The 101 Things You Need For A New Puppy 😊

If you're wondering what supplies you’ll need for a new puppy, this page was written just for you! From the products you simply must have, to a more extensive list below, the right products can make life with a new puppy so much less stressful.

 The average trip to the local pet emporium can be mind-boggling.  New puppy owners often have a long list of what they think they need for their new puppy but come home only to find they've forgotten some of the most essential items or, worse yet, spent a small fortune and ended up with a host of wrong or ineffective products in place of what they really needed.

Check out the list below for a comprehensive list of low and high-budget items, all of which will make life with your new puppy a doggone delight!  I’ll even share a selection of luxury puppy/dog items if you have the budget for them or want to splurge!

There are so many amazing tools that can make raising a puppy much more streamlined and easier.

For example, a well-designed playpen gives you a safe place to put your puppy while you cook dinner and keeps him out of trouble in a space large enough to allow room for toys, etc.

But, get the wrong crate and housetraining could go awry, the wrong puppy food, and your puppy could develop heart disease. (After much research, I’m avoiding grain-free dog food and those with peas and potatoes) dog foods!), Get the wrong toys, for goodness sake; your puppy could swallow a piece or need surgery to remove a blockage (thus, no rawhides!).

#1. Daytime Playpen | For Puppy Potty Training Success

Structure is the new puppy owner's new best friend.

I tell puppy owners to create a puppy-friendly space; a playpen in the kitchen or family room, where you spend most of your time, is one of the best products you’ll buy for your puppy. The crate is fine for nighttime sleeping, but I’m just not a fan of too much confinement in too small an area. Puppies that spend too much time crated are often more destructive, noisier, and don’t sleep well at night. A healthy puppy needs room to move around during the day, not only in a playpen while indoors, but judiciously placed baby gates will allow your puppy to romp and play in the kitchen as well. Think outside the box and create easy-to-clean puppy zones with a few thoughtfully chosen pens and barriers.

Note: Be prepared to deal with accidents in this slightly larger space, but with diligence, your puppy will get the message that her playpen is NOT her litterbox!

Again, this is a wonderful option if you have a slightly larger space to accommodate it.

The larger size allows room to feed your puppy, have a bed, and lots of toys. You can even put puppy pads down for the occasional time you’re not sure you’ll be back soon enough for the next potty break.

Note: If you use pads, get the pad holder (listed below) that will keep your puppy from turning the pad into a chew toy.

(PLEASE don’t place your playpen on a carpet as pictured; what were they thinking?)

This fits great in a larger kitchen or family room; an excellent choice if you have room for it; order it today! I love that it allows your puppy to have room to play, making for a puppy that sleeps better. You’ll find it on Amazon or here on Chewy.

Richelle Pet Pen | Medium-Sized for small breed puppies.

Here's another daytime option for keeping your puppy contained and comfy, especially if you are limited in space and don’t have room for a larger playpen.

Remember, though, when in doubt, go with the Iris/larger-sized playpen and add on the Richelle for a family room option or upstairs in your master bedroom. It comes in handy to have puppy-safe areas throughout the house.

Be careful about size options when ordering crates and playpens. The Richell medium is my choice for puppies up to about 12 pounds. It is large enough (36.8 x 24.2 x 26 inches) to give your puppy room for a bed on one side and toys, food, and water dishes on the other.  

I have this set up in my kitchen; it's super cute, and what I love most is that it can be used without the top to give your puppy a feeling of freedom while still keeping her safe and off the carpet! (Remember, Puppy People, puppies need lots of structure and NO access to carpet until they have been "accident-free" for five days : ) Here's my article on how to safely increase your puppy's "safe zone" one paw at a time.

I LOVE the Richell pen; a bit pricey, but everyone who notices it in my kitchen begs to take it home! It’s becoming increasingly more expensive and very hard to find. Right now, the only place I’m seeing it is on Amazon. This (or the Iris playpen above) becomes your puppy's main area until she's reliably house-trained when you are not supervising her. Perfect to put the puppy in while you are preparing dinner or running errands when someone comes to the door.

Remember, for the Richell, please be sure to order the 36” x 24” size; anything smaller won’t suffice as a playpen.

Only give access to other parts of the house when your puppy has been out to potty, is presumably "empty" and tethered to a responsible human who can monitor puppy and prevent accidents.

#2. Puppy/Adult Dog Food | All Life-Stages.

Instinct Raw Boost Whole Grain - Salmon & Brown Rice

Dog food choices are enough to make your head spin.  I've decided that though there are numerous options (and opinions) of what is the best, those opinions change all the time depending on who you consult.

Instinct Raw Boost is my newest favorite food for growing puppies. I cannot tell you how much time and energy this dog breeder has put into researching the most nutritious foods so I can point my clients to a diet that is truly going to build a healthy puppy.

Trust me on this one, please don’t think you can wander into your local pet store and buy whatever shiny bag catches your eye. Dog foods vary wildly in nutrients, and some of the top brands are loaded with junk ingredients like peas and legumes (linked to heart disease in dogs that consume them).

Instinct Raw Boost is highly rated by sources I trust, I use it for all my puppies and highly recommend you do the same with your new puppy.

#3. Puppy Sleeping Crate

Moderately priced and good value, the Midwest Life Stages crate is an excellent size for breeds up to 25 pounds adult size. It is small enough to help ensure your puppy stays clean overnight but not too cramped to be uncomfortable.

(Remember, Puppy People use a small crate like this one mainly for sleeping quarters at night. Short periods of daytime use are OK, an hour or two tops; any longer daytime crating needs to be done in a larger space like those listed below.)

#4. Travel And Or Sleeping Crate | Multi-Purpose

A sturdy crate like this one is best for traveling in the car (and using for bedtime too if you need a more portable option, say you want to carry sleeping quarters upstairs or down, this is a helpful option.

Plastic crates (with a door on top) have the best ventilation; they can pop in the car for a road trip when needed. They are snug and denlike.

Wire crates have excellent ventilation, but I recommend getting a cover to make them feel more secure and cozy.

While this guide is primarily written for smaller-size breeds, the same rules apply whether you have a Cavachon or a Chow Chow. The right size is your first consideration; your puppy shouldn’t be cramped, nor should the crate be so large that he can travel from one end to the other to go potty. You’ll want your puppy to be able to stand up and still have about 4” to 6” clearance over his head. From his nose to the end of his tail, add about 6” to 10” for comfort.

These smaller crates are best for overnight sleeping quarters and short periods during the day if you don’t have a playpen.  

But, of course, you’ll have a playpen because it will make house training so much easier 😊

If you want to splurge a bit, choose this gorgeous puppy crate from Diggs. Beautifully designed, I love the sleek, upscale look; Diggs is known for top-notch design and quality.

#5. Washable Crate Bedding

Remember, your puppy comes fully equipped with her own warm, fluffy coat. , a puppy can get really uncomfortable in a crate that is stuffed with too much bedding.

Sometimes, a smaller bed leaves room for your puppy to cool off and lay on the tray of her kennel. You'll be surprised at how often, given the choice, she'll stretch out on a surface free of bedding and stretch out on the uncovered floor of her kennel

Of course, in chilly temps, all puppies love to cuddle in a cozy bed, but giving them options is always a good idea, so be mindful of the time of year and room temperature. If your puppy is fussy in her crate, try a potty break and use a small blanket that she can shove aside for a cooler sleeping surface.

Another benefit of smaller-size blankets in the crate is that they are easy to wash. If your puppy is just starting her crate-training journey, this will be much simpler than trying to wash a big cushiony bed until she’s mastered house-training 101.

#6. Crate Pads

After all my admonishments about easy to wash crate bedding, there is certainly a place for a well-fitted and more padded bedding for your puppy’s crate. These are good alternatives to the blankets and have their place in your puppy’s list of best options for crate time.

The more accidents you prevent, the quicker your puppy will be house-trained. That being said, please don’t panic or obsess over puppy accidents; stick to the steps outlined in New Puppy 101, and your puppy will soon be house-trained; fear not. Be prepared for the inevitable accidents, and deal with them quickly with great cleaners

Remember to hover your puppy over the scene of the crime and gently but firmly tell her how upset you are as you clean. Then take her outside for another opportunity to potty and a TREAT, even if she’s empty. Ending up in happyland outdoors while telling her, “Good Girl! Molly potty outside!” All steps that lay the foundation for a quickly house-trained puppy.

Try not to stress; you’ll get there in time; try to keep a sense of humor and lots of paper towels and treats on hand!

#7. Biokleen Bac-Out Spray

Bac-Out Stain and Odor Remover by Biokleen.

My favorite cleaner is my super weapon for puppy cleanup, carpets, & keeping the rest of my house clean. Wonderful product. From cleaning stains to removing odors, it’s my go-to for everything yucky. AND it’s pet + people safe, LOVE IT! You can also use it on laundry stains, bathrooms, fabrics, and carpets all over the house. I’ve tried so many enzymatic cleaners, and the smell of every other one of them literally takes my breath away; this all-natural cleaner works so much better and has a pleasantly mild scent that I like, and I’m super fussy.

#8. Calming Donut Cuddler Bed (For Grown Up Dogs Too)

These really are calming, I think they embrace your dog as she snuggles inside and make a comforting spot to nap when mom goes to town and leaves you all alone. This version is best as a free-standing option in the family room or corner of the kitchen when your puppy is a bit older. Most dogs will hop in and

#9. Portable Outdoor Fencing (Two versions below).

Don’t have a fenced yard? A portable outdoor puppy yard gives your puppy a safe area to go potty if you don’t have a fenced yard. If you buy 2 of them, you’ll have a sizey area for your puppy to play and use up puppy energy. Position them against a garage or existing fence for double the puppy potty space! I like the shorter 24” height but some puppies can climb like monkeys, 36” is a good option for slightly larger pups.

These little "Ex Pens" are WONDERFUL to have in your new puppy toolkit!  I've used these from our first litter onwards and always when traveling to dog shows, going camping, anything I want puppies safe and yet able to go potty and exercise a bit & they are inexpensive and amazing!  

If you are potty training a new puppy, this single item will make the process go so much quicker.  Young puppies are often reluctant to go potty while on the leash, of course, that comes with time but this little pen set up out in the backyard in a shady potty spot can as one client recently told me "It' works like a miracle!" Enough said!

I recommend a combination of these for inside and outside the house, a quick & portable option when I want to have a small exercise area that can be moved and stored with little effort.

The versions below are nice if you have an open floor plan and still want a puppy play area (YES!) that will keep your puppy happy and not just hidden away in a dark crate and no interaction with the rest of the family.  The white version is more of a square option for tighter quarters.

The BestPet is a super playpen to use outdoors, it's sturdy and has a black powder-coat finish.  My favorite outside play area for families who lack a fenced yard.  Puppies benefit immensely if they are allowed to run and play and use up puppy energy a few times a day.

       Remember Puppy People "A tired puppy is a GOOD PUPPY!

“Puppies that live on a leash with little or no time to just unbend and romp to their heart's content and wear themselves out are often puppies that chew, don't sleep well at night, and are generally more troublesome than puppies who have enjoyed daily periods of just being allowed to be dogs!"  

Best Airline Carriers

(Warning! You don't want to get this one wrong!)

Traveling with Fido?  You'll need the RIGHT SIZE under the seat carrier, MOST of what is advertised is tooooo small for a comfortable journey for your puppy.  It's no fun traveling with a cramped puppy, trust me on this one, get a large enough travel container!  I've had owners rave about how much they like the Teafco Argo Petagon, I love the upscale look and rich textured fabric, very nicely made and looks like it came from a  ritzy doggie boutique! 

"We were hesitant about getting a bag that went beyond the dimensional regulations for pet carriers with Southwest Airlines, but took the risk as this one was "airline approved". The airline didn't hesitate to permit the bag and most other people didn't realize that we had our dog traveling with us until we let him poke his head out of the top. I will say the height and length of large bag is really the max size that fits under the seat, but the width is narrow enough to allow for just enough space on either side to stretch my legs."  

The Snoozer Roll Around also get's high marks if you want the ease of a pull-along dog trolley that again, will fit nicely under the seat when you fly (read the reviews, this one requires a bit of fiddling to tuck it properly but everyone loves it anyway!)

#9. Great Puppy Training Books

The BEST puppy training tutorials out there! Carol Lea Benjamin is a genius!  Remember,,, puppies LOVE it when we take our position as the leaders in their lives.

I include a digital copy of my written with love and decades of experience New Puppy 101, but this author is a must read for furthering your education!

Puppy Prep Item #7 Quality Probiotics

Vitamin Shoppe Ultimate 10 Probiotics

A high CFU probiotic will help build your puppy’s immune system and provide the good bacteria needed for healthy digestion. It’s hard to find high CFU counts in almost all of the labeled “dog probiotics” some are a dismal 3 CFUs per serving. Confusing I know; just order this one, and give your puppy 1 capsule daily. Pull the capsule open and sprinkle the powder over her puppy food. Easy-peasy = Healthy puppy! (By the way, you can take these too!)

Dog Nail Trimming 101

As a groomer I saw far too many pets who were terrified of having their nails trimmed; many of them because their well-meaning but inexperienced owners had caused them to fear the process. Sad but true.

To add insult to injury, a dog that is fearful of nail trimming can eventually have to be sedated for this simple procedure. Please leave this job to your groomer unless you are super skillful and have the right tools. I’m including a couple of sizes, I use them every day, the Safari is good for puppies up to about a year of age or when the nail begins to thicken and get more solid you’ll want to transition to the Epica which will be the right size for dogs up to 30 pounds.

• Make sure you are using the right tools, there are dozens of truly dire nail trimmers out there. If you look at my Amazon orders you’ll see about a dozen of the worst examples that I’ve done testing on. It is critically important that if you’re going to do this job yourself your trimmer is professional grade and designed so as not to crush the nail which is excruciatingly painful for your poor dog.

• Buy replacements as needed to keep your trimmer sharp. Replace yours if you are in doubt. Dull trimmers cause pain and if you hurt your dog while doing his nails you can cause a problem for life.

Don’t forget an assortment of puppy treats & why I recommend ordering all pet food items from Chewy 😢

• Need to be so delicious your puppy will stand on her head to get one (or go potty OUTSIDE) because she wants another one of those incredibly yummy dog treats.

• Must be tiny so your puppy can swallow it quickly and mark the behavior with an immediate reward.

• Not too filling or rich, you’ll be rewarding numerous times per day; puppies can fill up quickly on snacks and not want to eat their kibble at mealtime.

• Nutritious: I'm not a fan of poor quality "junk food" for puppies and always like to point puppy people to the best products that will not only reward good puppies but nourish them too. No junk food for puppies, please.

WHY CHEWY? I get it; we’re all addicted to the ease of ordering from Amazon, but I’ve found issues with freshness and product handling from Amazon leave a lot to be desired. I’ve found Chewy to be super quick, and my puppy food never arrives looking like the bag has been run over with a tow motor or that it’s been sitting in an overheated warehouse for months on end.

(And shipping is even FASTER than Amazon!)

By the way, in addition to PureBites, the Pioneer Woman Beef Brisket treats are amazing for potty training, too; I’d have both brands on hand just in case your baby decides she’s bored with one or tother!  Mixing up flavors can keep her on her puppy toes, wanting more!

Just remember, don't let your puppy fill up on even nutritious treats, but use them sparingly as an earned reward to help speed house training along, etc.

The two best potty-training treats

Pioneer Woman Beef Brisket Recipe & Purebites 100% Liver Treats

My 2 favorite potty-training treats; are simply the best way to quick house-training success. An excellent protein source, yummy and easy on puppy tummies.

(I include a sample pack to get you off on the right track in potty training, but order them now so you don’t run out (you’ll thank me later : )

These options work well for rewarding your puppy for any good behaviors, coming when she’s called, of course, potty training, and anytime you want an extra special, easy-to-swallow reward. just keep them to a minimum as an EARNED reward, a nice healthy snack though!

INDOOR Puppy Potty Supplies  

For those Puppy People who need an indoor potty option; and if you've carefully read Puppy Training 1o1, you'll know that I'm not typically a fan of teaching a puppy to use pads in the house.  I understand there are exceptions to every rule and if you live in a high-rise building and it’s 10 degrees below zero in January, needs have musts and you will have to resort to a puppy pad system to make life with a new puppy a bit more manageable.

Here are good choices, if you decide that it's necessary, I grudgingly give you the Puppy Diva’s approval. Don’t forget the BacOut BioKleen listed above; it will keep everything smelling fresh, even with a new puppy who uses pads Make sure you check the size of the pad for the pad holder, choose the size to match the pad that best fits your puppy’s size, small, medium or large.

Puppy Prep #7 Safe FLea Control for pets

I'm a big fan of natural products and safe options to deal with everything from mosquitoes at your barbecue to flea and tick control on the family pets. Keep in mind these are not nuclear weapons and will require faithful use to be the most effective but most of you don’t need to be using the super toxic options anyway and for the sake of your health and your good dog’s health, go natural whenever you possibly can.  

Disclosure: I may use affiliate links in posts where I recommend specific products or supplements for your puppy. If you purchase something through one of my affiliate links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.

What about a booster seat and harness for your pet?

I never thought car seats and harnesses were all that important for traveling until a friend of mine recently lost her beautiful dog Paisley when the dog slid off the front seat and bumped against the dash of her car during a minor collision. What seemed like a harmless incident resulted in a brain hemorrhage and the loss of her beloved pet. A sad story which changed my views on traveling with dogs.

I’ve included the best car seat and harness option for dogs up to 25 pounds, if you have a bigger pet, check the sizing and be sure to keep pets safe in the backseat. Airbags are another front seat danger to small pets especially. Keep your puppy and your adult dog safe and use them…

Puppy Prep Item #                                                                       (Safe chewing options for teething puppies

best puppy leads, harness & collar options

Let me start out by saying I prefer a lead and collar (yes the proper term used by the doggie pros is "LEAD".  Harnesses are popular and I'm OK with their use as long as we don't turn our puppies into sled dogs.  Using a harness can encourage your puppy to pull,,, that's why we use them on horses, you don't see them pulling wagons with collars on their necks, point made : )

Grooming

I may include affiliate links in posts where I recommend specific products or supplements for your puppy. If you purchase something through one of my affiliate links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.