Congratulations on your new puppy! Bringing a new dog into your home is a big responsibility, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do. There are some basic supplies and items that every new puppy owner should have on hand.
This list will help you make sure you have everything you need before your puppy comes home.
Let’s take a look at 12 top puppy essentials: what every new dog owner needs!
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1. Dog Toys
Puppies are full of energy and need lots of mental and physical stimulation. Having a variety of different toys will help keep your puppy occupied and prevent boredom.
Puppies also like to chew on things, so it’s important to have plenty of chew toys available. Chew toys can help redirect your puppy’s chewing instinct and prevent him from chewing on furniture or other household items.
2. Dog Crate
A dog crate is an essential for puppy proofing your home and keeping your puppy safe when you can’t supervise him. Puppies should only be left in their crates for short periods of time at first, gradually increasing the amount of time as they get older.
Crate size should be appropriate for your puppy’s size. He should be able to stand up and turn around comfortably in his crate.
Puppies may need to stay in their crates for several hours at a time, so it’s important to make sure they’re comfortable.
Place a soft bed or blanket in the crate and make sure the crate is in a quiet, out-of-the-way location.
3. Leash and Collar
You’ll need a leash and collar to take your puppy for walks. A puppy-sized collar should fit snugly around your puppy’s neck without being too tight.
There are many different types of leashes available such as a basic leash and collar, harness leash and retractable leashes, so you can choose the one that best suits your specific needs and style.
A retractable leash is a good option if you’ll be walking your puppy in open spaces where he can have some freedom to roam.
For puppyhood and beyond, a collar and leash are must-haves for every dog owner.
4. Puppy Blankets
Puppy blankets are a great way to make your puppy feel at home. It will also help keep him warm and comfortable during naps. Choose a soft, washable blanket in a size that’s appropriate for your puppy.
Puppies love to snuggle, so a puppy blanket is the perfect way to provide your puppy with some extra warmth and comfort.
5. Dog Bowls
You’ll need two puppy-sized bowls for your new puppy – one for food and one for water. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are best, as they’re easy to clean and won’t harbor bacteria.
Puppies need to eat several times a day, so having a designated food bowl will help keep your puppy on a regular feeding schedule.
Having a water bowl available at all times is also important, as puppies can become dehydrated easily.
Be sure to check the water bowl regularly and refill it as needed.
6. Puppy Food
Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so it’s important to choose a puppy food that’s specifically formulated for puppies. Puppy food should be high in protein and calories to support your puppy’s rapid growth.
There are many different types of puppy food available, so you can choose the one that best suits your puppy’s needs. Dry puppy food is a good option for most puppies, as it’s easy to store and measure.
Canned puppy food or a raw diet may be better for puppies with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best type of food for your puppy. Also, if you get your puppy from a breeder, they should be able to tell you what to continue feeding your puppy and even give you some extra food to take home.
Puppies need to eat more frequently than adult dogs, so you’ll need to have puppy food available at all times.
It’s a good idea to keep a bag of dry puppy food on hand for emergencies.
7. Puppy Gate
A puppy gate is a great way to puppy proof your home and keep your puppy safe. Puppy gates come in many different sizes and styles, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
Puppy gates are a great way to keep your puppy contained in one area of the house. This is especially important if you have a small puppy who can’t be left alone for long periods of time.
A puppy gate will also help prevent your puppy from getting into areas of the house that are off-limits, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Puppy gates are available in many different styles, so you can choose the one that best fits your home.
When choosing a puppy gate, be sure to consider the size of your puppy and the area you’ll be using it in.
If you have a small puppy, look for a puppy gate that’s specifically designed for small breeds like Shih Tzus.
Puppy gates are an important part of puppy proofing your home. Be sure to choose the right puppy gate for your needs.
8. Potty Pads
Potty pads or potty patches are a great way to toilet train your puppy. Potty pads are usually made of recycled paper or synthetic grass, and they’re designed to absorb urine and feces.
Potty pads are available in many different sizes, so you can choose the one that works best for you. I actually preferred using pads that were bigger than intended for small breeds.
They can also be used as an alternative to grass for puppies who live in apartments or condos.
9. Stain and Odor Remover
Puppies have accidents, so it’s important to have a good stain and odor remover on hand.
There are many different types and formulas of stain and odor removers available such has enzymatic cleaners, oxidizing cleaners and baking soda.
Enzymatic cleaners are a good choice for most puppies, as they’re safe to use and won’t harm your puppy if ingested.
Oxidizing cleaners are also a good choice for puppies, as they’re effective at removing stains and odors.
Baking soda is a good natural alternative to chemical cleaners.
My two favorites and recommendations are Arm & Hammer and Natures Miracle.
When choosing a stain and odor remover, be sure to read the label carefully before purchasing to make sure it’s safe for use around puppies.
10. Puppy Treats
Puppy treats are a great way to reward your puppy for good behavior. Puppy treats come in many different flavors, so I’m sure you will find one your puppy loves!
Puppy treats are also a great way to train your puppy. When choosing puppy treats, be sure to choose ones that are high in quality and low in calories.
11. Dog Brush
Shih Tzus are quite fluffy, so a dog brush is a great way to keep your puppy’s coat healthy and free of tangles. There are many different brush styles to choose from, but for my Shih Tzu, a basic dog brush worked great for her.
What I also liked about this style brush is that it has a comb on the other side.
12. Bag or Carrier
A bag or carrier is a great way to transport your puppy.
There are many different sizes and styles available to choose from such as a basic carry shoulder bag to bags and carriers with wheels.
When choosing a bag or carrier, make sure it will be big enough for your puppy to be able to move or turn around comfortably.
Final Thoughts
Puppies are a lot of work, but they’re also a lot of fun. Be sure to puppy proof your home and get all the supplies you need before bringing your puppy home.
With the right preparation, you’ll be ready for anything.
Thanks for reading!
