Puppies need a lot of stuff, so where do you begin? The breeder or rescue should be able to give you suggestions and offer guidance on specifics for your puppy but here are some basics that you’ll definitely need.
Starting off when you pick up your puppy, you’ll want to have a leash and collar so you can walk and potty your new puppy. A cotton or nylon buckle collar and 6-foot leash are good basics to start off with—plus puppies grow fast, so you’ll need a new collar before too long anyway! You may choose to use a body harness instead of a collar to walk your puppy if they are pulling too much. Even if you’re using a body harness, it’s still smart to have your puppy wear a collar with an ID tag. Puppies are fast and can easily sneak out through small spaces so having them identified at all times is a good idea. And don’t forget to stock up on poop bags: you’ll go through a lot of them!
Utilizing a crate is highly recommended for many reasons (read our blog all about crating!). You’ll want to start with one that is just big enough for puppy to stand up, lie down, and turn around. Or if you’re going with a wire crate, buy one that will be large enough when your dog is full grown because the divider that comes with the crate is a great way to adjust the size of the crate as your puppy grows.
Many people struggle with what kind of food to use. It can be overwhelming to walk through a pet store and see all the options. Keeping your new puppy for a few weeks on the same food they’ve been eating is a good idea to help reduce the chances of them getting an upset stomach. If your puppy is doing well on the food, you may consider keeping them on it and your vet can help you with specific questions. Food and water bowls are another necessity and we recommend stainless steel as they are easiest to sanitize. Some dogs need to use a slow feed bowl to eat their meals due to eating too fast. If your puppy is eating so fast that they throw it up immediately after or they choke as they are eating, then a slow feed bowl is probably a good idea.
Puppies love to chew so bones and toys are a must! Just like the many choices of food, the options for bones and toys are just as abundant. Play with your puppy so you can monitor if they start to tear the toy. Outside toys like Chuck-it balls, Jolly balls, and Frisbees are great ways to give your puppy exercise and get energy out. Finding out if your puppy likes to play with balls, toys that squeak, tug, or chase a frisbee is a wonderful way to bond with your new puppy. You always want to make sure you choose appropriate size items; your puppy shouldn’t be able to fit the entire toy or bone in their mouth. Toys, in general, should be supervised when your puppy is playing with them since most toys are able to be ripped apart. Plush toys especially shouldn’t be played with solo.
Chewing on bones not only deters your puppy from chewing on your furniture and other inappropriate items, it’s also good mental stimulation. Sticking with bones that your puppy cannot totally consume, at least until you know your puppy more, is the best plan. Some dogs are able to have edible bones like bully sticks or beef tracheas safely without swallowing large pieces, but others are not. Two good options are Nylabone and Benebone. Both make lots of sizes and flavors so finding one or two that your new puppy likes shouldn’t be a problem.
Puppies have lots of energy and need things to keep them busy. Treat dispensing toys, puzzles, and Kongs are wonderful options to give your puppy extra mental stimulation. These are also great ways to feed your puppy their meals; tiring them out quicker and keeping them occupied for longer periods of time. Then there are times that you need to keep your puppy engaged and quiet, a stuffed Kong or puzzle is a great choice. Using just kibble in these toys works for most puppies without adding lots of extra calories or things that could upset your puppy’s stomach. Taking a small amount of kibble, soaking it in hot water until softened then stuffing in the Kong and freezing until solid makes a great treat for your puppy. A frozen Kong is also a fun and active way to feed your puppy a meal instead of using their bowl. I guarantee they will be busy a lot longer with a Kong than just their food bowl!
It’s never too early to start training, and having a good treat pouch makes it a lot easier. Most dogs will work for their kibble but if not, then finding some good-quality training treats is a must. You want something small so your puppy can quickly chew and be ready for your next command. If your puppy doesn’t seem super motivated by their kibble or to train, try having them work for their meals instead of just putting it in their bowl. Doing even a 10-minute training session before a meal can help your puppy be more interested in training and gives you more opportunities to bond.
Grooming is an important part of a puppy’s life and exposing them to brushing and body handling from an early age will help as puppy grows, especially if they have a coat that will require frequent visits to a groomer. For most dog’s coats, a slicker brush works well to get them used to the feeling, teach them not to mouth the brush, and to stand calmly. If you have a breed with a wiry coat or coat type that will require more intense grooming needs, talk to your breeder or a groomer for brush recommendations. It’s a good idea once a week to brush your puppy, handle their feet, roll them on their back, and get them used to having their ears looked at. All of this should be done with lots of treats and praise along with breaks as needed so your puppy doesn’t get overwhelmed or see grooming as a bad experience.
