Last week we posted a New Puppy Survival Guide, which went over the essential parts of beginning puppyhood and how to get started with them. Before you start, you may be wondering what you need to pick up before getting your puppy – here is a list of some essentials, divided by category.
Supplies
- Puppy food (find out what food the breeder has been feeding)
- Bowls (water and food)
- Waste removal (poop bags, poop scoop, or rake)
- Car crate or restraint for safety
- Toys – a variety of textures, particularly soft, teething chews
- Puzzle/busy toys (eg: Kong, snuffle mat)
- Flat collar (quick release buckle or adjustable belt style)
- Harness (front and back connectors recommended)
- Flat Leash (4-6 feet) (this should not be a retractable leash)
Grooming
- Puppy shampoo
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairbrush (style varies depending on your dog’s hair type)
- Nail grinder or clippers (optional – nails should be trimmed every 4-6 weeks)
- Ear wipes
Training Tools
- Treat pouch (optional – helps carry treats and sometimes poop bags and more)
- Training treats
- Small containers for treats around the house
- Training leash (20-50 feet)
- Baby gates/playpens/other confinement tools as needed (depending on your home setup)
- Potty pads (optional, not recommended in some cases)
- Carpet stain remover (enzyme-based)
- Portable carpet cleaner (very handy for carpet accidents!)
- Crate (make sure to get one with a divider if it is large)
- Snuggle Puppy
Comfort/Extras
- Crate pad/bed (optional: some puppies may prefer the crate’s plastic bottom on its own)
- Bed for outside of crate (be careful to supervise as many puppies will chew on them)
- Stroller or carrier for socializing before vaccinated (optional. Note weight restrictions)
- Travel water bottle
Bonus: What to Bring to Puppy Pickup Day
- Towels and/or paper towels
- Garbage bags
- Wet wipes
- Car crate (especially if someone can’t sit with puppy)
- Water and bowl (a travel water bottle is great)
Have other ideas that we may have missed? Leave a comment below!
