Puppies deserve a nice, warm welcome into their new forever homes. If you’re welcoming a new furry addition to your family soon, you need to set yourself (and your pup) up for success by getting everything just right in your home. Keep reading to find our thorough checklist on what you need to prepare and buy when bringing home a new puppy.
The 23 Items for Your New Puppy
Comfort Supplies
1. Crate
If you’ll be crate training your puppy, you’ll need a high-quality, appropriately sized crate. The perfect crate will depend on your dog’s size and breed, but a good rule of thumb is to ensure there will be enough room inside for your pup to stand up, turn around, and lie down.
2. Bed
A comfortable bed is a must for your puppy’s first night home. Look for an option that fits nicely in the crate. Beds with machine-washable covers are best as they’re simple to clean when your pup inevitably has an accident.
We recommend bypassing beds with soft, plush fillings as this can be more tempting for puppies to shred. Heavy chews can make very quick work out of pretty much anything, and the last thing you want is expensive veterinary bills because your pup has developed a blockage from eating their bed, so start with something more basic until you get to know your dog.
Walking Supplies
3. Leash
A leash is one of the necessities you’ll require to walk your new puppy. There are two main kinds of leashes: standard or retractable. Standard leashes come in several lengths but do not retract into the handle. These are often recommended for puppies as they’re easier for training purposes. Retractable leashes, while great for allowing more freedom, can be challenging to teach good walking manners to puppies with short attention spans.
4. Collar
Collars aren’t only required for walking but also for holding their identification tags. A perfectly sized collar should fit two of your fingers comfortably underneath while it’s on your dog. Nylon is a lightweight material typically softer and more comfortable on your puppy’s skin, which is ideal until they get used to wearing a collar.
5. Identification Tags
Identification tags are a non-negotiable for your new puppy. These custom-made coins will feature essential information about your dog, including their name, your contact number, and other identifying features of your choosing. They will come in handy in reuniting you with your pup if they sneak away while you’re outside.
6. Poop Bags
Waste bags are a must-have for every walk you take with your dog. Picking up your puppy’s poop is not only a common courtesy; it’s also the law.
7. Poop Bag Holder
A poop bag holder is a convenient way to store your puppy’s waste bags. The best kinds are small and non-imposing. They often have clips that attach to your dog’s leash, so you’ll always have them on hand when you need them.
Training Supplies
8. Training Pads
Puppy pads are a useful potty-training tool that will be used frequently while your puppy’s bladder is still small. Some pads are treated with scents or pheromones to attract your puppy to eliminate on them rather than other areas of your home.
9. Puppy Gate
Puppy gates allow owners to confine their pups to one specific area of their home. They’re particularly useful during potty training but are also great to keep your dog safe while you’re out of the house.
10. Pet Stain Remover
Puppies are particularly messy, especially before they’re potty trained. A high-quality pet stain remover is a must for keeping your home smelling fresh when your pup inevitably has an accident. The best cleaners are enzyme-based to ensure the odors are not only neutralized but broken down and completely removed too.
Feeding Supplies
11. Food
A nutritionally balanced commercial dog food diet specifically formulated for puppies is the most convenient way to provide all the essential nutrients your dog needs. These foods are designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of your growing pet. The diet you choose will depend on your dog’s age and size. Larger breed puppies have different ideal calcium and phosphorus levels to support healthy joint development, so if you have a large breed we recommend a specific large breed puppy food. Depending on your budget, you can choose a high-quality food that will generally have better and more digestible ingredients.
12. Water & Food Bowls
Stainless steel food and water bowls are the best for your puppy. These high-quality feeders are easy to clean and can even be sanitized in your dishwasher.
13. Treats
Treats are great for puppies and adult dogs as they can be used for rewards in training and serve as a great bonding moment for you and your new pet. The right treats will give your pup the motivation they need to perform the tasks you’re asking them to do.
Though the word “treat” has an unhealthy connotation to it (at least as far as the human diet is concerned), we highly recommend opting for puppy treats made with high-quality ingredients. Look for treats with healthy ingredient lists.
Grooming Supplies
14. Dog Shampoo
Your puppy will spend much of their first year getting into everything as they explore their world, so they’re bound to get dirty. Most owners find their puppies need a bath around once monthly, though yours may need them more or less often, depending on your lifestyle.
A high-quality dog shampoo will help you keep your pup clean while also moisturizing their coat and nourishing their skin. Never use human shampoos on dogs, as they’re not pH-balanced for pups and can do much more harm than good.
If you are looking for the perfect, pet-friendly shampoo and conditioner combo, we highly recommend the products by Hepper. With a soothing oatmeal shampoo, free of soaps and other harsh chemicals, and a cucumber and aloe scented conditioner, your pet's skin and coat will be smooth, hydrated, and irritation-free. 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 products of this cool pet company!
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15. Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Just as you wouldn’t go any length of time without brushing your teeth, neither should your puppy. Bad oral hygiene can potentially cause painful tooth root infections which need veterinary treatment, so get your dog accustomed to toothbrushing as soon as possible to make it easier on both of you.
Do not use toothpaste meant for humans on your dog. Some contain xylitol, which is very toxic for dogs. There is also the potential for fluoride poisoning since your dog doesn’t know not to swallow the toothpaste, so you better stick to the toothpaste meant for dogs.
16. Brush
The best dog brush for your pup will depend on their coat. You may need several types of brushes and combs to keep your dog looking their best.
- Slicker brushes – versatile. Work for all coat types. Can remove loose fur and knots.
- Pin brushes – great for longer and silkier coats.
- Bristle brushes – best for short or wiry coats. Removes debris and leaves fur shiny.
- Undercoat rake – best for double and heavy coats.
17. Nail Clippers
Long nails can be very uncomfortable for your puppy and lead to nail bed injuries, so it’s best to keep them trimmed. Puppies can be iffy about nail trimming, so the sooner you can get your dog used to the idea of having their nails clipped at home, the easier it’ll be for both of you down the line.
Please educate yourself on how to properly and safely cut your dog’s nails. Accidentally cutting the quick can cause pain and bleeding, which becomes a traumatic event your puppy won’t ever forget. If you’re not confident in your nail trimming skills, we recommend leaving it to the pros and having your groomer do it instead.
18. Pet Wipes
Pet wipes are a must for in-between bath cleans or if your puppy is resistant to baths altogether. High-quality wipes are made with dog-safe ingredients and will not only remove dirt and debris but also moisturize your pup’s skin and coat.
Whether your dog needs a quick refresh or cleanup of a sensitive area, pet-safe wet wipes are a convenient and on-the-go option, since keeping your dog clean doesn't have to mean giving them a full bath. We like Hepper's Wash Wipes because they're specially formulated to be safe for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. The hypoallergenic formula contains natural, moisturizing ingredients that effectively remove dirt without irritating your dog's skin. 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 products of this cool pet company!
19. Ear Cleaning Solution
Ears are an often-overlooked part of a puppy’s grooming regime, but it’s not something you should get into the habit of skipping. Regularly cleaning your dog’s ears allows you to check for problems like ear infections or other issues. Some puppies, especially those with long, floppy ears, require more frequent cleaning as ear infections can be more prevalent in such breeds.
Enrichment Supplies
20. Chew Toys
Teething and chew toys are great for puppies because they explore the world with their mouths. Chewing is a natural instinct in dogs, so it’s important to encourage healthy habits as early as you can to prevent problem chewing in the future. Choose durably made toys designed specifically for chewing. Try toys with different textures to see which your pup enjoys most.
21. Treat-Dispensing Toys
Treat-dispensing toys are great for puppies as they can keep them entertained and mentally stimulated. These hollowed-out rubber toys are meant to hold and dispense kibble or other treats when your pup interacts with them. They’re engaging, time-consuming, and distracting.
22. Puzzle Toys
Like treat-dispensing toys, puzzle toys provide a lot of mental stimulation and enrichment for puppies. They’re great to offer when your pup will be spending some time inside their crate, as they can keep them occupied for some time. Interactive puzzle toys are available at many levels and with many difficulties, so try starting with something like a snuffle mat and working up to a more complicated system requiring lever pushing and latching opening once your pup masters the snuffle mat.
23. Fetch Toys
Exercise is very important for puppies, but you mustn’t overdo it until your pup is fully grown since the amount and type of exercise can impact your dog’s developing body. Fetch can be a great game you can play with your puppy that allows them to expend their excess energy; however, keep sessions short and gentle, and avoid sudden stops and sharp turns, to prevent putting too much stress on their muscles and joints. The best fetch toys are soft and safe; using sharp or hard objects like sticks can lead to oral injuries. Tennis balls trap dirt creating a sandpaper-like effect on your puppy’s teeth which can wear them over time.
Final Thoughts
Having a dog is an extremely rewarding yet challenging life experience. But you can get yourself and your pup off on the right foot by ensuring you have the right supplies on hand when you welcome them home. The 23 essentials above will not only help your new puppy adjust easily and more quickly, but you, too.
Featured Image Credit: gpointstudio, Shutterstock
