Suggested Puppy Supplies

This is what has worked for me...

- everything from collars to dishes and a few optional items.   I also put links to retailers that sell these products for your convenience.   If you need anything for your puppy, please support this site by using these links to purchase from our affiliates.  Most are products I've used personally and recommend highly or know someone that swears by it.   Every puppy needs a few things on hand when it goes home, just like any baby!

Collar A nylon or rolled leather, buckle puppy collar, not more than 1" wide (this will be outgrown quickly so often an adjustable collar is better) with an identification tag should be the most important thing you buy. The rolled leather is easy on the neck fur, but they are easier to slip out of. Never leave a choke chain  on your dog when you aren't actively training (it can be very dangerous). As an adult, a limited slip collar is my favorite - but not the kind with the hanging loop - too easy to get caught and cause strangulation.  I discovered these Lupine collars recently when Superman decided to chew up several in a row.  They have a GREAT guarantee...(I tested out their warranty every 24 hours for awhile and got a new one FREE until he gave up!  They really do mean "if chewed").  They are sturdy and well made.  Avoid the ones with cheap plastic buckles if your dog pulls when you go for a walk - they can easily snap the plastic buckles with their strength - even as a young puppy.  

Lupine Collar 1" (16-28") 1 " wide, 15"- 25" neck These Lupine collars are backed by their lifetime warranty, even if chewed, will give you the ease of a simple collar and the style your dog deserves. If a Lupine collar has any sort of accidental damage or hardware failure, including chewage, you can exchange it for a new collar. This guarantee does not include collars that are simply dirty, outgrown or lost. Click on the image to buy.

Always have some sort of ID on your malamute.  They can go very far in a very short time.  A microchip is best because it's permanent ID, but in addition a tag is also important - even before you get a dog license you should have some kind of ID tag on your puppy.

SmartTag Black Paw Lost Pet Recovery ID TagThe revolutionary new SmartTag Lost Pet Recovery ID Tag will ensure your pet is protected with today's highest level security. Store and edit vital information about your pet including images, descriptions and multiple emergency contacts. Attach the durable SmartTag to your pet's collar and logon to the secure website to complete your pet's profile. Only SmartTag can broadcast your pet's information to local shelters and lost-pet websites, saving critical time during a loss. Click on image to purchase.

6 foot leash (preferably leather - easier on the hands and leather is usually required for any obedience classes).   A four foot leather leash can give you better control when your dog gets older.   A 6 ft. nylon leash is ok for walks with a trained dog, but your hands can get a nasty burn if you try to hold one with a pulling puppy.  I never recommend chain leashes, they can be painful or even dangerous if you accidentally get it wrapped around a finger or paw. So hands down, leather is the best (and it's what they usually require for most obedience classes anyway).

Petco 6 ft. leather leash - best leash for training because the leather won't give you a rope burn when the dog pulls.

A fenced yard or large pen, double checked for small openings a puppy could squeeze out of and with a securely latched gate. I'll say it again - NO INVISIBLE FENCES!!! Malamutes have too high a pain threshold, and are too prey driven to stay inside them. (And they don't keep the neighbor's chihuahua from being killed either!).   There are many kinds of fences - we've used wood privacy (my favorite, though they take more maintenance than chain link) and chain link (sturdy but if you have strays in the neighborhood expect some fence fighting).   Of course there are block, cement, and pasture fence and of course your idyllic white picket fence.   Many new subdivisions do not allow fences of any kind - this is something to investigate BEFORE you get a Malamute!

Training Enroll your puppy in a Malamute Friendly Obedience School .  Find a school that uses lots of positive reinforcement and treats to train.   Make sure the instructor does not have an attitude - we've found many are very negative toward large, independent minded dogs (like Malamutes).

A large dog crate and inexpensive SAFE bedding. (It probably will get chewed on.  Save the designer dog bed until he's older). We have PetMate Vari-Kennels and feel they are the best plastic crates as the side windows hold up well to even a determined puppy.  If you prefer metal, Midwest makes the best metal crates - get a folding one in case you decide to store it later or take it with you when you travel.   More about crates...

PETCO Classic Kennel.  Made of easy-to-clean, high impact plastic and packed with features designed for your pet's safety and comfort.

The Pet Gear Steel Crate with Plush Pad in Lavender is constructed of heavy duty blow-molded plastic with steel inserts. Click on to order from Petco.

For puppy toenails, temporarily a pair of cheap human clippers will do - the $1 kind you find in the dime store. But for an adult, you will need the most heavy duty dog clippers you can find.   These are strong, and easy to use.  My pair has lasted forever! Do not get the guillotine type clippers, you need something more substantial as most mals have very large toenails.  

Millers Forge Large Dog Nail Clipper (6.5" Length) Heavy duty clippers for large dogs. Made of high quality stainless steel with comfortable, cushioned handle design.

2 unbreakablemed-large bowls (one for water, one for food).   We've used stainless steel, ceramic and plastic.  Some people feel the plastic ones cause "snow nose" (I'm skeptical about that, but whatever. . . ).   Plain metal ones are just fine and are easy to clean and are not breakable, but some puppies like to carry them around (See Alvin's page).   Most won't carry ceramic bowls around or the fluted non-skid kind which are more difficult to pick up. . . If your puppy is a gulper and tries to eat too fast, the new slow feed bowls are great for this.

Stainless steel dish 1pt outlasts plastic dishes ten to one. Stainless steel dishes are hygienic clean easily dishwasher safe scratch-proof

A rake, comb and slicker brush for grooming.  A slicker brush is nice for quick touch-ups and getting lots of shed fur out, but is not adequate for everyday grooming.  A greyhound comb is very nice to "line comb" (get deep down)and comb out a normal coat.  A rake works almost as well as a greyhound comb, and is a little easier on the wrist.  Do not get ONLY a pin brush - they are good for quick touch ups and not much else.  They don't get down to the skin so are not your best option.

Finishing Touch Large Slicker Brush for Dogs. (Petco) By separating and lifting the hair away from the body, it gives the skin a chance to breathe while giving the coat a fuller appearance. Perfect for grooming pets with sensitive skin. Removes tangles, dead hair and debris

A large bag of high-quality puppy food for the first few months.  After that you'll want to switch to adult food so he/she doesn't get fat.  We personally prefer ProPlan or even Purina Dog Chow.  Most Mal puppies love anything with a fish "flavor".  I would be careful about foods with large quantities of milk products as some Mals can be lactose intolerant (Innova, Science Diet for example).  If yours isn't, that's fine, but not a fun thing to find out after you've spent weeks trying to figure out where the diarrhea is coming from!

From America's leader in holistic pet nutrition since 1974 comes Solid Gold Wolf Cub Large-Breed Puppy Dog Food made with Fresh Bison and Salmon Meal. Excellent for growth in puppies to maintain total health. Nutritionally Complete and Balanced: Animal feeding tests using Association of American Feed Control Officials procedures substantiate that Solid Gold Wolf Cub Large-Breed Puppy Dog Food provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs. No wheat, no soybeans, no corn, no animal fat, no poultry fat, no by-products, no sugar added, no preservatives added, no salt, no sunflower oil.

Specialized Nutrition for Large Breed Puppies. Helps reduce the percentage of body fat deposited during growth. Optimal 28% protein to 13% fat ratio helps develop lean body mass.Reduced levels of fat and calories to help large breed puppies grow at a normal rate to develop strong bones and teeth. Complete nutrition with vital antioxidants helps support a healthy immune system. Helps reduce accumulation of plaque and tartar for dental health. Vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids promote healthy skin and a lustrous coat.Highly digestible for maximum nutrient delivery and small, firm stools. Real chicken is the #1 ingredient. Recommended by veterinarians.

A variety of training treats to keep him motivated. Something small and tasty!  Most dogs love cheese, bacon and other meaty flavors.   With a mal they will convince you they are starving and need MORE MORE MORE so buy the tiniest treats you can find.  These are great because you can break them into tiny tiny pieces.

Pup-Peroni Bacon Dog Treats (25 oz.; Bacon) Pup-Peroni Dog Treats. Click on any image to order a product.

Yummy Chummies Salmon Treats, 4 oz. Semi-moist bites of Alaskan Salmon, featuring Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Arctic Paws Made in USA

A veterinary appointment arranged as soon as the puppy goes home: to get his next shots, heartworm preventative, a stool check and a general health check-up.  The vet will check for worms, strong heartbeat, and anything abnormal.  Find out from your breeder before you go just what problems may be lurking in their lines (everyone has something - don't let them tell you differently!).  Expect to return to your vet 2-3 times those first weeks - for fecals, for more shots and for well-puppy checkups.

LOTS of safe toys (rawhides, booda-bones, fleecy dog toys, balls, safe squeakies, nylabones, chew hooves).  Be careful of Greenies and Nylabones as these have caused blockages - the flavored variety is particularly dangerous to mals who will want to EAT them (not just chew) - get the biggest kind you can find.  Also, Nylabones cannot be seen on x-rays.  Start out with the really safe toys, and then, once you know if your pup is a hoarder or shredder, then you can clean out the store! More about Safe Toys - The Dead Toy Gallery

Healthy Hide Rawhide Chew Rolls 100% beef hide fortified with Vitamin E and Omega Fatty Acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Large, 10-inch chew rolls will satisfy your dog's urge to chew while scraping away plaque and tartar build-up.   Pet parents should monitor what and how their pets chew-regardless of the type or brand of chew or toy. It is possible for a pet to choke on anything that is swallowed whole.

Skinnez Toy Raccoon. No stuffing to eat or swallow. Order by clicking on the photo.

A pooper scooper or shovel is necessary to keep your yard clean and free from poop and flies.  If you take your puppy for walks around the neighborhood (after he's had a couple of shots), those nice little bags that fit in your pockets for cleanup and good to have on hand too (though recycled grocery bags will do just fine).

Bon Ton Doggy Pickup Bag Dispenser kit - Make pick up duty easy with our Bon Ton Doggy Pick Up Bag Dispenser Kit! The pick up kit can easily be attached to the dog's leash for dog walking convenience. This pick up kit comes with a roll of ten plastic bags. Include the Pick Up Bag Refills in your order! Click on photos to buy.

Four Paws Sanitary Pooper Scooper Designed for quick pick up of animal waste in tall grassy areas. One scoop solid, the other a rake. 32" high so bending is limited. Two wrap around scoops made of rust resistant aluminum.Treated wooden handles with hang up loop. One 7''scoop and rake made of rust resistant aluminum.  Overall length is 32''.

An enzyme odor and stain remover.  Nature's Miracle is my favorite, but there are other really good brands too.  Just make sure it has ENZYMES. Natures' Miracle now has a version for laundry - haven't tried it yet, but it looks great! Imagine, good smelling pet laundry!

Nature’s Miracle Pet Stain and Odor Remover Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover eliminates urine odors completely, discouraging pets from soiling the same area twice. Use on carpets, furniture, bedding and laundry. Just apply to the stain, wait for the enzymes to liquefy and wipe away! Features: · Non-toxic · Safe for pets and kids · Use on most fabrics · No perfume cover up · No dilution necessary Item Specifications: Sizes: 16oz bottle 24 oz spray bottle 32 oz bottle 1 gallon container 1.5 gallon power sprayer bottle Ingredients: Water, nature’s enzymes, isopropyl alcohol, natural citrus scent

Baby Gates  They aren't just for babies!  They are a great way to keep your mal out of trouble when he's not in his crate.   Strategically placed, they can still let him roam the house, but roam with supervision where you want to allow him to go.   The metal ones work best (not as easily knocked over or chewed), and ones with vertical bars make it harder for a puppy to get a toehold and go over.  Some puppies will stay behind them without a problem, others you may need a second gate on top of the first to keep him/her from going over so the cheap wooden pressure gates are good for this. 

Dream Baby Swing-Close Extendable Baby Gate - Extra Tall Keep your little one safe with this extra tall Dream Baby pressure mounted swing closed baby gate. With ends that easily expand with simple screws, this baby gate fits in multiple entryways. The swing-close feature allows adults and older children to pass through the gate without having to climb over - perfect for the busy parent on the move. Click on photos to buy.

Adjustable Pet Gate - Tall - by Richell  This adjustable wood pet gate is designed for keeping pets confined, but not you. The wall mounted pet gate features a door that allows ease of movement for you, without having to lift the gate and latched locking handle for extra security. The tall and extra wide pet swing gate fits doorways 28" to 36" wide with stoppers to protect your wall or doorway.

Schedule vacation time so you can be with the pup for the first two weeks, or plan for someone to play with and let the puppy out during the day such as a pet sitter .

Petsitter Directory

Listerine or Bitter Apple to discourage chewing woodwork or furniture.  Plus it's funny watching the puppy's expression when he decides to chew: Chew Toy $5, Furniture $500, puppy's face when he tries to chew the sofa (and you have bitter apple on it) - Priceless!  (although there is the occasional puppy that loves the stuff...go figure!) Nature's miracle also makes a chew deterrant.

NATURES MIRACLE BEST BEHAVIOR PET TRAINING AID 16 OZ This pet training aid is guaranteed to stop unwanted pet behavior such as chewing scratching biting licking and going into restricted areas. Best Behavior works on the proven principle that undesirable behavior stops when it produces unpleasant consequences. Safe for use around children pets on colors and on all watersafe surfaces.

Bitter Apple Liquid, 32 oz. A potent taste deterrent, the dog care product named Bitter Apple Liquid, effectively discourages fur biting, hair chewing and hot spots. Click on photo to buy.

A digital camera for all the cute things he does!  Make sure you share your favorite shots with your breeder!  If you work during the day, and have access to the internet - a webcam is not all that hard to set up so you can check in on your puppy while you're gone.  I do it all the time - just takes a USB webcam and a computer left on while you're gone. 

The Simple Digital Camera. Unlike the miniscule controls and complicated menu arrays on typical digital cameras, this model's four beefy 3/8"-high buttons and simplified menus make for refreshingly straightforward operation. The camera has a 2.4" TFT color display, 8X digital zoom, and anti-shake function that enable effortless composing of shots. Its 5 MP sensor captures images at 2560 x 1920 resolution or 640 x 480 AVI video at 30 fps. Supports an SD card up to 8 GB (sold separately below) and images can be uploaded to a computer via USB. For Windows 7, Vista, XP, and Mac. Requires two AA batteries. 2 1/2"H x 4" W x 1 1/4" D. (3 1/4 oz.)

Don't forget the breeder's phone number for any questions - you'll have many!  While you may think you're bugging your breeder, she's probably glad you called!  It's so much easier to correct problems before they become too difficult.  So don't be shy - call!

LG 200C Cell Phone, 1 Year Card The stylish LG200C includes a 1 Year Card and a FREE Accessory Kit. The One Year card included in this bundle provides 365 days of service and 400 minutes, Nationwide Network Coverage and a Single Rate for every call: Call nationally, internationally or roam at local call rates. This Flip phone with color display, features text messaging, voicemail, caller ID, call waiting and multi-language support. It includes a color display with wallpaper and games, phonebook with up to 300 entries, ringtones, clock with alarm, calculator, hands-free speakerphone, vibrating alert and is Hearing aid compatible (HAC) rating M4. TRACFONE Airtime Balance Display shows you how much airtime you've used and how much is left, so you control your cost.

And if you have a wooly Malamute - dog clippers (note: often the cheaper brands of clippers made for people won't work on dogs).  Andis is the clipper I have and I love it! It was my Christmas present a few years ago. Clippers are also great for trimming feet on a normal-coated dog.  A lot quicker and safer than scissors.  The dogs say it tickles their feet though!

Andis 2-Speed Professional Clipper () Andis 2-Speed Professional Clipper () The 2-Speed Clipper is a powerful motor clipper designed for professional heavy-duty use. Features include: Detachable blades and a 2-speed motor for extra power and fast, smooth clipping. Two speed settings: Normal (2700 RPM)- for most cutting needs and High (3300 RPM)- 25% faster for cutting heavy coats.Clipper runs so cool that fans and air vents that can become clogged with hair are not needed.New housing providing improved durability and resists harsh chemicals.Locking blade hinge to keep blade secure.Maintenance free--no oiling or greasing of internal parts is needed.Comes complete with size 10 detachable blade.

A dremmel tool works great for doing nails.   It makes them smoother and some dogs tolerate it better than nail clippers. The advantage of a cordless dremmel is no cord to get in the way - but the corded ones seem to hold their power longer.  Nothing worse than to be half done doing nails and have the battery die after you've already wrestled your mal to the ground and are sitting on him.

2Spd Cordless Rotary Tool *Product Feature: Light And Compact, Its Easy To Handle And Can Be Used Anywhere [6976724] UPC: 080596007508 8.57L x 9.26W x 4.55H 1.33 LB 0.21 Cubes

Dremel 100 Series Rt/Ss - has cord.

 

If you plan to show your puppy - a grooming table is a necessity.   Get something sturdy and nonskid at a comfortable height.   It's a lot easier to get a puppy used to a grooming table when he's young.   If you wait until you actually need it, it's more difficult to get him to stand on it without trying to jump off.    Midwest makes the best tables as well as crates.

Midwest 48" Plywood Grooming Table (48" L X 24" W X 30" H; Model G4824) Click on image to buy from Petco.

Midwest 48" Zinc Grooming Table Arm (Adjustable Up To 46" Height; Model G3ZA48) Click on image to buy from Petco.

A flexi-lead is nice for walks - it stretches out quite far which gives your Malamute a feeling of freedom, but with control.   Some even have lights and poop pick up bags attached!

Flexi All-Belt 3 Retractable Belt Leash in Blue (Large; 16' Length; For Pets up to 150 lbs.) Consumer's Digest Best Buy. Click on photo to buy

 

 
 

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