FOOD & WATER BOWLS

• Sturdy food bowl(s) - I use two: a ceramic for wet food and a slow-feed bowl for kibble 

• Water bowl(s) - I use a large water cooler style inside and stainless steel buckets outsid​e.

 

COLLAR & LEAD

The reality is you will need a small set now and then a larger set later.  

• a sturdy collar with space for an ID tag and council registration tag

• cotton web (Black Dog Wear) or rolled leather (Pear Tannery - UK).

Avoid nylon as it will burn your hand and potentially your puppy’s neck. It will certainly break the coat and cause knots.

I use rolled leather collars as their ‘stay on’ collars (but wait until they are fully grown before making this investment).

 

GROOMING & COAT CARE

Here is a list of and links to the specific items I use and recommend. Do not scrimp on these items. They will ensure the health of your dog and last their lifetime:

• Buttercomb

• Rotating Pin Comb - these are perfect for big coat dumps as they are much more gentle. Animal House OR Gripsoft

• Pin Brush - Chris Christensen OR Plush Puppy

• Cat Comb - for the fine hair around their ears.

• Slicker Brush - the only brush/comb you will need for your baby puppy.

• Brushing Spray - Do not groom your Lappie without using a spray to assist. ONE of the following (they are all concentrates to mix at home in a spray bottle with water): Plush Puppy OMG, Crown Royale Bodifier, Chris Christensen Just Divine.

• Shampoo -  there are countless dog shampoos on the market. These are the ones I am happy to endorse. You only need ONE: iGroom 50:1, iGroom Deshedding, iGroom Texturizing, ProGroom Volume, PSH Grapeseed Volume, Plush Puppy Natural Body Building, Chris Christensen Thick n Thicker.

• Conditioner - it is not recommended that you condition Finnish Lapphunds, however, I like to use PSH Collagen Mask 2-4 times a year ensure the health of their coat, particularly during shedding times.   If your dogs spends significant time outside during the day, particularly in summer, I use these two products to stop the coat from burning: PSH Fit Ends Serum and PSH Sun Protector.

• Self-rinsing Shampoo - this is great to have on hand for emergencies: Chris Christensen Self Rinse Plus OR Plush Puppy Wonder Wash.

• Dryer - There is a huge range in price and quality, so shop to your budget: Pet Network, Oz Grooming World, Clipper World.        

 

You shouldn’t need to wash your Lappie very often unless they roll in something smelly.  If they get muddy, just wait until it dries and then brush it out.  You will be surprised by how much will have already fallen out.  The coat is designed to protect them from the harsh elements (cold and heat), over washing will actually strip the coat of its natural, essential oils.  This will lead to the coat not working as it should, your dog feeling the weather more and needing more bathing because they smell. Never, ever clip or shave a Lappies' coat.  

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Visit our Youtube Channel for tutorials on how to groom your Finnish Lapphund.

 

BEDDING

Lappies like to stick their proverbial middle toe to whatever bedding you buy (this is not one of their more endearing qualities).  So my advice is do not spend too much here.  They generally prefer the floor!  If you decide to use a crate, just a flat crate mat or vet bedding will suffice.

 

If your lappie spends time outside, don’t waste your money on a kennel.  Simply place a trampoline bed undercover somewhere.  I use the steel frame, hessian sack ones.  The sacks are cheap to replace when they get chewed (and they will) and the frames are sturdy. 

 

TOYS

Like with human children, there is an infinite world of possibilities here.  Knock yourself out!  Spend as little or as much as you like, but here are some ideas to help guide you:

 

• Toys to play with together: these include balls, other throw toys, tug ropes, etc.  Only bring these toys out when you are playing together and then put them away again.

• Toys to keep your puppy occupied: these include Kong brand treat toys and can be great ‘home alone’ toys.

• Toys to chew: these include ropes and rubber toys.  Have these on high rotation and use them to also distract attention from the things in your home you don’t want to be chewed (including yourself!).

• Soft toys: every Lappie loves a ‘teddy’.  Just make sure they don’t have any easily swallowed bits. And be preparred for teddy to 'explode'.