - we have found Vittles Vault brand to be the best for indoor or undercover use. Tractor Supply link
we also love Rubbermaid Animal stopper trashcan. IF you can find them. sometimes marketplace Rubbermaid website link
For travel
Here are some items for traveling.
- Travel x-pen: not essential but can be incredibly useful and safer than placing your puppy on the ground (please please PLEASE avoid putting your puppy on bare ground until a week after its last vaccination) see link near the top of the page, it is a secure area for your young puppy to play and relieve itself.
- Sweater box with lid and pine pellets: Acts as a portable litter box. Place inside the travel x-pen during potty breaks.
Essential items:
- Extra bedding: Towels are great for absorbing liquid accidents. If new, ensure they are washed before use as puppies may be sensitive to the chemicals they are treated with.
- Baby wipes: Useful for cleaning the puppy's feet or any solid accidents, as well as wiping down the crate or travel x-pen floor.
- Paper towels: Handy for picking up or soaking up accidents.
- Gallon-sized Ziplock bags: For disposing of used cleanups.
- Plastic shopping bags: For storing used bedding until it can be washed.
- Water and food bowls: Preferably ceramic or non-tip stainless steel. Provide as needed.
- Ziplock bag of food: Necessary for trips over 4 hours or overnight stays.
- Bottled water: For the puppy to drink.
- a large bag to carry it all
- Love and kind words. a must and given often.
I will post more as I think of or discover them.