Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting experience filled with joy and a bit of chaos. As a new pet parent, setting up your home with the right items can help make this transition smoother. Having a well-prepared starter kit ensures that your furry friend has everything they need from the start.
What are the key items that will make your puppy feel comfortable and safe in their new home? This article covers the must-have essentials, from cozy sleeping arrangements to fun toys that help with training. Get ready to create a loving and nurturing environment for your new puppy.
Table of Contents
- 1) Puppy Food: Royal Canin Puppy
- 2) Puppy Crate: MidWest iCrate
- 3) Dog Bed: Best Friends by Sheri
- 4) Chew Toys: KONG Puppy Toy
- 5) Leash: Blueberry Pet Padded Leash
- 6) Collar: GoTags Personalized Collar
- 7) Training Pads: All-Absorb Training Pads
- 8) Brush: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
- 9) Puppy Shampoo: Burt’s Bees Tearless Shampoo
- 10) Food and Water Bowls: Upsky No-Spill Bowls
- 11) Treats: Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
- Creating a Safe Space for Your Puppy
- Establishing a Routine
1) Puppy Food: Royal Canin Puppy
Choosing the right food for your puppy is crucial. Royal Canin Puppy food is a great option that many vets recommend.
It’s designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies. The kibble size is perfect for small mouths, making it easy to chew.
Royal Canin also focuses on supporting your puppy’s developing immune system and digestive health.
2) Puppy Crate: MidWest iCrate
A puppy crate is essential for training and safety. The MidWest iCrate is a great choice. It comes with a crate cover, a bed, and two bowls, making it perfect for your new furry friend.
The crate is designed to be user-friendly and fits perfectly with the fleece bed and polyester cover included. It’s machine washable and dryer friendly for easy cleaning. This crate will help make your puppy feel safe and secure in their new home.
3) Dog Bed: Best Friends by Sheri
A comfy dog bed is crucial for your new puppy. The Best Friends by Sheri calming dog beds are a great choice.
These beds feature soft, shag fur to keep your puppy cozy. The high bolstered edges provide support and a sense of security.
You can find these beds in various sizes and colors, making it easy to match your home decor.
4) Chew Toys: KONG Puppy Toy
A KONG Puppy Toy is perfect for your new furry friend. Made with a gentle rubber formula, it’s great for teething puppies.
This toy can be stuffed with treats to keep your pup engaged and happy. It’s designed to bounce unpredictably, adding extra fun to playtime.
KONG Puppy Toys help teach appropriate chewing behavior, making your training easier.
5) Leash: Blueberry Pet Padded Leash
A good leash is a must-have for your puppy. The Blueberry Pet Padded Leash is a great choice. It’s durable and comes with a comfortable padded handle.
You can find it in various lengths and styles, making it perfect for training and everyday walks. The sturdy design ensures your puppy stays safe while exploring their new world.
6) Collar: GoTags Personalized Collar
A collar is a must for your new puppy. The GoTags Personalized Collar is a great choice.
This collar can be embroidered with your dog’s name and phone number. The details are clear and easy to read.
It’s made with durability in mind and features a sturdy buckle. Fast, free shipping is a bonus from GoTags.
7) Training Pads: All-Absorb Training Pads
Training pads are a must-have for any new puppy. The All-Absorb Training Pads are a popular choice. They have a quick-dry surface and leak-proof design, which helps keep your floors clean.
These pads are ultra-absorbent and control odors, making them perfect for indoor use. You can find these pads in different sizes and quantities, making it easy to choose what fits your needs best.
8) Brush: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is perfect for grooming your new puppy. It’s designed to remove loose hair, tangles, and dirt from your pup’s coat.
This brush is easy to clean. With the push of a button, the bristles retract, making hair removal simple.
Ideal for both short and long-haired breeds, it’s a must-have for any new puppy owner. This brush helps keep your puppy’s coat healthy and shiny. You can learn more about it here.
9) Puppy Shampoo: Burt’s Bees Tearless Shampoo
When it comes to keeping your puppy clean, Burt’s Bees Tearless Shampoo is a great choice. This gentle shampoo is made with buttermilk, which helps keep your puppy’s skin and fur soft and smooth.
One of the best features is that it doesn’t sting the eyes. This makes bath time much more comfortable for your furry friend.
You can find Burt’s Bees Tearless Shampoo at various retailers such as Burt’s Bees Pets and Walmart.
10) Food and Water Bowls: Upsky No-Spill Bowls
When it comes to feeding your new puppy, messes can be a headache. The Upsky No-Spill Bowls make life easier. These bowls have a floating disk and a waterproof edge strip that helps keep water inside the bowl.
The no-slip base ensures the bowl stays put, even with eager eaters. The 35-ounce capacity is great for puppies of all sizes.
11) Treats: Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
Your new puppy will love Wellness Soft Puppy Bites. These treats are perfect for puppies with small teeth. They are grain-free and made with wholesome ingredients like lamb and salmon.
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites are great for training and rewarding. They contain no artificial colors or flavors and are packed with nutrients like DHA and omega-3 fatty acids. This makes them a healthy choice for daily treats!
Creating a Safe Space for Your Puppy
To make your new puppy feel at home, it’s important to create a cozy and secure area. This helps them relax and adjust. Here are some tips on setting up a comfortable bed and finding the perfect crate.
Setting Up a Cozy Bed
Your puppy needs a cozy place to sleep. Choose a bed that’s soft and comfortable. A round or oval bed can make them feel snug. Make sure it’s big enough for them to grow into as well.
Place the bed in a quiet corner of your home. Puppies need a calm spot to rest. Add a few soft blankets to make it even cozier. You can also add a few chew toys to keep them entertained.
Make sure the bed is washable. Puppies can be messy, and you’ll want to clean their bedding often. Opt for materials that are easy to clean and durable.
Choosing the Right Crate
A crate helps keep your puppy safe and secure. Choose a crate that’s the right size. Your puppy should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Metal crates are durable, while plastic crates offer more privacy.
Line the bottom of the crate with a soft blanket or a bed. This makes it comfy for naps and bedtime.
Place the crate in a central area of your home. This helps your puppy feel part of the family. Avoid high-traffic areas to keep things calm.
Introduce the crate slowly. Allow your puppy to explore it on their own. Give treats when they go inside. This helps them see the crate as a positive space.
Using these tips, you can create a safe and comfortable spot for your new puppy to thrive.
Establishing a Routine
Creating a routine is important for your new puppy. This helps them feel secure and know what to expect each day. Key points include setting regular times for meals and practicing consistent potty training.
Feeding Schedule
A regular feeding schedule ensures that your puppy gets the right amount of food at the right times. Puppies usually eat three to four times a day until they are about six months old.
You should feed your puppy roughly at the same times each day. This helps regulate their digestion.
Choose high-quality puppy food that meets their nutritional needs. Make sure to measure portions based on the guidelines provided by your vet or the food packaging.
After meals, give your puppy access to water. Keep an eye on their eating habits to ensure they are healthy and not over or under-eating. Consistency is key.
Potty Training Tips
Potty training requires patience and consistency. Start by taking your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals and naps.
Choose a specific spot outside for them to use as their bathroom. This helps them understand where they should go.
Use a command like “go potty” while your puppy is doing their business. Praise them and give them a treat immediately after they finish. This reinforces good behavior.
Be patient with accidents. Instead of scolding, clean it up calmly and take them outside to their designated spot. Over time, your puppy will learn where and when to go.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.
