Essential Supplies Checklist for Your New Puppy

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Congratulations on your new puppy! Bringing a furry, four-legged friend into your home is one of life’s greatest joys. It’s a whirlwind of excitement, adorable antics, and… a lot of preparation. Feeling a little overwhelmed by the puppy aisle? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

As pet experts, we’ve compiled the ultimate checklist of essential supplies to ensure you and your new companion get off to a fantastic start. Having these items ready before your puppy comes home will make the transition smoother, safer, and much less stressful for everyone involved. For a day-by-day walkthrough of what happens once your puppy arrives, read our first week with your new puppy guide.

The Absolute Must-Haves (Day One Essentials)

These are the non-negotiable items you’ll want to have set up and ready to go from the moment your puppy crosses the threshold.

A Safe Space: Crate & Bedding

A common misconception is that a crate is a “cage.” In reality, when introduced properly, a crate becomes your puppy’s personal den—a safe, secure space where they can rest and decompress. The American Kennel Club (AKC) highlights that crates are a “valuable tool for house training” and for keeping a curious puppy safe when you can’t supervise them. Read our full puppy crate training guide for step-by-step instructions on making crate training a success.

• The Crate: Choose a wire crate that will be large enough for your puppy’s expected adult size. The key is to find one with a divider panel. This allows you to block off a portion of the crate so it’s just big enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around in. This prevents them from using one end as a bathroom and the other as a bedroom, which is a crucial part of house training.
• The Bedding: Line the crate with a soft, comfortable, and—most importantly—washable bed or blanket. Accidents will happen, so easy cleanup is your best friend.

Our Recommendation: The MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate on Amazon is a favorite among pet parents. It’s durable, comes with a divider panel, and is available in various sizes to suit any breed.

Nutrition Essentials: Food & Bowls

Your puppy is growing at an incredible rate, and their diet is the fuel for that development.

• Puppy Food: To prevent an upset stomach, start with the exact same brand and formula of food your puppy was eating at the breeder or shelter. If you want to switch to a different food, you must do so gradually over a week or more. For more details, check out our complete guide to choosing dog food, which covers AAFCO standards, ingredient labels, and life-stage feeding.
• Food and Water Bowls: Opt for stainless steel or ceramic bowls. They are non-porous, which means they won’t harbor bacteria like plastic can, and they’re much harder for a teething puppy to destroy. A weighted base or a non-slip bottom is a huge plus to prevent messy spills.

Our Recommendation: This set of two stainless steel, non-slip bowls from Amazon is a durable and dishwasher-safe option that will last for years.

Identification: Collar, Leash & ID Tags

Even if your puppy is microchipped, a collar with visible ID tags is their fastest ticket home if they ever get lost.

• Collar or Harness: For a young puppy, a lightweight, adjustable nylon collar is a great starting point. Some owners prefer harnesses to prevent any strain on a puppy’s delicate neck. The most important thing is to get your puppy used to wearing one early.
• Leash: A standard 4-to-6-foot nylon or leather leash is perfect for training and daily walks. Avoid retractable leashes for puppies; they don’t offer enough control and can teach bad pulling habits from the start.
• ID Tag: This is non-negotiable. The tag should be clearly engraved with your puppy’s name and at least one phone number.

Potty Training & Cleanup Crew

Welcome to potty training! It’s a journey of patience, consistency, and having the right supplies on hand for the inevitable “oops” moments.

Housetraining Helpers

While the best method is frequent trips outside, some tools can help. Puppy pads can be useful in apartments or for creating an overnight potty spot, but be aware they can sometimes make it harder for puppies to understand that outside is the only place to go.

The Inevitable Accidents: Cleaning Supplies

Accidents are a fact of puppy life. When they happen, cleaning them properly is critical. Your puppy’s powerful nose can detect lingering odors you can’t, which signals to them that it’s an acceptable potty spot.

You absolutely need an enzymatic cleaner. These special cleaners use enzymes to break down and eliminate the organic proteins in urine, completely removing the scent. Standard household cleaners or vinegar will only mask the smell to human noses.

Our Recommendation: Nature’s Miracle Advanced Stain and Odor Eliminator is a gold-standard enzymatic cleaner that every pet parent should have in their arsenal.

Outdoor Business: Poop Bags

Being a responsible pet owner means cleaning up after your dog, every single time. Stock up on poop bags and keep them by the door, in your car, and in your pockets so you’re never caught without one. Once your puppy is old enough for trails, you’ll need these for dog-friendly hikes too.

Health & Grooming Basics

Getting your puppy comfortable with grooming from a young age will make it a stress-free experience for both of you down the road. See our best dog grooming tips guide for a complete overview of brushing, bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.

Grooming Tools

The specific tools you need will depend on your dog’s coat. You can learn more about your pup’s needs on our dog breeds page. However, most puppies will need:

• A Soft Brush: To get them used to the sensation and to remove loose fur.
• Puppy Shampoo: Use a gentle, tear-free formula made specifically for puppies. Human shampoos have the wrong pH and can irritate their skin.
• Nail Clippers or Grinder: Start handling your puppy’s paws daily to build a positive association. Trim just the very tip of their nails regularly to prevent overgrowth.

Our Recommendation: A simple puppy grooming kit like this one on Amazon often includes a brush, comb, and nail clippers to get you started.

Dental Care

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition in adult dogs. Start a dental routine early! Read our complete dog dental care guide to understand how to brush your dog’s teeth and choose the right dental products.

• Puppy Toothbrush & Toothpaste: Get a small, soft-bristled toothbrush or a finger brush. Use toothpaste formulated for dogs—never use human toothpaste, as it contains ingredients like xylitol that are toxic to them.
• Dental Chews: These can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup but are not a substitute for brushing.

Training & Enrichment

A bored puppy is a destructive puppy. Providing plenty of mental and physical stimulation is key to a happy, well-behaved dog.

Chew Toys, Chew Toys, Chew Toys!

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and teething can be an intense period. Providing a variety of appropriate chew toys will save your shoes, furniture, and sanity.

• Durable Rubber Toys: These are fantastic for satisfying the urge to chew. They can often be stuffed with treats to provide mental stimulation. Read our KONG Classic review to see why it’s the top pick for enrichment and teething relief.
• Plush Toys: Great for cuddling and gentle games of fetch. Supervise your puppy to ensure they don’t rip them apart and ingest the stuffing.
• Rope Toys: Good for a supervised game of tug-of-war.

Our Recommendation: The KONG Puppy Dog Toy is a classic for a reason. You can stuff it with peanut butter (xylitol-free!), kibble, or yogurt and freeze it for a long-lasting treat that soothes teething gums.

Interactive & Puzzle Toys

These toys make your puppy work for their food, engaging their brain and preventing boredom. Snuffle mats, food-dispensing balls, and puzzle toys are excellent ways to burn mental energy.

Our Recommendation: Start with a beginner-level puzzle like the Outward Hound Puppy Smart Dog Toy to build your puppy’s confidence.

Training Treats

Positive reinforcement is the best way to train a puppy. You’ll need a steady supply of small, soft, high-value treats to reward good behavior. Look for treats that are low in calories so you can use them frequently during training sessions.

The Finishing Touches

Once you have the basics covered, these items can make life even easier:

• Baby Gates: Perfect for keeping your puppy out of certain rooms or away from stairs.
• Playpen: A great way to create a safe, puppy-proofed area for them to play when you can’t directly supervise.
• Car Restraint: A doggy seatbelt, travel crate, or car seat is essential for keeping your puppy safe during car rides.
• Treat Pouch: Makes carrying treats on walks for on-the-go training a breeze.

Bringing home a new puppy is the start of an incredible journey. By preparing your home with these essential supplies, you’re setting the stage for a smooth, happy, and successful life together. Now, take a deep breath, and get ready for endless cuddles and unforgettable adventures. For a guide on what to do next, check out our article on surviving the first week with your new puppy.

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• First Week With Your New Puppy — Day-by-day guidance on routines, feeding, housetraining, and vet visits
• Puppy Crate Training Guide — Step-by-step crate training for new owners
• KONG Classic Review — The best enrichment toy for teething puppies
• How to Choose Dog Food — Expert guide to AAFCO standards and puppy nutrition
• Best Dog Grooming Tips — How to establish a grooming routine from day one
• Dog Dental Care Guide — Start brushing your puppy’s teeth early
• Best Gifts for Dog Lovers — Great gift ideas for the new puppy parent in your life