As a new dog owner, there is no greater feeling than welcoming a new puppy to your home. You’re adding a new member to the family, and while most pups survive off of their owners’ love and attention, you would still need to prepare some essential items for your new fur baby. After all, they also feel delighted when they are given new things, whether it be a new tufted dog sofa, a special dog bed, or a new toy to chew on. Here is the definitive new dog owner shopping list to get you ready when your puppy arrives!
1. A new dog bed
Buying a puppy bed is essential when adopting a new baby pooch. Beds give your pup the necessary space to call it a day and rest — so you have to make sure that they’re cozy and comfortable enough! We recommend starting by laying down a few cardboard boxes with some towels, and then moving on to an actual puppy bed once your pooch gets over his baby-chewing tendencies.
Once your puppy is old enough for an actual bed, we recommend buying a Sheri Shag Fur Donut Cuddler ($44.99 on Chewy) as a starter crib. If you have extra cash, you can also opt for a luxurious PetFusion Memory Foam Dog Bed ($109.95 on Chewy) to provide supreme quality comfort for your new baby!
2. Collar
You have to have a collar especially if you plan on doing lots of walks with your dog. It’s not just for restraint, it’s also for identification, fashion, and protection too. Dog parents can put important personal information as well as medical information on it. BusinessInsider.com named the Lupine Pet Eco Dog Collar ($15.93 on Amazon) the best in the US.
3. Special water bottle
The Highwave AutoDogMug Portable Dog Water Bottle & Bowl ($17.19 on Chewy) is a portable water bottle with a bowl. All you have to do is squeeze the water up into the bowl for your dog to lap up—no water wasted!
4. Puppy Cam
The Furbo is a fancy and high-definition camera that lets you monitor your dog with clarity and precision. You can also control it to toss treats whenever your puppy is feeling hungry.
5. A good-quality puppy leash/harness
Two weeks after your pup receives its last vaccine booster dose, you will be able to take them out on walks to fascinating parks, gardens, and many other local spaces. As such, you will definitely need to buy a new leash/harness.
Canine experts recommend purchasing a long nylon or leather leash for most pups. You can find many great leashes online, including this 5 ft. BAAPET Strong Dog Leash ($11 on Amazon) or the TUG Retractable Leash ( $20 on Amazon).
6. Pet first aid
Every pet owner should have a first aid kit. The AKC Pet First Aid Kit on Amazon has everything. It has a thermal blanket, reflective leash, collapsible food/water bowl, plastic water bottle, pill container, medicine applicator, fur-friendly gauze, tweezers, and a pet safety booklet.
7. Nail Clippers
You need to trim your dog’s nails. The Safari Professional Nail Trimmer for Dogs from Chewy for $8.69 delivers fast and clean cuts consistently. There’s even a built-in safety stop that will prevent you from cutting too short.
8. Puppy pads
The American Kennel Club AKC Training Pads ($26.50 on Amazon) come in different scents, are leak-proof, and feature odor control. Get this so you can teach your dog to not stink up the entire house.
9. Poop bags
You will be needing this as long as you have pets. The Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags 270 bags/ 18 rolls ($11.99 on Amazon) are thick, scented, and 100% leak-proof guaranteed.
10. A doggie bowl
When you decide to adopt a puppy, they would most likely be playing in a dog bowl than consuming their food. As soon as they get a little older, however, you should start training them to eat their kibble and drink their water from their doggie bowls. You definitely wouldn’t want them stealing food from your plate!
Dog bowls are very easy to find online, but we recommend buying the Outward Hound Fun Feeder Dog Bowl ($19.99 on Amazon). It’s perfect for young dogs who haven’t received much training yet — with this bowl’s unique “slow-feeding” design, your pups can avoid bloating or developing stomach issues in the future.
11. Shampoo
There are many shampoos out there. But if you really want what’s good for them, get the Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner from Chewy for $5.39. This will leave your dog’s hair lush and smelling fresh.
12. Stain & Odor Spray
Nature’s Miracle(R) Advanced Stain and Odor Eliminator has a bacteria-based formula that produces a fresh scent when it comes in contact with poop, piss, or vomit.
13. Water dispenser
The Brookstone Pet Water Fountain ($39.99) has a sensor, automatic spout, and a replaceable carbon filter to provide your dog with top-quality H20.
14. A special puppy crate
Seasoned dog owners would normally say that all puppies should be crate-trained, and it is 100% true. Crate training allows your dog to find a safe, comfortable space when their surroundings become profuse and overwhelming. Why not do it now while they’re still young and eager to learn new tricks?
On the internet, there are undoubtedly a plethora of options for puppy crates. But don’t you want to provide the best possible haven for your new furry companion? The LifeStage Puppy Crate ($99.99 on Amazon) is highly recommended for puppies due to its foldable and single-door design, while the Impact Stationary Dog Crate ($387.99 on ImpactDogCrates.com) is equally good because it is made of heavy-duty material.
15. Treats
You could never get enough of doggy treats. Blue-9 Pet Products’ Inspire Dog Training Treats ($9.95 on Amazon and Blue9.com) are made from the finest ingredients.
16. Toys
You can buy any toy, just make sure they’re not choking hazards and poisonous. Ethical Pet SPOT Play Strong “S” Bone ($18.82 on Amazon) is safe, durable, and non-toxic.
As a novice dog parent, these four items should be on top of your new dog owner shopping list. With these items prepared, you will now be ready to welcome your new fur baby to your home!
