Suppose you’ve decided on a furry addition to your household. With an ample supply of love and loyalty, your new puppy will quickly become your best friend. Many describe having a dog as akin to caring for a baby - challenging yet fulfilling. With this in mind, you may want to consider some essentials to have ready for the big day, so you can get straight down to bonding and making memories.

Bed

A safe, cosy space for your puppy to curl up in will help them settle into a new environment. A smaller, more enclosed space may help to ease anxiety. Purchasing a crate for your puppy will help them become accustomed to sleeping at night. Situate your puppy’s crate or bed in a warm, quiet area of the house, but some experimentation might be needed to find a suitable spot.

Food and Water Bowls

Pet accessory manufacturers offer a wide variety of dog bowls from which to choose. A robust set of food and water bowls made from stainless steel or ceramic will be long-lasting and easy to clean. You may want to consider elevated feeders for larger breeds and slow feeders if your pup is the type to gulp down their entire meal without coming up for air.

Healthy Puppy Food

Food to suit your puppy’s individual needs and stage in development is vital for a happy, healthy pooch. High-quality commercial kibble is fortified with all the nutrients a growing canine needs. You can add extra fresh goodness in the form of bone broth, raw eggs, tinned fish and steamed veggies but always check with your vet if you are unsure what is and isn’t suitable.

Toys

There’s no doubt about it - puppies love to play. It’s what they’re best at. Unfortunately, as much as you’d like to, it simply isn’t possible to be playing with your puppy during every waking moment. Be sure to have an extensive supply of toys to keep any boredom at bay when your pup can’t have your undivided attention. Teething toys will help to soothe sore gums and gently clean those gnashers.

Adjustable Collar

Select a lightweight, soft, durable collar that can be adjusted to size as your puppy rapidly grows. Leather, nylon or woven cloth are popular materials, often available in various colours and styles to suit any doggy personality.

Lead and Harness

Around 1-2 weeks after your puppy has been fully vaccinated, you can start introducing them to the world by taking them on walks. Walking your dog keeps them fit and healthy while providing mental stimulation and socialisation. A dog harness will dramatically reduce the risk of neck injuries as your puppy becomes adjusted to being on a leash.

Poop Bags

Dog walkers should always pick up after their pooch to help maintain a clean, respectable environment. If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of single-use plastics, consider buying biodegradable dog waste bags made from plant-derived resin and compostable polymers.

Dental Care

Between the ages of eight and sixteen weeks, you can begin brushing your puppy’s teeth using special toothbrushes and dog-safe toothpaste. Starting to care for your pup’s dental hygiene when they’re young means they’ll become accustomed to the routine and less likely to suffer from complications such as gum disease and tooth loss. You can also provide them with dental chews and treats.

Puppy Pads

Puppy pads are essential for toilet training. Little bladders need to be emptied frequently, and your pup may not have mastered the art of holding it in until they’re outside. Puppy pads are absorbent, disposable squares you can place around your house that will save your floors and carpets from becoming soiled.

Enzyme Cleaner

Unfortunately, no toilet training process comes without the occasional (or not so occasional) accident. No matter how many puppy pads you strategically place around your home, you’ll get the odd sprinkle on the carpet or couch. A specialised cleaning solution is an effective way to remove these inevitable stains and odours from household furniture and flooring. Enzyme cleaners use enzymes to break down the molecules found in organic materials like urine and faeces.

Resources:

Checklist For New Puppy Owners