Getting a puppy is probably the most exciting thing in the world if you’re a dog lover! You are now officially a dog mom or dog dad! The biggest obstacle, aside from training, that a new puppy owner deals with is the supplies. Making sure that you have every little item needed to be a good dog parent can be super stressful. It isn’t like there are new puppy registries for your Puppy Shower.
Below I have created the most essential new puppy supply list any new parent will need!
Crate
Get a good crate. I suggest a wire crate, like this one, because they are easy to collapse and light weight. You can always get a crate that is the size your pup is projected to be and put the insert up so it is not too big for the puppy. Plus, if the puppy has visual triggers, you can always purchase a crate cover, like this one! For now do not worry about a crate bed, have a couple blankets handy and rotate them until the puppy is fully potty trained. Check out these crate training tips as well!
Puppy Food
When it comes to getting puppy food, I suggest doing your research. If you have a purebred dog there may be food related health problems so it is best to be proactive and get food that will best accommodate them. The AKC has a great article on what to look for! If possible, when you pick up your puppy ask for a small bag of their current food to transition them into their new food. This avoids GI issues. Transition your puppy in four days by following this method:
Day One: 75% old food, 25% new food
Day Two: 50% old food, 50% new food
Day Three: 25% old food, 75% new food
Day Four: 100% new food
Bowls
For puppy, you can start out with just normal metal or ceramic bowls. I am all for the cute Etsy custom ones! If you notice that your pup is eating too fast and is throwing up while eating, switch to a slow feeder bowl! This helps the puppy slow down and digest properly. I also would not leave water out 24/7. Take out small bowls 3 to 4 times a day when the puppy is doing normal activities. Then extra times when exerting a lot of energy.
Dog Food Container
Don’t ever leave your dog food out in its bag! I say this because someone will just leave the bag out, unattended and a puppy will have an amazing second breakfast one morning. Always get a container and store it in a container and away. This helps keep it fresh and away from naughty puppies. My favorite is this type, because of the extra container and the scoop. The scoop goes up to 2 cups and is easy to read! The extra container is great to store heartworm and flea & tick medications safely. I also love the color choices!
Collar
Puppies grow. Fast. So expect to buy a few collars before your pup is full grown. For my dogs, I got a puppy collar in the smallest size for each one and kept them for a shadow box. My suggestion would be get an inexpensive brand one from PetsMart or Petco then stay with that style until full grown. This way if a teething puppy gets to their collar, you aren’t too upset. After they are full grown, around one year old. Go get that expensive beautiful collar from Etsy!
Leash
Again, I suggest getting a place holder leash until puppy is full grown. Just in case puppy isn’t about leash training and decides to chew their leash. Then you aren’t ruining the expensive Etsy purchase. The best training leash is 6 feet long and about 1 inch thick. Using anything longer for regular walks is unnecessary, dangerous, and potentially fineable in your town. Also don’t even think about buying a retractable leash. I can get into that later though!
Puppy Treats
There are two types of treats you will need for a puppy: training treats and just yummy treats. Training treats are going to be your major “go to” when it comes to teaching puppy right from wrong. They need to be small and easy to chew. My favorite are Nutros, they come in crunchy or chewy. After that, get whatever you want to feed your puppy for being cute as can be!
Puppy Bed
The puppy is going to need a place in the house where you can start training that it is their spot to go and relax. It is best to get a nice sized dog bed, to grow into. Just make sure to supervise puppy so they do not get bored and chew it.
Puppy Cleaning Supplies
Your puppy is going to have accidents. That is a given! So make sure you are fully stocked on paper towels and your favorite cleaning spray. My favorite is Nature’s Miracle. I bought the three gallon jug and two small bottles. Once the bottles are empty, I refill with the big jug. I have had the jug a year now and still haven’t needed to replace it. Within that year I have raised two litters of puppies.
Poop Bags and A Holder
Buy poop bags in bulk. I’m telling you, you will use them. If you want to take your puppy on walks, camping, hiking, anywhere public you will need poop bags. Buying in bulk is cheaper and it isn’t like they expire! I will share with you my favorite poop bag holder, here. This holder can hold up to three rolls of poop bags so you never have to worry about having the last bag. Also it is so secure it doesn’t bounce around during a walk, hitting your knuckles or becoming loose and falling off. Also it comes with an amazing holder for used bags. So you never have to hold a bag full of poop again!
Flea & Tick and Heartworm Treatment
When you first bring your puppy home, I do not suggest getting these treatments and starting them right away. Always make a Veterinary appointment first. Have them look over the puppy and make sure everything is good to go before you start these monthly treatments. I also suggest having your Veterinarian provide the medications until the pup is full grown. This way you aren’t buying a three pack and hoping the puppy doesn’t out grow them before you get to the treatment month! After that, set up autoship for your Flea & Tick Treatment and Heartworm Treatment on Chewy.com. Their pharmacy contacts your Veterinarian directly and makes everything hassle-free!
Toys
Okay so this one isn’t one you desperately need but is necessary! I would go to PetSmart or Petco and pick out four or five toys that are all different styles. Having different types of toys helps socialize puppy to different smells, noises, and feelings. Make sure to rotate toys every three days also so puppy doesn’t get bored easily. Don’t forget a Nylabone and Kong for crate time! I also suggest getting a BarkBox subscription. Each month you get a box full of toys and treats. Worth every penny.
DNA Kit
If you adopted a puppy, the shelter or rescue may not know the exact breed. There are DNA kits you can purchase to determine your dog’s breed and even health. Embark Vet has two styles of DNA kits; one is just an analysis of the breed DNA and the other goes into their health. If you happen to get the basic DNA kit, do not worry! You can always add on the health analysis. Click the links below to get yours today!
