What Do I Need For a New Puppy? The 12 Essential Supplies

You’re getting a puppy? Congratulations! It’s exciting, but being a pet parent can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot for both you and your new pupster to learn. To ensure a smooth transition, your efforts should start before you bring your precious pooch home. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled the Ultimate Puppy Starter Kit and a checklist to get you started.

Below is a list of 12 essential supplies you’ll need for your new fur baby:

When picking up your puppy, try rubbing a blanket or soft toy on the puppy’s mom and/or littermates so that your puppy has something that has their familiar scent. This will be comforting for your new furry friend, especially the first night or when left alone.
Proper nutrition for your puppy is vital. Start them off with quality, premium pet food. The best option is one that has higher protein and higher fat to help your new puppy develop properly. Remember, a small breed dog is a puppy for 12 months, and a large breed dog is a puppy for 24 months.
Always have small treats, or treats that you can break up into small pieces on hand, because training begins as soon as you bring your puppy home. You’ll want to give them plenty of rewards as they learn, but not plenty of calories.

Make sure to get BPA-free food and water bowls. Stainless steel bowls with a rubber base that won’t tip or slip are best. Some dogs can get “acne” around their mouths from bowls made of plastic, so definitely aim for the best.
Get them a breakaway collar that allows your puppy to get free if the collar gets caught on something. You may prefer to use a harness that is easier on their neck, should they pull away.
Have a leather or nylon leash that is long enough, so you can comfortably walk your puppy next to you. Training your puppy right from the start to walk by your side will make for years of happy walks for you both.
If you plan on crate-training, get a crate for your home that’s big enough for your puppy to stand, sit and lay down. If the crate is too large, your puppy might have accidents in it. Generally speaking, a puppy doesn’t like to potty where she sleeps.
Pick out a soft, cozy bed and comfy blankets you can use inside the crate or elsewhere in the house.

“Potty” supplies , like potty patches or pee pads, are essential to help potty train your pup, as are plenty of poop bags and stain and odor remover … because accidents can and will happen!
Fun dog toys to play and cuddle with while you’re away will make your puppy feel more at home. Make sure the toys are durable to stand up to lots of chewing, as your puppy will be teething!
Puppy grooming supplies like shampoo, pet toothpaste, pet toothbrush, nail clippers, and brushes suited to your pet’s coat will make bath time a lot easier for both you and your new furry friend.
Lastly, definitely get ID tags to ensure your puppy can always find her way home!

When picking up your puppy, try rubbing a blanket or soft toy on the puppy’s mom and/or littermates so that your puppy has something that has their familiar scent. This will be comforting for your new furry friend, especially the first night or when left alone.
Proper nutrition for your puppy is vital. Start them off with quality, premium pet food. The best option is one that has higher protein and higher fat to help your new puppy develop properly. Remember, a small breed dog is a puppy for 12 months, and a large breed dog is a puppy for 24 months.
Always have small treats, or treats that you can break up into small pieces on hand, because training begins as soon as you bring your puppy home. You’ll want to give them plenty of rewards as they learn, but not plenty of calories.

Make sure to get BPA-free food and water bowls. Stainless steel bowls with a rubber base that won’t tip or slip are best. Some dogs can get “acne” around their mouths from bowls made of plastic, so definitely aim for the best.
Get them a breakaway collar that allows your puppy to get free if the collar gets caught on something. You may prefer to use a harness that is easier on their neck, should they pull away.
Have a leather or nylon leash that is long enough, so you can comfortably walk your puppy next to you. Training your puppy right from the start to walk by your side will make for years of happy walks for you both.
If you plan on crate-training, get a crate for your home that’s big enough for your puppy to stand, sit and lay down. If the crate is too large, your puppy might have accidents in it. Generally speaking, a puppy doesn’t like to potty where she sleeps.
Pick out a soft, cozy bed and comfy blankets you can use inside the crate or elsewhere in the house.

“Potty” supplies , like potty patches or pee pads, are essential to help potty train your pup, as are plenty of poop bags and stain and odor remover … because accidents can and will happen!
Fun dog toys to play and cuddle with while you’re away will make your puppy feel more at home. Make sure the toys are durable to stand up to lots of chewing, as your puppy will be teething!
Puppy grooming supplies like shampoo, pet toothpaste, pet toothbrush, nail clippers, and brushes suited to your pet’s coat will make bath time a lot easier for both you and your new furry friend.
Lastly, definitely get ID tags to ensure your puppy can always find her way home!

These are all great for at-home training and grooming, but definitely be sure to take your new canine companion to your veterinarian for a nose-to-tail exam. Knowing you have a healthy puppy will give you peace of mind today, and routine checkups will give you peace of mind for years to come.