Deciding to get a new puppy is one of the most exciting times in any person's life. Whether you're adopting a rescue pup or buying a hypoallergenic breed from a reputable breeder, it's the beginning of a new and thrilling adventure.
But most people who have had only adult dogs before — or who had puppies in their families growing up that were largely raised by mom or dad — underestimate just how particularly challenging a young puppy is. While new puppies will eventually grow up and become beloved companions, they're ultimately still babies when they join their forever families, typically between the ages of 8 and 12 weeks . And just like human babies, puppies require specific and personalized care.
If you've had a dog before, odds are you may have some of the below items in your home already. But if this is your first dog, or it's been a long while since you've had a furry pal, you'll want to make these 25 essential purchases before your new puppy comes home.
1. Starmark Clicker Dog Training Aid, $4.49
Clicker training is a great way to quicken behavioral training. You simply "click" the button when your dog models good behavior, then give a treat for positive reinforcement. In theory, the pup will soon learn to connect the good behavior with the click and accompanying treat.
2. Paws & Pals Folding Wire Dog Crate, $19.95
As much as we wish we could be with our new furry friends every hour of every day, odds are they'll have to be on their own at some point. And while you may be working your way up to giving your dog free run of the house, that's dangerous when they're just wee little pups. Teaching puppies that their crate is a "safe space" is a great way to get them comfortable lounging there while waiting for their humans to return home for more playtime.
3. K&H Deluxe Car Seat Saver, $36.05
Expecting to take frequent trips to the dog park once your pooch has all her shots and gets cleared by the vet? Well, that can be a messy endeavor. Protect your car seats from your pup's muddy paws between park time and bath time with this seat cover.
4. Nature's Miracle Pet Stain and Odor Remover, $9.99
Potty training is tricky, and accidents will definitely happen. While you should never punish your pup for having an accident, it's important to thoroughly clean up the area where it happened — otherwise, puppy will smell the old poop or pee and assume it's A-OK to go there again. That's where this enzymatic cleaner comes in handy.
5. MidWest Quiet Time Crate Cover, $16.58
Some pups aren't very fond of crate time. In many cases, blocking out light can make the crate seem more "den-like," which in turn helps make it feel like a safe and comfortable space for them.
6. Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Training Treats, $3.99
Using high-value treats is a great way to practice positive reinforcement training. This particular brand comes in itty-bitty pieces that are perfectly puppy-sized to help get your dog on the right track. Of course, you should always carefully observe your dog to ensure you aren't feeding him anything he might be allergic or sensitive to.
7. Regalo Extra Tall Walk-Through Gate, $39.99
Using gates in entryways without doors is a great way to keep your pup in one safe, dog-proofed area. If your currently tiny puppy will grow up into a larger-breed dog, you may just want to invest in an extra-tall gate now, like this 41-inch high version.
8. Frisco Martingale Dog Collar, $4.09
A Martingale-style dog collar is the perfect solution for pups who have a tendency to slip out of their collars. This nylon collar comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
9. Nature's Miracle Deodorizing Dog Bath Wipes, $5.99
Giving dogs a full bath too often can dry out their skin, making them itchy and irritated. But if they're getting a little funky between washes (which will undoubtedly happen), you can use these dog-specific wipes to freshen them up and deodorize.
10. Four Paws Dog-Training Lead, $9.26
This cotton-web leash is used by professional dog trainers for obedience training, walking, and general exercise. This type of lightweight leash is also great for tethering, so you can teach your dog to stay near you when you're around the house.
11. K&H Self-Warming Pet Crate Pad, $9.99
Self-warming pads line the bottom of dogs' crates and radiate their own body heat back to them. This pad will keep your furry friend warm throughout the night. It's even machine-washable, in case your pup has an accident.
12. Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball Toy, $11.99
Physical exercise and stimulation is extremely important for dogs. But did you know mental exercise and stimulation is just as necessary? Pick up a puzzle toy like this IQ treat ball and have your pet work for the treats or kibble inside it.
13. IRIS 8-Panel Exercise Pen, $72.99
When you have to leave your dog momentarily but not long enough to warrant using a crate, you can keep puppy safe and sound in a movable plastic exercise pen like this one.
14. Frisco Steel-Framed Elevated Pet Bed, $22.99
This elevated pet bed is made of a breathable and durable fabric that keeps dogs cool and prevents them from overheating. It's also super easy to clean!
15. Loving Pets Bella Bowls, $2.99+
Keep your pet fed and hydrated in style with these super-chic metal bowls. They're available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different breeds.
16. ZippyPaws Climbing Rope Dog Leash, $10.99
When your puppy is cleared for outside walks, you may want to take him on some adventures. This heavy-duty climbing rope dog leash is 2/3 inch thick and designed to keep even the most energetic dogs safe.
17. Wee-Wee Puppy Housebreaking Pads, $26.02
Whether your puppy hasn't yet been cleared for outside walks or you're intending to make your small breed an exclusively wee-wee-pad-trained inside dog, these heavy-duty, five-ply, leak-proof pads will become your new best friend during housebreaking.
18. ZippyPaws Squeaky Hide-and-Seek Plush Dog Toy, $9.99
This interactive plush toy is more than your average chew toy. It'll challenge dogs and keep them busy for a long time. Of course, it's always important to keep an eye on your dog — no toy is definitively indestructible, and you'll need to figure out your new pup's chewing style.
19. Grannick's Bitter Apple Deterrent Spray, $5.19
This nontoxic product can be sprayed anywhere you want to discourage a puppy from chewing. It's essential to save your furniture during the teething phase!
20. Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Harness, $12.59
Some dogs just have an ingrained bad habit of pulling against their traditional neck collars. Unfortunately, that can be harmful to their throats over a period of time — especially for pups who are leash-reactive. Switching to a non-pull harness is a better option for certain canines.
21. Frisco Reflective Dog Collar, $10.99
If your pup walks well on a traditional collar — and doesn't have a tendency to try to slip out of it — this is a great basic version. The reflective pattern also helps dogs remain visible during nighttime walks and yard time.
22. Otterly Pets Assorted Rope Dog Toys, $9.87
Let's face it: Your puppy is going to destroy or grow bored of a lot of her toys. Invest in a variety of differently designed rope toys and periodically switch them out — your dog will never know she's not getting a "new" toy!
23. Kong Puppy Toy, $6.99
Kong makes one of the most popular dog toys around for a reason — dogs love them! You can stuff them with treats, kibble, or wet food (or some combination of the three), and the act of chewing, licking, and gnawing their food out of the conical rubber toy keeps dogs occupied for a long time! This puppy version is made of a rubber suitable for growing puppy teeth.
24. Vetericyn Wound and Skin Care Treatment, $18.28
While the idea of your pup getting hurt is a little scary, dogs invariably run into all manner of nicks and scrapes. More serious wounds would obviously require veterinary intervention. But for smaller abrasions, sores, and other skin irritations, this nonirritating spray will help soothe wounds and keep them clean.
25. Iris Airtight Food Storage Containers and Scoop, $21.99
Buying your dog's food and treats in bulk is a great cost-saving technique. However, kibble and other treats can spoil quickly if they're not properly stored. Invest in airtight food storage containers, like this kibble-and-treats combo model, to keep things fresher longer.
Buy it on Chewy.com for $21.99.
Psst: If you choose to purchase an item on this list, LittleThings may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
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*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, LittleThings may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
