New Puppy Supplies Checklist
When you are bringing home a new puppy, it might feel like the list of supplies is never-ending! Even if you’ve had pups in the past, this list is a great review to ensure you’re ready!
Puppy Pen or Crate
Depending on how often your puppy is left alone, you should consider purchasing a puppy pen or crate. Providing your pup with enough space to move around when they’re confined is important.
The crate should be big enough for your pup to stand, turn around, and lay down comfortably. Most crates have dividers so you can purchase the size you will need when your dog is fully grown.
Consider using a puppy pen to provide more space and create a place your pup can be left unsupervised.
Dog Bed for Your New Puppy
Giving your pup a cozy spot to rest will ensure quiet nap times. Look for a bed that has a removable cover and liner so you you can keep it clean.
A bed that is big enough for your puppy to grow into and offers support like memory foam will guarantee your pup will want to snooze there as they grow.
Memory Foam and Waterproof Liner Dog Bed
Carpet Cleaner
Puppies have accidents, so be prepared! Using an enzyme based carpet and floor cleaner will remove the stain and odor can prevent your puppy from going back to that spot to use the bathroom.
Collar, ID tag, Harness, and Leash for Your New Puppy
Acclimating your puppy to wearing a collar with identification tags on them is one of the first things we recommend when you get a new puppy. Having an ID tag with your pup’s name, your name, and your phone number on it can ensure your pup is easily identified in case they get lost.
We like using the Tufflock or Lupine collars, harness, and leashes with puppies-they’re guaranteed even if they’re chewed on by your teething puppy.
Long Line for Exploring with Your New Puppy
Using a long line in your yard, neighborhood, or on walks is great way to give your pup the space to run and play without worry! The long line comes in handy practicing recall, too!
A long line allows your puppy to explore and roam while still being in control and connected to you.
Treat Pouch for Training Your New Puppy
When you’re training your puppy, you want to be reinforcing any and all good behavior! That means treats and their food should be accessible at all times.
Having your treats, clean up supplies, and a small toy available only sets you up for success.
We love this treat bag from Sipsey Wilder. It has space for plenty of food, poop bags, your phone, keys, and anything else you might need when you’re out with your puppy.
Food for Your New Puppy
Talk to your veterinarian about the best food options for your dog. Selecting a food that is high in protein and derived from quality sources will affect your dog for years to come.
Food can be given as kibble, wet food, dehydrated, and even raw. Discuss your budget, time, and accessibility constraints with your veterinarian so they can guide you in selecting the best food for your pup.
Puppy Bowls for Food and Water
Your puppy should always have a fresh supply of water and of course you want a bowl for their food, too!
Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are the easiest to clean, but you can also use puzzle and slow food bowls if your puppy seems to scarf their food down.
Stainless steel bowls with nonslip bottom
The Best Treats for Your New Puppy
We’re at one of my favorite sections! I love sharing ideas for treats that your pup will go crazy for during training. Treats should only make up 10-15% of your pup’s daily caloric intake, so you can mix your dog’s everyday food in your treat pouch if you’re pup is getting a lot of reinforcement.
Setting up treat stations around your house will remind you to reinforce the good behavior your pup is showing you throughout the day.
Using treats that are easy to chew, digest, and high value will make training easier for you and your pup!
Here are some treat ideas that we always have on hand:
Puppy Grooming and First Aid
Brushing your pup, handling their nails and trimming them, and brushing their teeth can all be preventative measures and keep your pup in tip top shape! An inclusive kit like this one can ensure you have all the supplies you need for your pup to look their best!
Keeping a first aid kit in your home can give you peace of mind in emergency situations. Kits that include supplies like bandages, sting relief, cotton swabs, and cleaning wipes can offer a quick fix before you get your dog to the vet.
Toys for Your Puppy
We always recommend new puppy parents keep plenty of soft, medium, and hard chew toys on hand so your pup doesn’t find other things to play with and chew on in your home.
High quality chew toys like these ones means your slippers won’t be destroyed when your pup is teething. Plush toys can give your pup hours of fun, especially if they squeak or crinkle. We love all the toys Zippy Paws has to offer.
We suggest having toys for fetch, chewing, and playing but always supervise your puppy and remove any toys that have pieces that could be ingested or harm your pup.
Enrichment for Your Puppy
As your pup continues to grow and learn about their world, enrichment can meet their needs! There are plenty of ways to provide enrichment for free, you can find those ideas Here
Here are a couple of our favorite enrichment go-tos:
Natural Beef Hide Rolls- we love the Farmhound subscription box