What things do you need for a new puppy?

Before you pick up your new puppy, you need to prepare and buy everything for him. If this is your first experience, you may have no idea what things you need for a new puppy That’s why I’ve put together this checklist to help you choose the right things for your new furry friend. And you’ll find a printable checklist at the end.

Essential things you need for a puppy

Below, I’ve listed the things you should definitely buy before a puppy comes into the house. I’ve also written some recommendations on how to choose the right stuff.

1. Food 🍗

A sudden change in your dog’s diet can cause digestive problems. Therefore, it’s advisable to feed your puppy the food he’s used to in the first period.

Ask the breeder what kind of food he gave the puppy, and buy this food for at least 3-5 days. Then you can gradually add another food. This can be any well balanced puppy food that is available.

 You may find it helpful to know how to feed your puppy properly.

If you’re looking for good dog food, I recommend checking out Chippin. It is made from natural products and the recipes are developed under the guidance of veterinarians. Check out their menu.

2. Bowl 🥣

Get two bowls for your puppy: one for food and one for water. It is better to choose a stainless steel bowl, as these are the most durable. Cheap plastic can be dangerous for the puppy and is also less durable.

It is better to take a bowl with a rubberized bottom.

In addition to the material, you should also pay attention to the shape of the bowl. For example, it is better to buy deep cone-shaped bowls for dogs with long ears (e.g., spaniels, bassets, setters).

3. Bed 🛌

For the smallest puppies, it is better to buy a simple mat instead of a soft bed. It will be safer and more practical. And after 6-8 months you can buy a regular bed. My review of the best puppy beds will help you make your choice.

Last update on 2025-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. Pee pads

While your puppy is still too young to go outside, you should teach him to pee in a specific place – for example, pee pads or a dog toilet.

Additionally, I would buy a pooper scooper to clean the poop right away.

5. Collar and tag

A collar, harness, and leash are essential, even if you’re not going out for walks with your pet from the first days. Get him used to the harness as soon as he arrives home.

A collar is necessary to identify your pet on the street and attach a personalized name tag. The tag will help you find your puppy if he gets lost.

How big should the collar be? Two fingers should fit under the collar. But, of course, you will need to change it as your puppy grows.

6. Harness and leash 🐕‍🦺

It’s better to control your dog with a leash while walking. This way you teach your puppy discipline and keep him away from danger.

In the past, dog owners used to attach the leash to the collar. But now almost everyone has switched to harnesses that don’t constrict the dog’s neck.

And one more tip. Many people like retractable leashes, but dog training experts don’t recommend buying them. Retractable leashes encourage the dog to pull forward. Unfortunately, they can also cause choking.

Last update on 2025-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

7. Toys 🏀

Puppies are like children. That’s why they need toys for the best development. Also, the puppy must have something to chew on, otherwise it might draw its attention to your shoes and furniture.

Puppy toys shouldn’t be too hard, chew-resistant, and safe, meaning they’re made of safe materials.

Pay attention to food dispensing dog toys such as Kong. You can stuff a treat inside, and then the puppy will be busy with his toy for a long time.

8. Carrier 👜

You need the carrier to take your puppy to the vet or on a trip.

Also, instead of a carrier, you can buy a special crate. It can be used in the house as a cozy den for the puppy. And in general, there are many other advantages of crate training. To find out which crates are suitable for puppies, read my review.

Last update on 2025-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

9. Poop bags

Don’t forget these things when you go for a walk. It’s handy to have a roll of bags with a dispenser, like this one:

10. Pet Care Items 🧼

To keep your puppy healthy, groomed, and beautiful, you will need some pet care items:

• a pair of nail clippers;
• puppy shampoo;
• hairbrush. Choose a comb based on your pet’s hair length. Long-haired dogs need brushes to remove tangles, and perhaps a brush to comb out the undercoat.

Extra stuff for your puppy

There are also a few things that aren’t essential, but can still be useful:

1. Puppy playpen. To keep your pup safe, you need to fence off a space in the house for him. You can use a playpen to do this. I’ve already written about how to set up a puppy playpen. An alternative is to set up a separate room for the puppy with a dog gate.
2. Treats. Experts recommend starting puppy training from the age of 8 weeks. And for training, you’ll need different treats. You may have to try different treats before you find one that your fur baby likes.
3. Carpet cleaner and enzyme spray for accidents. What can I say? You’ll probably need these things until your puppy grows up.
4. A storage box where you can conveniently keep the dog food.
5. A special toothbrush and toothpaste for puppies. When your puppy is 6 months old or older, his permanent teeth are already starting to grow. It’s time to start brushing his teeth to keep his mouth odor-free and free of parasites.
6. Ramp. This is necessary if you want your puppy to climb safely onto the couch or bed. If you have a large puppy, you also need a ramp for the car. Here you can find a list of the best ramps for dogs.

You can also install a camera in your dog's room to keep an eye on your puppy when you're away. I would like to recommend the PETCUBE BITES 2 LITE camera. With this camera, you can even talk to your pet and treat him.

Petcube Bites 2 Lite – $124.95 Smart HD pet camera with treat dispenser, 160 lens, and 2-way audio

So that’s it. If you think I forgot something, post it in the comments!

Puppy starter kit

Online stores have kits that include everything you need for a puppy (almost). On one hand, it’s convenient, but on the other hand, I think it’s better to pick up each item separately.

Here are a few puppy starter kits to give you an idea of what I’m talking about:

Last update on 2025-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2025-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Printable new puppy checklist

As promised, I’ve created a handy printable puppy checklist for you:

Save it to Pinterest.

Bottom line

If you’re going to get a puppy, you need to prepare for it and buy all the things you need:

• food;
• a dog bed or mat;
• a leash, a collar and a dog harness;
• carrier or crate;
• toys (2-3 pcs.);
• pee pads;
• poop bags;
• food and water bowls;
• grooming products (shampoo, comb, nail clippers).

Keep a New puppy checklist, so you don’t forget anything.

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