Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting and joyful experience. However, many pet parents go overboard, purchasing unnecessary items that only take up space. To help you prepare without overspending, we’ve created the ultimate checklist containing must haves for new puppy.

From training supplies to comfort items, this guide covers everything you must have for a smooth transition of your pup into their new home. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

Must Haves for New Puppy: The Ultimate Checklist

1. Crate

A crate is one of the most important items among the new puppy must haves. It provides a safe and comfortable space where your pup can rest, sleep, and relax. This dog crate by Midwest Homes ticks all our boxes as it comes with a divider panel so you can adjust the crate size as the puppy grows, dual doors, a removable tray, and a high-security locking system. 

Crates play a huge role in house training as they teach your dog to hold their bladder and not soil their sleeping area. However, avoid a crate that’s too large, as this may encourage your puppy to use one corner as a bathroom.

2. Gates

You’ll likely have off-limit areas like your home’s kitchen, bedroom, or stairs. Baby or dog gates help prevent your pup from accessing these areas while giving them a defined play space.

We love this pressure-mounted gate by NMN Designs. It’s durable and swings shut automatically if opened for less than 90 degrees. Other types of puppy gates are also available, like hardware-mounted gates, for a more secure setup and freestanding gates for flexible positioning. 

3. Playpen

When it comes to buying must haves for new puppy, don’t forget to add a playpen to your list. A playpen is a great investment for pet parents who want their puppy to play safely while they’re busy. It provides a secure space for your pup to roam, play with toys, or take a nap. 

This puppy playpen is our absolute favorite. It’s attractive, with a wood-like trim that blends well with your house’s interior. It has an open top and sliding doors, and its walls can be easily removed for a neat setup. 

Why You Need a Playpen:

• Helps with crate training and setting boundaries.
• Prevents destructive behavior when left unsupervised.
• Can be used indoors and outdoors.

Tip: Make the playpen cozy by adding a soft blanket, a few toys, and a water bowl.

4. Comfortable Dog Bed

Your puppy will need a comfortable bed inside their crate or play area. Choosing the right dog bed depends on your pup’s size and sleeping habits. Some puppies might prefer a soft plush bed while others would like to sleep in a firm orthopedic bed that provides extra support for the joints.

For us, this puppy dog bed is the winner as it comes with a no-skid bottom and no-frills so your pup won’t be tempted to chew on it. Its rectangular shape fits well in almost all crate sizes. 

5. Food & Water Bowls

Puppies need the right bowls to make sure they feed and drink properly. Invest in an elevated bowl as it prevents straining of the neck and helps your dog feed comfortably. Besides that, a slow-feeding food bowl is a great choice too, as it helps your pup to eat slowly and digest better. It also prevents overeating as slow-feeding bowls make it harder for your puppy to access their food. 

Take a collapsible bowl with you when you are traveling as it’s compact and portable. Also, it’s important to place non-slip mats under the bowl to keep it in its place and reduce mess from spilled food and water. 

We love this dog bowl by Max and Neo as it is made of stainless steel, making it easy to clean and resist bacterial growth. It stays in its place and your dog won’t tip over it. 

6. Toys for Mental Stimulation

Your puppy needs toys to stay engaged, relieve boredom, and prevent destructive behavior. However, buying lots of toys is not a good idea. Keep the ones that your pup truly enjoys. Toys are a must-have item for your puppy as they provide mental and physical stimulation and reduce destructive behaviours.

Chew toys help with teeth and provide comfort to sore gums. Also, dogs love a sense of security, so getting a few plush toys will do just that. However, replace any toys with loose stuffing, as this can become a choking hazard. 

Stocking up on interactive toys like kongs, puzzles, and flirt poles is a great idea to keep your pup active and engaged. You can fill the Kong with yogurt or peanut butter, freeze it, and let your furbaby lick it empty while you relax on the couch. 

Toys, like flirt poles, give your dog a great workout and help teach impulse control. They are inexpensive and require minimal effort on your part. However, it’s best to use them when your dog is at least a year old, as excessive and rapid jumping can harm a puppy’s developing joints. 

We love the KONG Extreme Tire as it holds up well against your pup’s aggressive chewing. KONG’s cute dog plush toy is great for puppies who love to cuddle their stuffy to sleep. We couldn’t have enough of this flirt pole as it stimulates your dog’s hunting instincts when he chases that squeaky ‘prey’.

7. Leash, Collar and ID Tag

A leash, collar, and an ID tag are must haves for new puppy. These items help you manage your pup during walks and outdoor adventures. 

Leash and Harness: A leash keeps your puppy controlled during walks. A no-pull harness discourages pulling and helps train your pup. Our pick for the best dog harness is Ruffwear Front Range harness. It’s padded, fits your puppy nicely and has a front leash attachment point for better control.

Collar and ID tag: Next, get a good dog collar to which you can attach ID tags. Or you can get a personalised dog collar containing important information engraved on the name plate. Our favorite dog collar is the one by LupinePet that gets the job done and is super affordable. It’s virtually chew proof and boasts a quick-release buckle.  

8. Potty Training Essentials

As your dog eats and drinks, you will need some potty training essentials like pee pads and poop bags, and poop bags holder that attaches to the leash. We recommend using pee pads only when necessary, as prolonged use can delay potty training. 

These poop bags by Earth Rated are leakproof and have a pleasant lavender scent that help mask the unpleasant odor. This dog poop bag holder is lightweight and seamlessly attaches to the leash without adding any extra weight. Also, it has a zipper that allows you to install the new poop bag roll without fuss.

However, during house training, some accidents are bound to happen. And, if your dog decides to do its business on the carpets, you will definitely need an enzymatic cleaner. An enzymatic cleaner breaks down the dog’s poop and effectively cleans the area. Nature’s Miracle does just that! 

9. Grooming Supplies

It’s important to keep your pup clean with the right grooming supplies to prevent the growth of bacteria and infections. When it comes to grooming, new puppy must haves include a good quality brush, nail clipper, shampoo, pet wipes, toothpaste, and a toothbrush.

Brush 

A dog grooming brush helps remove dirt and debris your dog picks up during its outdoor adventures. Regular brushing also helps you get rid of fleas and ticks, preventing a potential infestation. If your puppy sheds a lot, you will need a slicker brush with wire bristles that help against matting and tangling. For thin coated breeds, a bristle brush will work wonders. 

Nail Clipper

Trimming nails is as important as brushing, as bacteria tend to grow inside the nail folds. Invest in a good quality nail clipper to remove any dirt, debris, and bacteria your dog may have caught while playing in the mud. Also, clipping nails is not enough. You must file them to smoothen out any sharp edges.

Shampoo

Shampooing your dog is a part of a healthy grooming routine. This shampoo is gentle on your dog’s skin and leaves its body with a light, pleasant scent. It’s hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals. 

Pet Wipes 

Pet wipes come in handy when you are dealing with minor messes. Vetnique Labs pet wipes help you quickly clean your dog’s paws, ears, eyes, and stains on the dog’s coat. It contains aloe vera too, so it won’t irritate your furbaby’s delicate skin. 

Toothpaste

Maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene is key to keeping your dog in good health. A dog toothpaste contains mild abrasives and whiteners that help fight tartar and remove bad breath. Also, never use a human toothpaste as that can be harmful to your dog’s teeth.

Toothbrush 

Apply the toothpaste on a soft-bristled toothbrush and move it gently on your puppy’s teeth in an in and fro motion. Also, if you want to build a regular brushing habit, start when your puppy is young. And if your puppy is unwilling to use a toothbrush, you can use a finger brush.

11. Puppy Food & Treats

Giving your puppy adequate nutrition is super important for their growth and development. These are some food items that must be in your new puppy checklist. 

Puppy Kibble

Puppies have different dietary requirements than adult dogs, so it’s best to look for food specifically formulated for their growth. Look for high-quality kibble labeled as a “puppy” or “growth” formula, as these provide the necessary protein, fats, and essential nutrients for healthy development. Before purchasing, check if the food meets the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines for life stages to make sure it’s well-balanced and suitable for your pup. 

We recommend the Royal Canin Puppy Food as it contains the right amount of proteins and probiotics to boost your puppy’s immunity and meet its developmental requirements.  

Treats 

Treats are an indispensable part of raising a puppy. They play an important role in training and rewarding good behavior. Go for small, soft and highly palatable training treats to keep your puppy engaged and motivated during training sessions. Treats are great for positive reinforcement, but should be given in moderation to avoid overfeeding. 

We recommend Zuke’s dog training treats for puppies as they are small, chewy and super delicious. It contains salmon and fish oil, so they are great for providing muscle building protein.

Treat Pouch

A treat pouch is a must-have accessory for storing treats and other belongings, like poop bags, pet wipes during outdoor walks with your furry friend. It should open easily so you can slide your hand inside and grab what you want. This treat pouch by OllyDog comes as our top choice in this category. The bag comes with a magnetic closure so you can easily access the treats and close it back with one hand. Also, you clip it onto the leash or wear it around your waist to keep your hands free. 

Edible Chews 

Puppies love to chew everything they get their jaws on, which helps soothe their teething discomfort and strengthens their jaws. Instead of letting them chew on furniture or your slippers, give them soft, puppy-safe edible chews that are easy to digest. Unlike adult dog chews, puppy chews are more pliable and gentle on their developing teeth. 

We picked these puppy teething rings as the best among edible chews. They soothe your puppy’s sore gums and keep them entertained for a long time. These chews are digestible and contain some amounts of calcium as well to keep your furbaby’s bones strong. 

12. Vet Visits & Pet Insurance

Bringing a new puppy home comes with important responsibilities, and one of the first things you should do is schedule a vet visit. At your first vet visit, the vet will conduct your dog’s full-body examination, including checking the ears, eyes, mouth, and skin. 

The vet will also monitor for any signs of allergies such as excessive sneezing, itching, or redness. The vet will administer core vaccinations against common dog diseases like parvovirus and rabies. At this time, it’s also a good idea to start a deworming schedule to remove intestinal parasites that puppies commonly carry. You should also ask questions about your puppy’s nutrition, specific diet plan, training, and grooming tips. 

Pet Insurance

We highly recommend getting pet insurance as early as possible. Puppies can get into accidents and easily catch diseases, and medical treatments can be expensive. If you enroll your pet early, most future health issues will be covered by insurance and won’t be considered pre-existing conditions. 

Microchipping 

Microchipping is a painless and one-time procedure that involves implanting a microchip underneath your puppy’s skin. The microchip contains permanent identification information about your dog. If your dog ever gets lost, the local animal shelter will scan the microchip and contact you. Unlike dog collars or ID tags, a microchip can’t be lost or removed, making it a permanent form of identification. 

13. Winter Gear (Optional but Recommended)

If you live in a cold climate, getting your hands on some dog winter gear is not a bad idea. Invest in some good dog sweaters and snow boots to keep your small or short-haired breed warm and cozy. 

Also, if it rains a lot where you live, getting a raincoat will keep him dry during torrential rains. If you have a lean-bodied dog, such as a Hound, winter gear should be an important part of your must-have checklist, as these breeds need extra protection from the elements.

Conclusion

Bringing a puppy home requires preparation, but with this checklist of must haves for a new puppy, you’ll have everything you need for a smooth transition. Focus on the necessities first, like a crate and puppy kibble, and gradually add other things based on your pup’s preferences. Make sure to puppy-proof your home, stock up on supplies, and get ready to enjoy every moment with your furry friend!