Welcoming a new puppy is so exciting! It’s a fun time filled with lots of puppy snuggles, learning their personality, and lots of playtime!
But with a new puppy comes a lot of responsibility, and it’s important to be prepared for their arrival. Puppies require lots of care, attention, and stuff.
In fact, many experienced puppy owners describe a new addition as a lot like having a new baby. Many midnight potty breaks, early morning fussing, and lots of naps are in your future.
Before welcoming a new puppy into your home, you want to make sure you are fully prepared with the essentials. When selecting supplies for your new furry bundle, consider their breed, intended lifestyle, and their health and safety.
If you are in charge of the shopping list, let this checklist be your guide for all the essentials!
Puppy Essentials
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Adjustable collar or harness:
Choosing an adjustable collar or harness gives your pup room to grow and provides safe and easy leash training. Depending on the dog’s personality, you may need a training collar to prevent the bad habits of pulling and yanking while walking on a leash.
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Leash:
If your pup is a chewer (which most are!), consider a durable, leather-style leash that will last a little longer than most. There are different kinds of leashes that are retractable, reflective, eco-friendly, and so much more! Choose one that works best for the breed and your lifestyle.
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Dog tags:
For safety and security, make sure you have dog tags printed with your dog’s name and contact information for the owner. You don’t need to include all the information, but a phone number would suffice.
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Puppy gates:
If you already know you want to block off certain areas of your home, you will need puppy gates! Until your puppy goes through some training, we recommend a temporary solution that can be removed and placed in other areas if needed. Other options include gates that are wall-mounted, freestanding, expandable and more.
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Food & water bowls:
Make sure they are the proper size for your puppy’s breed, medical needs, and eating habits.
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Reliable food storage:
Puppies get into everything! Secure the dog food in an airtight container with a latch or bungee rope to prevent sneaky snacking.
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Vet-approved dog food:
Not all dog food is created equal. If you have questions about the kind of dog food your dog should have and the amount, give us a call.
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Waste bags & dispenser:
Be respectful of your community and neighbors by cleaning up after your dog using waste bags.
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Dog treats:
Treats are great for potty-training and other training praises.
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Carpet cleaner and stain remover:
Accidents happen – especially with puppies. Be sure to keep cleaner on hand as you progress through potty training.
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Toys:
To keep curious minds occupied, a few entertaining toys will keep mischievous messes at bay. Rubber chew toys, puzzle toys with a hidden treat, tug-o-war ropes, and soft toys are all great ideas for keeping your pup entertained and learning.
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Crate:
If you plan on crate training, choose a crate your dog can grow into. Crates provide a “personal space” for dogs and keep them safe from mischief while you are out for a few hours. Dogs love having their own space, so you may notice they crawl inside for a quick nap, too.
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Dog Bed:
We recommend getting a bed for the crate, so they have something soft to cuddle, and another bed to lounge around on during the day.
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Grooming items:
If you choose to have your dog professionally groomed, you will only need the basics, like a brush according to the breed’s coat, grooming wipes for quickly wiping away mud from their fur, and vet-approved shampoo for extra messy adventures.
Welcoming a new member of the family is an exciting time that will create so many memories. Preparing for your new puppy’s arrival will allow you to focus on bonding with them as soon as they’re home!
If you have any questions about getting a new puppy or dog, please feel free to contact our office.