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Congratulations on your new puppy! Whether you’re eying that pup on the website or you’ve already brought home your furry bundle of joy, you might be wondering, “What now?” We’re here to help. Prepare for your new best friend with our new puppy checklist. Which, by the way, isn’t limited to puppies; you’ll find useful tips in here if you’re adopting an elderly dog too. The most essential item? Your unconditional love—it may be cheesy, but it’s true.
What kinds of products should you get for your new puppy? Think about health and safety, training tools, grooming tools, and essential services. Read on for details.
The Essential New Puppy Checklist
New Puppy Checklist: Basic Supplies
Before you bring your new puppy home, it’s a good idea to make sure you have the essentials. From puppy gates to choosing an appropriate puppy food, you’ll want to be sure to have the following:
Adjustable Collar
Choosing the correct collar for your new puppy can lead to safer, more enjoyable walks and training sessions for you both. Add an adjustable dog collar to your checklist; they give your puppy room to grow while still being effective.
Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Nylon Dog Collar
A classic adjustable and durable collar for dogs.
A Good Leash
Not all leashes are created equal. Puppies chew, some pull, and others need to be kept close to avoid them getting into trouble. Picking the right leash is a must for any new puppy checklist.
Dog ID Tags
Make your new puppy easy to identify in case they escape, and make sure they’re properly registered for where you live.
Up-to-Date Microchip
Some rescues and breeders provide puppies that are already microchipped. Be sure that registration has moved to you, and that all of the information is correct, especially your phone number and address. If your puppy isn’t already microchipped, be sure to talk to your vet about getting them one.
Food and Water Bowls
It seems like a simple thing, but some puppies may need special food bowls due to size, eating style or even medical needs.
Water bowls are, of course, essential to any new puppy checklist, and there are many options out there for the new puppy parent, including options for keeping your puppy hydrated while traveling. Take into account how much water your puppy needs, and go from there.
Healthy Puppy Food
Finding the right dog food for your new puppy can be hard. Do you shop grain-free, or go raw? Dry food or canned?
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Dry Food
Formulated especially for puppies with real chicken, brown rice, and wholesome fruits and veggies.
Healthy New Puppy Treats
From chewy treats to dental treats, there’s a lot to choose from when it comes to treating your puppy. It’s always great to have a small selection on hand to keep things fresh and learn what flavors your puppy loves.
Whimzees Puppy Dental Dog Treats
GMO-, grain-, and gluten-free dental chews, soft enough for puppy’s teeth.
Dog Training Treats
Training treats are a little different from normal puppy treats. They’re meant to be “high value”—something they really, really like—so they can serve as an incentive to learn.
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
Made in the U.S., these grain-free treats are just the right size for your puppy’s training journey.
Treat Pouch for New Pup Training
All those treats for your new puppy need to go somewhere.
Ruffwear Treat Trader
Durable and resistant to the elements, Ruffwear’s treat bag features an additional pocket and magnetic closure.
Reliable Food Storage
Let’s face it, puppies can and will get into everything. You’re going to want puppy proof food storage, and thankfully there are tons of options out there.
SimpleHuman Dog Food Storage Can
Sealed for freshness, this food storage can is made from stainless steel and BPA-free plastic.
Poop Bags and Holder
These are a necessity no matter where you live.
The Original Poop Bags® Compostable Rolls
Compostable and biodegradable, grab a pack of four or 16 rolls.
New Puppy Pads
Housetraining doesn’t happen overnight, and puppy pads can serve as a training tool, insurance policy, and a backup method all in one.
Frisco Training and Potty Pads
Quick-drying and absorbent, these pads are great for training and aging dogs.
New Puppy Bed
Every new puppy needs a place to sleep. The cozier, and more durable, the better.
K9 Ballistics Tough Rectangle Dog Bed
Sturdy and durable, this bed features a removable waterproof cover.
Dog Crate
Whether you decide to crate train, are planning to travel with your pup, or plan to drive them to their vet appointments a good crate is a must.
MidWest LifeStages Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate
With a movable wire divider, this sturdy crate grows along with your pup.
Puppy Playpens, Baby Gates, and Other Fence Systems
Being able to limit your puppy’s access to the rest of your home while you puppy proof everything is key. That doesn’t mean they can’t be comfortable and nearby.
Regalo Home Accents Extra Tall Walk-Through Gate
This steel and cherrywood gate is durable and expandable.
New Puppy Checklist: Dog Toys
Every puppy needs to play, whether they’re chasing a ball or chomping on their favorite chew toy.
Puzzle Toys
Great for entertaining your curious puppy, puzzle toys are a fun way to lessen separation anxiety and enrich your puppy’s day.
Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy
Mentally engage your puppy while they bob along with this treat releasing toy.
New Puppy Chew Toys
Puppies love to chew. Giving them some durable chew toys can mean the difference between them chewing something safe and your beloved shoes.
Nylabone Puppy Teething Dinosaur Chew Toy
Made for teething puppies, this chew towy massages gums and comes in a yummy chicken flavor.
Chase Toys for Your New Puppy
Have an energetic pup that needs a lot of exercise? Chase toys can help puppies get all that excess energy out.
Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball + Classic Launcher Dog Toy
Grab this bundle, which includes a launcher and three rubber balls that also float.
Interactive Toys
Some puppies have an appetite for play that goes far beyond what most humans can maintain. Let an interactive toy take over while you rest.
Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat
Toss treats and kibble into this mat toy that calls on your puppy’s foraging instincts.
Plush Toys for Your New Puppy
Some puppies just love to cuddle. Plush toys can be a great comfort, and fun to play with for your new puppy.
West Paw Rowdies Lincoln Squeaky Plush Dog Toy
Made in the U.S., this eco-friendly toy is durable yet snuggly.
New Puppy Checklist: Grooming Supplies
Grooming Wipes
For those messes that are too small for a bath, but too big to leave alone, grooming wipes are just the ticket.
Pogi's Pet Supplies Unscented Dog Grooming Wipes
Wipe away messes with these all-natural, hypoallergenic wipes.
Brushes for Your New Puppy
Even low-shed breeds need to be brushed now and then.
Furminator Deshedding Tool
Designed by a groomer, this stainless steel brush reaches beneath the topcoat.
Dog Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Doggy dental health is important. Get your puppy started early.
Paws & Pals Natural Beef Flavored Dog Toothpaste and Toothbrush
This kit contains two enzymatic beef-flavored toothpastes, plus one dual-sided toothbrush and a finger brush for your puppy’s dental care.
Dog Shampoo
Whether you decide to use a commercial puppy shampoo or make your own, it’s easy to keep your puppy smelling fresh.
Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Fragrance Free Shampoo
Great for dogs with sensitivities or allergies, this all-natural shampoo keeps skin and coat clean and moisturized.
New Puppy Nail Care
Trimming your puppy’s nails doesn’t have to be traumatic. Learn how to do it right and learn what to do if you do make a mistake.
ConairPRO Professional Dog Nail Grinder
Quiet and lightweight, nail grinders, like this one, can be a good alternative to clipping.
New Puppy Checklist: Cleaning Supplies
Enzyme Spray for New Puppy Accidents and Odor Control
Accidents happen, but don’t have to ruin the carpets or furniture. There is a wide array of products that can help.
Puracy Natural Carpet and Upholstery Shampoo
Remove odors and pet stains with Puracy’s natural plant enzymes.
Vacuum
Welcome to shedding! If this is your first dog, you’ll need to change your routine up and break out a vacuum that can tackle pet hair.
Hoover Power Drive Bagless Multi Floor Upright Vacuum Cleaner with Swivel Steering
Made for cleaning carpets and hard floors this Hoover also comes with attachments for getting up pet hair.
Pooper Scooper for Your New Puppy
A must-have item if you have a yard, or don’t like the “hand in bag” approach.
DogBuddy Portable Pooper Scooper
Quickly and easily scoop your dog’s business; this clips right onto leashes and comes with a compartment for poop bags.
New Puppy Checklist: Essential Health Care Services
Veterinarian
It’s better to have a veterinarian you trust on hand, rather than wait for an emergency to come up.
Dog Trainer
A certified dog trainer can make training your puppy easier and more comprehensive.
Pet Insurance
It can be hard deciding if pet insurance is right for you and your new puppy. Be sure to get all the facts.
Pet Sitter
It’s easy to forget your puppy can’t go everywhere with you until that first impromptu weekend getaway. Having a trusted pet sitter makes everything easier.
Dog Walker
Life can get hectic, and puppies have their own schedule. Having a dog walker your puppy knows and trusts standing by to give your pup a potty break or some exercise is great for peace of mind.
Dog Groomer
Some breeds need professional grooming, and it’s a great idea to get your puppy used to groomers early for easier visits down the road.
