Puppy essentials checklist
Must-have items for new dog owners with product links (aff) and free downloadable checklist.
When you’re getting a new puppy, then it’s understandable that you feel very excited, maybe even overwhelmed.
To help you out and make sure you’re feeling confident, we have created a comprehensive checkable list of must-haves for new dog owners.
Must-haves
These are the items we think you definitely should get, even before your puppy actually arrives. These will give you enough time to get used to and adabt with your new family member, without having to rush out and buy another necessary item that was forgotten because of the excitement.
Food bowl and water dispenser - very obvious, but super important. For water, we do highly recommend getting a water dispenser. That ensures your pup has always access to water.
Collar and walking leash - again, very self-explanatory. BUT new dog owners often make the mistake by starting off with a flexi and harness. DO NOT make this mistake. It would be super useful to get reflective leash - with that you’ll ensure your puppy’s safety when walking in the evening.
Engraved ID tag - in case your puppy wanders off and someone finds him/her, they can contact you.
Poop bags and poop bag holder - you’ll need plenty of these and it’s never too many if it comes to poop bags.
Important
When it comes to important items, these are the ones that you will need, but are not necessary to have on the first day your pup arrives. But after a week or a few, we still do recommend getting these items as well, since these are important for your puppy’s health, hygiene and maintenance.
Toothbrush & flavoured toothpaste - not optional and super crucial for your puppies’ well being and general health.
Gentle shampoo - good to get one that is gentle and tearless.
Brush - again, good for maintaining good fur and skin health.
Training treats - like with poop bags, there’s no such thing as too many treats. You will need them.
Puppy harness - should not be your one and only walking equipment, but good to have for more fun and free time adventures.
Cooling toys for teething - save your hands form getting bitten and do yourself a favour and get some cooling, fillable chewing toys.
Nail clippers - the earlier you introduce nail clippers and clipping nails, the better.
Optional
Like the name of this says - these items are optional and buying these depends on your lifestyle and what might improve your everyday life with your puppy.
Pee pads - it’s good to have them for extra security if you have a very small puppy. If your pup is older, like 3-4 months, it would be better to start with potty training outside.
Interactive toys - puppies get bursts of energy at random moments. At these times it’s good to have some fun toys at hand, like treat dispensing toys.
Clicker - this is totally optional and depends more on what you’re comfortable with. Clicker just makes a specific sound and if you use it every time your pup does something well, then they’ll recognise it right away.
Puppy gate - depending on how much time you have at first to teach your puppy house rules and potty training part. The gates are good because you can make smaller area for your puppy to explore, which makes it easier for you to keep an eye on your puppie’s actions.
Car restraint - if you’re planning to go for a car trip, then it’s definitely an essential. It helps to ensure your puppy is safe in the car and can’t go exploring under the seat etc.
Dog car seat cover - if you have a small puppy, then maybe you’ll decide it’s not a necessity, but as your dog grows, it will keep your car clean from fur and sand.
Pet camera - it may come in handy at first, if you’re teaching your puppy how to stay home alone. You can try stepping out for 5-10 minutes and watch from the camera, how your puppy reacts.
Pee cleaner - this one is especially handy at first, when you’re still potty training, because accidents can happen.
Elevated bowl holder - as your puppy grows, it will be better for your dog’s neck and general health to have the food bowl lifted a bit higher. Imagine if you had to work behind a table, but you have to sit on a chair that is way higher.
QR code ID tag - if your pup decides to go for a walk alone, then the person who finds your dog can scan the QR code and get the info about your puppy and the owner’s contact info.
Nice to have
Nice to have items are things that are more fun, but at some point also very useful for your puppy’s growth and development, like different types of puzzles. Other than that, feel free to choose whatever you think would be helpful or fun for your puppy and your everyday life with your pup.
Easy, fun puzzle toy - even though this is in a nice to have list, then in a long run this one is important to have. Giving puzzles to your puppy is important for their development and mental stimulation. It is basically as important as walking outside.
Treat dispensing toys - it’s always nice to have some variety of toys at hand. So if your puppy gets tired of one, then you can grab another one that keeps your dog busy for a while.
Portable water bottle - these are super super useful during summertime but also when you’re going for a longer walk. Keeping your puppy hydrated is super important.
Personalized accessories - don’t we all like to get some cute and more special items for our dogs? So if you have all the essentials, then why not getting a special collar or a bandana with your dog’s name.
GPS tracker - we have used this one for years already and we’ll definitely keep using it. It just gives a feel of extra security. So when your gets loose from the leash, then you can actually see which way your dog is running and where to look for him/her.
Be prepared and you’ll be great
By being well prepared with some of the essentials, you’ll ensure that your puppy’s and your first few weeks are smooth and will flow by.
Of course at the end of the day you, a dog owner, will decide which products you’ll get. That’s why we decided to make things easier by dividing the product recommendations into four smaller lists. But essentially this is just a general list of things that will help you get adjusted with your new puppy without having to be too overwhelmed by buying things.
Just enjoy the process and feel the happiness your new puppy brings you!
Haven’t heard about Pocket Puppy School before?
Pocket Puppy School is a completely free dog training app. Our mission is to make information about raising dogs accessible to everyone in the world.
But in addition to our app, we have a blog (that you are currently reading 🤓) where we talk all things about dogs.
We post some informational and fun content to our Instagram page and believe it or not, we even have a merch store. 🥹 In the store you can get a t-shirt or a hoodie with your own dog picture that we will make into an awesome design.
Feel free to check out all of our channels, and if you have any questions, leave a comment down below.
Thank you!
