Puppy Essentials Checklist: Everything you need as new dog parents

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with a set of responsibilities. To ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new fur baby, it's essential to have the right tools and supplies on hand. In this blog post, we'll cover the must-have puppy essentials that will help you create a happy and healthy environment for your newest family member.

Food and Water Bowls:

Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are durable and easy to clean. Have separate bowls for food and water, and ensure they are appropriately sized for your puppy's breed. Regularly clean and sanitize the bowls to prevent bacteria buildup.

We love these aesthetic bowls  from Ame Gemella. Made from natural stone, they will fit right into your beautiful home.

These classic stainless steel options  are lighter and easy to clean. 

Training Treats:

Positive reinforcement is key to successful training. Stock up on small, tasty treats to reward your puppy for good behavior during training sessions. Opt for treats that are appropriate for their age and size.

We love these training treats  from Healthybud. They are small and easy to use for training sessions. 

Remember to keep training sessions short to keep your puppy’s focus and not create frustration. 

Other treats we recommend are single-ingredient treats to avoid unnecessary ingredients and fillers. 

Nutritious Puppy Food:

• Proper nutrition is crucial for a puppy's growth and development. Choose a high-quality, age-appropriate puppy food that meets their specific dietary needs. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations on feeding schedules and portion sizes.
• You have a lot of options to feed your puppy and it can be overwhelming: kibble, gently cooked, dehydrated, raw. Do your research on the different types of diets and find something that is appropriate for your family’s lifestyle. You may also want to continue the diet that your breeder has your puppy on for an easier transition.

Here is how we transitioned our dogs from kibble to raw:

 

Collar and ID Tags:

• A comfortable, adjustable collar  with an ID tag containing your puppy's name and your contact information is essential for their safety. In case your puppy gets lost, having identification will increase the chances of a safe return.
• Don’t forget to get information on microchips from your veterinarian. Some puppies might already be microchipped coming from the breeder. 

We love this reinvented dog tag  from Boop Me. They are aesthetic, waterproof and work with NFC technology. 

Leash and Harness:

• Training your puppy to walk on a leash is an important skill. Invest in a lightweight leash and a well-fitting harness to make walks enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

This puppy training leash  is designed specifically for puppies and training sessions. It is small and fits in your pocket!

We love an adjustable harness  because it grows with your puppy. With three points of adjustments, you can make this harness optimally fit your puppy. It is also highly adjustable and will fit for a while! 

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Dog Mom Walking Bag:

Be ready on walks with a fanny pack.  Bring treats with you and extra waste bags because you never know when you’ll need another one. We love this one for the different compartments to keep your and your dog’s stuff separate. You can also attach a Waste Bag Holder  on your leash to keep those bags handy. As a good dog parent, make sure you always have some  compostable Waste Bags  with you!

Toys

Safe Chew Toys:

• Puppies love to chew as they explore the world around them and soothe teething discomfort. Provide a variety of safe, durable chew toys  to satisfy this instinct and prevent them from gnawing on inappropriate items. Remember to avoid chew toys that are too hard because teeth fractures can happen and can be costly. 

Keep your puppy entertained with puzzle toys.  Keep the level of difficulty relatively low to start to prevent frustration. 

Chase Toys. We love these new fetch toys  from Earth Rated. Made from responsibly sourced natural rubber, this ball has an erratic bounce and is yellow, a color dogs can see. They also have this new tug toy and treat toy to keep your dog entertained. 

For classic plush toys that also provide enrichment, check out these aesthetic toys from Lambwolf  or original plush toy designs from  Blushiez.

 

Play Pen and Crates

• Puppies are naturally curious, and their exploration can sometimes lead to mischief. Puppy-proof your home by securing electrical cords, removing toxic plants, and storing household chemicals out of reach. Consider getting a playpen or baby gates to create safe spaces.

A few options for crates are available to you.

• The traditional metal one  is common and can easily be found at your local pet store.
• For a more aesthetic feel, these wooden crates  blend into your home decor.
• If you prefer a crate made of lighter material, that is easy to fold and put away, this option from Kindtail  is for you. 

Comfortable Bed:

Every puppy needs a cozy spot to call their own. Invest in a comfortable, washable bed that provides adequate support for their growing bodies. This will become a safe haven where your puppy can retreat for naps and downtime. There are countless options out there to choose from to choose and things to keep in mind: function, shape, materials, budget.

• We love this new Bouclé option  from Barney.
• For a more classic shape, check out these memory foam beds.  With so many cover options to choose from!
• For a super cozy bed, these fluffy donut beds  are perfect.

 

 

Grooming Supplies

Depending on your puppy's breed, grooming needs may vary. Essential grooming supplies include a brush,  nail clippers, and  puppy-friendly shampoo.  Regular grooming not only keeps your puppy looking sharp but also promotes good hygiene.

We also recommend starting with a good dental hygiene routine from a young age. 8 weeks old is not too young! Grab a toothbrush  and enzymatic toothpaste! 

Home essentials

Although puppies are adorable, they will come with challenges, especially with chewing and potty training. As much as we want to be with them 24/7, there will be periods where puppy will be alone. Here are some gear that will keep your puppy safe while you keep an eye on them. This pet camera from Furbo  is probably something you won’t regret. 

If puppy has an accident, use an Enzyme Spray  to effectively break down the scent and prevent puppy from going in the same spot again. 

You know there’s going to be added fur and debris to vacuum, so get a good one! We love a Dyson  for those frequent jobs. As for carpet cleaner, nothing cleans it like that little green clean machine! 

Healthcare Essentials:

• Schedule a visit to the veterinarian for vaccinations and a general health checkup. Purchase essential healthcare items such as flea and tick prevention, dental care products, and a first-aid kit.
• Look into pet insurance f or your puppy. The sooner you enroll him/her, the better! 

Conclusion:

Welcoming a puppy into your home requires thoughtful preparation and a commitment to providing the best care possible. By ensuring you have these essential items on hand, you'll be well-equipped to create a loving and nurturing environment for your new furry friend. Remember, patience, consistency, and plenty of love are the keys to building a strong bond with your puppy that will last a lifetime.