OUTLANDS CORGIS
My New Puppy List!
Otherwise known as "What Outlands Uses".
People have asked me for a list of what supplies to get for their new Corgi pup. Whether it's toys or litter, here is what *I* use! Some items have links, some will have to be picked out specifically for your pup by you.
Potty Training:
As you all know, I use a litter box and paper bedding for my pups as they wean. This allows them to learn that their bathroom isn't the entire house, but a very specific area. Essentially this is target training and can be utilized easily for training to the outside as well simply by moving the tray outside so the pup knows that is the location where s/he needs to do their business. While they can still have accidents (they're babies!), this definitely helps in keeping those accidents accidental versus an alternative to going outside. It's easy when they can pee anywhere they want because they don't understand how to tell their owner it's time to go out... plus, we humans aren't always adept at puppy signals and when you let accidents happen, they cease to become accidents. Puppies need direction and boundaries, and the litter box method does help in establishing that for potty time. So, below is what I recommend for not only potty training your pup, but offering that pup a way to be comfortable when you need to be out of the house for a good amount of time.
But, a word of advice before we go into the stuff...
Litter training is a step in acclimating your puppy to its life as an indoor dog. A litter trained pup isn't going to automatically go on puppy pads. A litter trained pup isn't automatically going to understand going outside to potty. YOU need to take that next step in training your pup to do its business where you want it to. If you don't, that puppy will start using your house because of ignorance or frustration. If you're not consistently working on training that pup to go outside or where you want it to, it can't learn. I've given your pup the beginnings of a foundation. You need to see it through.
The Pen.
This is the pen I use: Regalo 192 inch Super Wide Adjustable Play Yard
This pen has a nice door which is lockable and is easy to put together and break down. It can be stretched across a door frame or wall (with protectors included), bent in various shapes and tightened down. It's great for inside and out. This is the pen I use that you see in my videos. It's sturdy! I also use protective plastic zip-tied to the inside for ease of cleaning and to keep puppy heads inside as they grow. You probably won't need that, but if you do, look for any plastic that is meant for children and stairwells.
The Tray.
There are several types. My favorite and current type is this tray meant for Mini Pigs! It's a bit pricey but man, is it nice. I wouldn't really suggest it for temporary usage though, and the cost of it wouldn't really be useful unless you have a cat or a mini pig that could use it after. ;)
I have also gone to a farm store and picked up a large rabbit tray, but I'm training a litter while you have a single pup. So, you can go the route I did and pick up a tray from a farm store, or you can get this (the medium one).
The Litter.
I use Purina's Yesterday's News (unscented) cat litter. Works great. Other people have used pine shavings (NO CEDAR) or pine horse pellet bedding. It all works. I just prefer this type as it's easier to clean up. Here's the link: Purina's Yesterday's News. The other thing I use is alfalfa pellets. Yep, straight from the farm store. Smells nice and it works very well. Plus, it breaks down easily.
The Pads.
This is entirely optional. You can put puppy pads in the bottom of the tray first, or not. Your choice. I'm not giving a link, it's puppy pads. They're everywhere and they all work.
The Reality.
Watch your puppy! Let the puppy out every 15-20 minutes and don't depend entirely on litter boxes and pads. These are meant as a first step not a final situation. The worst thing you can do is continue to teach your pup to continue to do their business inside. Work on potty training and be consistent about it ASAP. You'll be happier for it. It's some work at first, but it pays off quickly.
People have asked me for a list of what supplies to get for their new Corgi pup. Whether it's toys or litter, here is what *I* use! Some items have links, some will have to be picked out specifically for your pup by you.
Potty Training:
As you all know, I use a litter box and paper bedding for my pups as they wean. This allows them to learn that their bathroom isn't the entire house, but a very specific area. Essentially this is target training and can be utilized easily for training to the outside as well simply by moving the tray outside so the pup knows that is the location where s/he needs to do their business. While they can still have accidents (they're babies!), this definitely helps in keeping those accidents accidental versus an alternative to going outside. It's easy when they can pee anywhere they want because they don't understand how to tell their owner it's time to go out... plus, we humans aren't always adept at puppy signals and when you let accidents happen, they cease to become accidents. Puppies need direction and boundaries, and the litter box method does help in establishing that for potty time. So, below is what I recommend for not only potty training your pup, but offering that pup a way to be comfortable when you need to be out of the house for a good amount of time.
But, a word of advice before we go into the stuff...
Litter training is a step in acclimating your puppy to its life as an indoor dog. A litter trained pup isn't going to automatically go on puppy pads. A litter trained pup isn't automatically going to understand going outside to potty. YOU need to take that next step in training your pup to do its business where you want it to. If you don't, that puppy will start using your house because of ignorance or frustration. If you're not consistently working on training that pup to go outside or where you want it to, it can't learn. I've given your pup the beginnings of a foundation. You need to see it through.
The Pen.
This is the pen I use: Regalo 192 inch Super Wide Adjustable Play Yard
This pen has a nice door which is lockable and is easy to put together and break down. It can be stretched across a door frame or wall (with protectors included), bent in various shapes and tightened down. It's great for inside and out. This is the pen I use that you see in my videos. It's sturdy! I also use protective plastic zip-tied to the inside for ease of cleaning and to keep puppy heads inside as they grow. You probably won't need that, but if you do, look for any plastic that is meant for children and stairwells.
The Tray.
There are several types. My favorite and current type is this tray meant for Mini Pigs! It's a bit pricey but man, is it nice. I wouldn't really suggest it for temporary usage though, and the cost of it wouldn't really be useful unless you have a cat or a mini pig that could use it after. ;)
I have also gone to a farm store and picked up a large rabbit tray, but I'm training a litter while you have a single pup. So, you can go the route I did and pick up a tray from a farm store, or you can get this (the medium one).
The Litter.
I use Purina's Yesterday's News (unscented) cat litter. Works great. Other people have used pine shavings (NO CEDAR) or pine horse pellet bedding. It all works. I just prefer this type as it's easier to clean up. Here's the link: Purina's Yesterday's News. The other thing I use is alfalfa pellets. Yep, straight from the farm store. Smells nice and it works very well. Plus, it breaks down easily.
The Pads.
This is entirely optional. You can put puppy pads in the bottom of the tray first, or not. Your choice. I'm not giving a link, it's puppy pads. They're everywhere and they all work.
The Reality.
Watch your puppy! Let the puppy out every 15-20 minutes and don't depend entirely on litter boxes and pads. These are meant as a first step not a final situation. The worst thing you can do is continue to teach your pup to continue to do their business inside. Work on potty training and be consistent about it ASAP. You'll be happier for it. It's some work at first, but it pays off quickly.
Puppy Basics:
Food:
You choose what you want to feed, but here is what *I* feed and why...
I start off feeding Spot Farms dehydrated (you can look it up) as it's gentle on their bellies and I mix it with goat's milk and water, but once they're eating I switch them over to a more standard fare. I prefer the dehydrated (or even partial raw) diets, but not everyone does... so I had to standardize for easy use.
Kibble: Purina Pro-Plan Puppy Wet: Purina Pro-Plan Puppy Wet Food. You can mix it up and use Purina Pro-Plan Savor Shreds too. They love it. It's all Pro-Plan so it's really a choice. I used to feed Diamond Naturals for both my adults and puppies but I believe they changed the formula. What once put great condition on my dogs ended up making them far too lean for my tastes (and I do not like fat Corgis, I like fit Corgis!). Plus, it made them fart like war cannons! Not wonderful at all. I've never been a huge Purina fan, because they're not very consistent (except in horses - oddly), but a fellow breeder of potatoes told me to try it and hey, it's awesome! So, that's why the change from Diamond Naturals. Again, you choose what you want to feed... but I would suggest getting some of this brand at first to transition to your chosen one.
Chews & Treats:
Once again, this is a 'your choice' thing. My pups love cow ears, pig ears or bully sticks. I try and stay away from cheap rawhide - it's not good for them. Bones are also a big no-no to me. I don't like how they fracture and shard off. Antlers, hooves, and synthetic chews can also be problematic for the very same reason. Himalayan chews sometimes are a hit. If you want to definitely have a winner? Bully sticks and cow ears.
Other treats that aren't chews? I typically make my own with pumpkin and peanut butter. It's cheaper and better for them. Your puppy kit will have a bag of puppy treats and that's a decent brand. You have a Corgi, believe me, they won't turn down treats. ;)
Food:
You choose what you want to feed, but here is what *I* feed and why...
I start off feeding Spot Farms dehydrated (you can look it up) as it's gentle on their bellies and I mix it with goat's milk and water, but once they're eating I switch them over to a more standard fare. I prefer the dehydrated (or even partial raw) diets, but not everyone does... so I had to standardize for easy use.
Kibble: Purina Pro-Plan Puppy Wet: Purina Pro-Plan Puppy Wet Food. You can mix it up and use Purina Pro-Plan Savor Shreds too. They love it. It's all Pro-Plan so it's really a choice. I used to feed Diamond Naturals for both my adults and puppies but I believe they changed the formula. What once put great condition on my dogs ended up making them far too lean for my tastes (and I do not like fat Corgis, I like fit Corgis!). Plus, it made them fart like war cannons! Not wonderful at all. I've never been a huge Purina fan, because they're not very consistent (except in horses - oddly), but a fellow breeder of potatoes told me to try it and hey, it's awesome! So, that's why the change from Diamond Naturals. Again, you choose what you want to feed... but I would suggest getting some of this brand at first to transition to your chosen one.
Chews & Treats:
Once again, this is a 'your choice' thing. My pups love cow ears, pig ears or bully sticks. I try and stay away from cheap rawhide - it's not good for them. Bones are also a big no-no to me. I don't like how they fracture and shard off. Antlers, hooves, and synthetic chews can also be problematic for the very same reason. Himalayan chews sometimes are a hit. If you want to definitely have a winner? Bully sticks and cow ears.
Other treats that aren't chews? I typically make my own with pumpkin and peanut butter. It's cheaper and better for them. Your puppy kit will have a bag of puppy treats and that's a decent brand. You have a Corgi, believe me, they won't turn down treats. ;)
Grooming and more:
There are a lot of general things you need for puppies. Here is a list.
1. Nail clippers - There are many types - guillotine, dremel, groomer, etc. You choose your weapon and may the odds be ever in your favor!
2. Brushes - Don't waste your money and grab useless brushes. You'll do fine with a good slicker brush, a nice comb and a pin brush. For juveniles and adults, you could wreck the coat and get furminators or you can save the coat and use a dog comb. Depends on what you want your end result to be. Those floofy floof coats you see in memes are from a groomer who uses a dog comb. Just sayin'. Either way, you need to groom that thing before the fur takes over your house. Corgis will shed their own weight in minutes and will create an army of fur minions that might get you in your sleep. You're warned.
3. Conditioner - I really like using Green Groom Shampoo/Conditioner. It's inexpensive for a gallon and works really well for all types of my pups coats. This is NOT for a show coat if you're wanting to do conformation. That's going to be a different set of products. Yes, it's not cheap but it lasts forever. You comb the dog, bathe the dog, then condition the dog. Brush once more and there you go. Easy peasy. Keeps the coat soft and does lessen the clump shedding.
4. Shampoo - See above. If you want more choices, ask away but I wanted to keep this simplistic. There are a number of products to use but don't use human shampoos. Use dog shampoos. The coat will stay nicer for it. That said, do yourself another favor... get yourself a good deshedding shampoo/conditioner. It really works.
...and More:
The other things you need to get are collars, leashes and harnesses. These are all very individual to taste and function. You'll want to take your pup in and get it fitted as it grows. However, the very basic for when you take your pup home would be a soft collar that the pup can't get its jaw under, a leash for walking and a harness for actual walks. Corgis can easily slip out of normal collars due to the density of their fur, so harnesses really are the way to go. I have no particular suggestion on what size or brand as you want to fit the pup with a harness it feels good in. Puppies have different body types and tolerances, but here's a harness I get for mine. Small should fit all the pups pretty decently.
Dog Beds:
Corgis love beds and fleecey blankets. Choose whichever you want in your home. Sometimes they don't deserve such comforts though because they murder their beds. In that case, work around these little killers. ;)
STEPS:
Yep, this is important.
Your pup is a dwarf breed. If you took the legs off your Corgi and put on the legs of a Border Collie, you'd see a perfectly balanced dog... maybe a tad long, but for the most part, balanced in height to width to length. Since your dog isn't a balanced dog, it needs a bit of help from you to keep that dog in top shape. Too many people allow their dogs to continually jump up and down off couches and beds. Normally, Corgis handle this well (One of my girls can easily clear 4.5' with inches to spare), but not all Corgis can. Some need a bit of help with the tall stuff. So, if you let your Corgi on your tall bed or your couches are taller... consider a set of dog stairs. This keeps the legs, hips and back all in good shape. Less wear and tear later on in life. Here's a link.
Baby Gates:
Yeah really! They're not just for kids! Consider investing in one just to keep your pup closed off of rooms at times. Never know when you'll need to and want to keep the door open. It's worth the extra money. Just a suggestion. I use mine to keep the dogs out of my carpeted area (living room) or behind the gate in the kitchen when I vacuum because they attack it. Helps tons. Also good when you have guests and don't want to lock the dogs up behind a door. No link, you can shop for it yourself.
The rest..
Dog ownership is like anything else. You learn as you go. This stuff will help you for now (see toys below). Other things I could suggest? Puppy Obedience School - it's good for you and your dog if you're a novice. It's good for the pup for socializing as well (AFTER vaccs!).
The main thing I suggest? Be a good friend to your pup. Invite him/her into your life in all aspects. Take that pup for a car ride, take him/her for walks... you spent a bright penny for one of my babies, enjoy that baby for the next 15 years to come (if you're lucky). Keep updated on vaccinations, on worming. Notice I didn't add in any vaccs or worming products. Talk to your vet about those and what brand/type is best for your particular area.
Toys!
Puppies love stuffed toys with squeakers in them. You'll notice your puppy kit comes with a Lambie. That's a fav even into adulthood. Below are some puppy favs!
Lamby - FAVORITE!
Flea - FAVORITE!
Bumble Ball - Some pups love this! All will play with it. You'd think it wasn't fun but apparently, it is.
Bungee Tug Toy - They love this.
Braided Fleece Lure Toy - You can make these if you're crafty, otherwise...
Cat Scratcher Toy - Weird, right? But something like this is always fun for Corgis. They love to chase things in circles. I'd find something a bit less cat scratchy but has the same concept. Big hit!
Tennis balls. No link needed.
Keep in mind, some dogs LOVE toys, some do not care for them. Your pup is individual so have fun and get him/her toys! Please... buy them off Amazon, Chewy, or whatever. Don't buy your pup a toy from a walk-in store. That's how you get Parvo.
Puppies love stuffed toys with squeakers in them. You'll notice your puppy kit comes with a Lambie. That's a fav even into adulthood. Below are some puppy favs!
Lamby - FAVORITE!
Flea - FAVORITE!
Bumble Ball - Some pups love this! All will play with it. You'd think it wasn't fun but apparently, it is.
Bungee Tug Toy - They love this.
Braided Fleece Lure Toy - You can make these if you're crafty, otherwise...
Cat Scratcher Toy - Weird, right? But something like this is always fun for Corgis. They love to chase things in circles. I'd find something a bit less cat scratchy but has the same concept. Big hit!
Tennis balls. No link needed.
Keep in mind, some dogs LOVE toys, some do not care for them. Your pup is individual so have fun and get him/her toys! Please... buy them off Amazon, Chewy, or whatever. Don't buy your pup a toy from a walk-in store. That's how you get Parvo.
That's it.
I will add more when I think of more things. I hope this helps.
I will add more when I think of more things. I hope this helps.
