Bringing a puppy home is exciting, and a little preparation makes the first weeks much calmer for both of you. I have loved and cared for dogs since 2003, and this is the checklist I would give any new puppy owner.
Feeding
- A food bowl and a water bowl that do not tip easily. See dog bowls.
- A slow feeder if your puppy gulps food. See slow feeder bowls.
- An airtight container to keep food fresh.
Sleeping and resting
- A soft, washable bed in a quiet corner. See dog beds.
- A blanket that smells like home helps a puppy settle.
Walking
- A lightweight collar with an ID tag.
- A comfortable harness and a standard leash for first walks.
- Poop bags and a holder for the leash.
House training
- Puppy pads for the first weeks. See potty training supplies.
- A treat pouch and small treats to reward good behavior.
- A gate to keep your puppy in a safe area. See dog gates.
Toys and chewing
- Soft chew toys for teething, sized so they cannot be swallowed.
- A puzzle toy or snuffle mat for quiet time. See interactive toys.
- Rotate toys every few days so they stay interesting, and supervise play.
Grooming
- A soft brush to get your puppy used to being handled.
- Nail clippers or a grinder, used a little at a time.
- A towel for muddy paws.
First vet visit
Book a check-up soon after your puppy arrives. Your veterinarian will guide you on vaccinations, parasite prevention and the right food for your puppy.
Everything above is in one place in our puppy essentials collection. Not sure of sizes? Use the dog size finder.