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The excitement of bringing home a new furry addition to the family is one of the best parts of getting a puppy. Especially if this is your first, it's a magical time—knowing that you'll soon have a sweet furry companion who may very well turn out to be your soul dog.
But while it is completely understandable to be super excited, it's also vital that you're fully prepared for your four-legged friend's arrival.
Because preparing your home for a new puppy is an integral step for any pet parent—whether you're an experienced with puppies, or otherwise. For example, certain areas of your house will need to be puppy-proofed, and you will need to ensure your new pup has a cozy sleep, toys to play with, and let's not forget the whole issue of toilet training!
However, there's no need to be daunted. And if you're concerned you may forget something, don’t sweat, as Potty Buddy has your back!
Below, we have put together an essential guide to all the things you’ll need for a new puppy. We’ll look at proper food and nutrition, what to buy to keep your puppy both comfortable and entertained, grooming and house training must-haves, as well as gear to keep them safe when out and about.
Proper puppy nutrition is vital to make sure your fur baby grows up to be the best they can be. Puppies become adults. before you know it, and as they develop they will need the right food to support them along the way:
Dog food is specifically tailored for individual breeds and age groups to ensure maximum nutrition for each pup’s needs. Always choose a high-quality puppy food that is age-appropriate for your little one, and which is tailored to their size or breed. It is worth consulting your vet to make sure that the food you are buying for your puppy is the best one for them.
Having some tasty tidbits to hand can be very effective when it comes to training your puppy. Positive reinforcement is essential to fostering a good training environment and building trust between pup and owner. Rewarding your dog’s good behavior with treats is the best way to progress their training and get them to respond more efficiently to commands.
Another essential for your new arrival, puppies need food and water bowls that they can access easily and that won’t slip about the floor too much - bowls made from materials like ceramic or stainless steel are a great option and are also easy to clean.
Investing in some decently sized storage containers that can be effectively sealed will help to protect your dog’s food from outside moisture or unwanted pests, whilst also keeping it fresh and delicious.
Walkies and training are essential parts of a new puppy’s daily routine, and there are a few things you will need to get the ball rolling:
Your puppy will need a collar with an ID tag so that if they wander off, they can be traced back to you and safely returned home. Puppies don’t have street smarts yet and their overexcitement can lead them to get lost.
It is also important to make sure that your puppy is microchipped as if they ever get out without their collar on, their chip will contain all the contact information to get them back home to you.
Harnesses are a safer option for leash training as they distribute the pull of the leash more evenly, stopping strain on your puppy’s neck. This can be a great option for smaller or more delicate breeds who may be more prone to injury.
An essential tool for keeping your pup safe whilst out and about, as it allows you to recall your pup if needed. It is worth investing in both a standard leash and a retractable leash to prepare your dog for long leash training as they get older.
All dogs poop, and that poop needs to be scooped! Having a good stock of strong poop bags will make picking up after your dog quick and easy - and why not have it all with the beyond GREEN Bag Dispenser, allowing you to keep your hands sanitized after cleaning up.
Sometimes car and travel safety for dogs can fly under the radar, but keeping your puppy secure whilst in a vehicle or moving between places is vital:
Getting your puppy a decently sized carrier or crate that you can easily hold or secure inside a vehicle will make sure car rides and vet visits are as safe and stress-free as possible. You can make it cozy with blankets and their favorite toys, offering a calming resting place for your pup to travel in, as well as giving them their own private space within the home.
Whether you want to try crate training or are working towards having a dog that sleeps at the foot of your bed, here are some sleep and comfort essentials to start with:
Coziness and comfort should be a priority when it comes to getting your puppy settled in - find a size-appropriate dog bed that offers both support and high levels of snuggliness which your puppy can easily get in and out of if they need.
Crate training can provide your puppy with safety and structure, as well as offer them a calm space to relax during the day. A playpen is a good option if you would prefer your puppy to have a little more roaming freedom, whilst offering fun and safe playing parameters in waking hours.
Blankets are super comforting for both dogs and humans alike, and kitting your puppy out with snuggly blankets will keep them warm and make them feel safe in an unfamiliar environment. The Potty Buddy Waterproof Blanket has three layers which don’t just offer top-tier coziness, the waterproof materials help mop up any spills or accidents during the night.
Puppies are known for their high energy and limited attention span, so keeping them entertained and well-exercised is a must:
Perfect for tiny teeth that may otherwise find their way to your favorite furniture, puppy-safe chew toys can help puppies self-regulate, stop them from engaging in destructive chewing behaviors, and can even work to soothe pain from teething.
To keep your puppy entertained for longer, why not try them with interactive toys such as treat dispensers, lick mats, and puzzle toys to get their brains working and their attention held?
Who doesn’t love a stuffed toy? They provide your pup with comfort and companionship, helping them feel safe and comforted, particularly if they seem to be missing their mother or brothers and sisters from the same litter.
Puppies, much like newborn human babies, often have a toasty, comforting smell, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get messy:
No matter your dog's breed, brushing and combing is standard practice to remove tangles and distribute skin oils throughout their hair. Depending on your puppy’s coat type, you may need to buy different brushes or combs that help with thicker or finer fur, high-shedding coats, or pups with sensitive skin.
If your puppy gets themselves in a mess and requires a bath, be sure to choose a mild shampoo and conditioner formula which is made specially for puppies to make for a gentle clean.
Puppy claws need to be trimmed regularly to stop them from getting overgrown and painful, and while pups may not always love having their nails cut, it is an important step in their grooming routine, and getting them used to it from young can help make it easier to do as they grow.
Oral hygiene in dogs is essential to help prevent dental disease and stinky dog breath, so purchase a puppy toothbrush and toothpaste and brush their teeth at home, as well as get them booked in for annual professional checks. Dental chews are also an effective and delicious way to look after your dog’s teeth.
Getting your house ready for a new puppy can be something of a challenge; spills and accidents are all part of the puppy package, but that doesn’t that they can’t be effectively cleaned and managed:
Puppy pads or dog diapers can be useful in the early days of toilet training to reduce the effects of accidents around the home, as well as keep your pup feeling comfortable as they learn. Potty Buddy’s Reusable Pads and Reusable Diapers offer high-quality and effective potty training tools that can be used time and again, making them a great choice for both your pup and the planet.
Sometimes your pup might not make it outside or to their potty pad in time, so making sure you have some puppy-safe cleaning products to hand will help remove stains and eliminate odors to deter repeat marking behaviors.
Your pet’s health will always be a priority; from being able to treat minor injuries at home to keeping up to date with preventative treatments, maintaining your pet’s health and wellness is an essential part of pet parenting:
You never know when you may need a first aid kit, so kit yourself out with bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and any other at-home essentials that can help you out if your dog gets in a scrape and needs their cuts cleaned or a splinter tweezed.
Keeping pests out of your home when you have a pet will involve keeping up to date with your dog’s flea and tick treatments. Several products and treatment types may suit some dogs better than others, so consult your vet to find the safest and most effective treatment for your pup.
Planning your next trip to the pet store and need a checklist of essentials to tick off as you roam the aisles? We’ve got you!
For your convenience, here’s a list of the essentials you’ll need to get started with your new puppy:
Food - high-quality nutrition that meets your pet’s needs
Treats - positive reinforcement for training and rewarding good behavior
Food and water bowls - easy to clean and non-slip options are recommended
Storage containers for food - keep your dog’s food fresh and clear of pests
Collar and ID tag/Microchip - essential for your dog’s safety should they escape and need to be traced back to their owner
Harness and leash - to keep your pup safe whilst out and about - harnesses are a safer option compared to a collar leash
Poop bags - always clean after your dog!
Puppy carrier/crate for travel - keep your pup safe and secure whilst in moving vehicles or moving from place to place
Dog bed/training crate - whether a soft open option or a cozy training crate, provide your puppy with a calm, safe place to rest
Playpen/puppy gates - allow your dog to play whilst keeping them out of mischief
Blankets - to provide warmth and comfort, especially for new puppies in unfamiliar environments
Toys - chewy, stimulative, soft; vary your dog's toys to offer both comfort and fun
Brushes and combs - regular brushing is vital to maintain the health of your dog’s coat
Shampoo and conditioner - gentle formulas should be used for puppies - consult your vet or pet professional if you are in doubt
Nail clippers - your puppy’s nails must be kept trimmed to avoid overgrowth and discomfort
Doggy toothbrush and paste - keeping on top of your dog’s oral hygiene will help prevent issues such as dental disease
Potty training pads or diapers - a helping hand during those early potty training days, or if you live on a high floor and can’t always take your puppy outside to pee
Stain and odor cleaner - for those inevitable little accidents!
First aid essentials - it is always best to be prepared so that you can treat minor injuries at home and minimize the risk of infection
Proper flea and tick care - you must keep up to date with your dog’s flea and tick treatment to stop these unpleasant pests from piggybacking their way into your home.
Remember, all pups are different and will have varying needs, so don’t be alarmed if once you bring them home you realize you are missing a few things. These early days are for you and your pup to get to know each other, to bond, and learn to trust one another - you are on this journey together.
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