If you’ve decided to adopt an adorable Corgi, you’re probably looking for ways to make sure you have everything you need to make your new family member’s arrival as smooth as possible. To ensure you have time to concentrate on bonding with your new companion in those first few special days, you’ll need a few basics, such as a carrier, a leash, and food at home before the big day arrives.

And if you’re adopting a puppy, you’ll also need to have puppy pads and urine remover ready to go before your new baby comes home. Having the right gear to meet your pet’s needs from the beginning will make life easier for you and your new companion. To help out, we’ve compiled a list of the most essential supplies to have on hand before your new Corgi arrives.

The 11 Essential Corgi Supplies

Food and Feeding Supplies

1. Nutritious Dog Food

The type of dry food your Corgi should eat will depend on its age and health. Puppies have special nutritional needs that can’t be met by adult dog food. To keep your Corgi happy, choose high-quality food designed to provide all the nutrients they need. No matter the kind of food you choose, always look for a “complete and balanced” statement on the label.

Fresh dog food made with high-quality ingredients provides all the nutrition your Corgi needs. Since many fresh dog foods are based on top quality, human-grade ingredients, they usually meet and exceed all the AAFCO established limits for every life stage. What does that mean? Well, the food is adequate for growing puppies, adults, and senior Corgis, so you do not have to worry about transitioning between different foods.

2. Dog-Friendly Food and Water Dishes

Dogs tend to be messy eaters, so it’s often helpful to have food and water dishes with high sides that can keep more of your dog’s food in the bowl than on the floor. And don’t forget to take the material of your new pet’s dish into consideration. Glass, ceramic, and stainless steel tend to be better choices than plastic.

To keep your Corgi from playing with their dish and distributing morsels across the floor, opt for bowls with non-stick bottoms. Fast eating can sometimes be a problem for adult Corgis, so if your new furry friend insists on inhaling its food, a slow feeder bowl like the Outward Hound Fun Feeder Wobble Slo-Bowl Dog Bowl can reel things back in and potentially reduce health problems related to fast eating.

Treats and Toys

3. Healthy Treats

Healthy treats are just as vital to have on hand to welcome your dog as nutritious food. Giving your new Corgi a few extra special snacks is a great way to get started bonding. And they’re also a must-have when it comes to training. While many dogs love human food, most veterinarians advise against sharing your food with your furry companion.

The reason is that human foods often contain substances, such as garlic, onions, chocolate, and xylitol, that are poisonous to dogs. Others provide too many calories or have high levels of unhealthy fats, which puts your pet at risk of becoming overweight. Here is a list of foods you can offer as a safe and healthy treat to your dog! Some commercially available treats, like Greenies Regular Dog Treats, can even benefit your dog’s dental health.

4. Stimulating Toys

Dogs of all ages get bored if they don’t have enough environmental stimulation. To prevent your new buddy from destroying your shoes and furniture in a fit of boredom, provide plenty of engaging toys. The type of toys you select will depend largely on the age of the dog you’re bringing home.

Puppies are notorious chewers, and learning about the world by putting things in their mouths is part of their genetic makeup. To keep your favorite clothes and puppy safe, consider giving your four-footed baby a fun chew toy. And to please an energetic adult Corgi, grab hold of a Chuckit! Classic Launcher Dog Toy, head to the park, and spend a few hours playing fetch.

Walking Supplies

5. High-Quality Carrier

A suitable carrier is a must-have for any new Corgi puppy owner. If you’re adopting a puppy, a carrier will make it easier to get a scared or rambunctious new family member home safely. Look for a product that can handle a dog weighing up to 20 pounds, which is approximately what your puppy will weigh at 9 months.

If you’re scheduled to fly to pick up your new friend or plan to hit the friendly skies with your pet, it’s worth doing your homework to ensure the option you choose meets most airline requirements, like the Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Carrier Bag. Sherpa products come in multiple dimensions to accommodate pets of various sizes.

6. Properly Fitting Body Harness

You’ll need to have a harness ready to go before picking up your new canine companion. No matter how grown-up or well-trained your new companion might be, it’s essential to keep them under your physical control until they’ve adjusted to their new surroundings. Most vets recommend using a harness instead of a collar to prevent dogs from choking or putting too much stress on their necks.

Dog harnesses fasten around your dog’s abdomen and disperse the pressure when your pup pulls during walks. And since your dog’s body is encased in the harness, controlling your canine friend requires less strength. If you’re a night owl, consider selecting a product like the Headlight Harness LED Light Dog Harness with reflective strips to keep you and your four-footed friend safe during late evening walks.

7. No-Pull Leash

It goes without saying that you’re going to need a leash to walk your new baby. But did you know that dog lovers tend to have healthier hearts than people who don’t have canine companionship? Scientists think it has to do with dog owners getting a ton of regular exercise thanks to those long walks with their pets!

But when you’re out getting healthy with your pup, you’ll need to keep it on a leash in crowded environments. It’s simply the best way to prevent unpleasant incidents involving people or other dogs. Dogs who tend to walk their owners benefit from a no-pull leash, and if you want to keep things simple, the ThunderLeash No Pull Nylon Dog Leash offers an all-in-one no-pull harness and leash solution that comes in multiple sizes.

Comfort Supplies

8. Comfortable Bed

Although your Corgi will most likely sleep wherever it pleases, it’s useful to have a dog bed to provide your new friend with a comfortable and appropriate place to snooze. No matter where your dog chooses to spend the night, you’ll want your furry loved one to have a warm and cozy place to rest.

And while adult Corgis are known for their high energy levels, they’re also champion sleepers, with some spending up to 15 hours per day., Look for an option like the Dog Bed King USA Cuddler Bolster Dog Bed with a removable and washable cover to minimize the work involved in cleaning up after your pet.

Cleaning Supplies

9. Absorbent Puppy Pads

If you’re welcoming a puppy, you’ll absolutely need a good stack of pee pads. These absorbent pads make it easy to keep your home clean while your new family member learns that peeing should (mostly) happen outside. They’re essential to have at home until your dog is house-trained and stops having frequent accidents.

Puppy pads come in several sizes, from smaller options appropriate for lining carriers while in transit to larger choices you can use to protect a kitchen or bathroom floor. Even if you have an adult pet, puppy pads are useful to have around for those inevitable times when your dog gets into the trash and ends up with an upset stomach. Green Lifestyle Reusable Dog Pee Pads are a great choice if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option.

10. Enzymatic Urine Remover

Pets have accidents—it comes with the joys of having a four-footed companion. Thankfully, tons of products make it a snap to clean up after your canine friend, which is important because dog urine can leave a nasty smell behind if not properly taken care of. Canine pee contains hormones that provide other dogs with information about your pup.

But canine urine is also full of ammonia and bacteria that make it smell. Most owners find that dealing with dog accidents using regular cleaning products doesn’t work. Enzymatic cleaners break down urine so you can efficiently remove that dog pee smell from carpeting and porous surfaces. There are even products like Hepper Bioenzymatic Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator formulated to eliminate odors without damaging hardwood floors.

At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!

Grooming Supplies

11. Gentle Deshedding Tool

Corgis tend to have thick coats that shed quite a bit. While a good pet vacuum will help you maintain a reasonably pet-hair-free environment, keeping your dog groomed will make cleaning your living space much easier. While most Corgi owners periodically take their pets to have their fur professionally groomed, many find grooming their dog’s fur at home reduces the amount of time spent cleaning up pet hair.

If you’re looking for a quick way to reduce the amount of fur your Corgi leaves behind on the couch, check out the Cozy Courier Pet Products Dog & Cat Deshedder Tool.

Conclusion

You’ll remember the day your new family member comes home—it is a magical time full of love and promise. The best way to get started with your new companion is to ensure you’re ready to meet their needs right from the beginning. Having essential supplies on hand before your new companion arrives frees you to spend time getting to know your Corgi and showering your new buddy with affection.

• See also: Does a Corgi Have Dew Claws? Facts & FAQ

Stocking up on the right supplies for your pet is important, but don’t forget about pet insurance! If you’re interested in a balanced plan personalized for your pet, you may want to consider Lemonade.

Featured Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock