If you're considering getting a puppy for the very first time, here's a list of some recommended items you might need:
Here is an amazon cart with our current favorites!
Or... you can pick and choose.
--- Supplies for your home
1. A crate just large enough for your dog to lay down comfortably.
2. A crate pad.
3. Food/water dishes.
4. Collar, tag, and leash (consider a microchip in addition to tags, not as an alternative).
5. Training treats. (or cheerios)
6. Chew bones or treats.
7. Puppy food. We start ours on Whole Hearted Chicken and Brown Rice puppy food. To avoid a tummy upset, start with the same food they're used to eating and slowly add your preferred food.
8. A pair of round-tip scissors. You'll need them for in between groomings, or bring in for a sanitary trim.
9. A brush for pulling out the undercoat to prevent matted fur.
10. A rope toy. At least one. Tug-of-war helps loosen baby teeth so they fall out naturally.
11. A variety of toys with different textures and functions, and a willingness to play. There's a ton to choose from. See what your new baby likes most!
12. At least one bed. Pups like their own space.
--- From your vet
13. Heartworm and flea prevention. We use Trifexis, which comes from our vet.
14. A vet. Different vets have different vaccination schedules. Find one you get along with and they'll gladly advise you about the best products to use.
15. A donut collar, at least when it comes time to spay or neuter. They're much more comfortable than a cone.
16. Baby aspirin and Benadryl. Both are safe for dogs in small doses. (Check with your vet first)
--- For the pro active owner
17. Puppy shampoo. Messes are inevitable.
18. A teeth-cleaning product, bone or brush.
19. A dremel. For nail trimming. One from the hardware store will last longer than one from a pet store.
--- Travel essentials
20. a portable water container, a food dish, a travel carrier (if necessary), and waste collection bags.
21. For the car or plane, a seatbelt and harness or a portable carrier.
--- Preventive
22. A list of foods that are dangerous or deadly for dogs. Chocolate, Advocato, Xyletol, chicken bones, and alcohol to name a few.
23. Generally do not feed your dog from the table, it will encourage unhealthy habits and obesity.
24. A list of local plants that are deadly to dogs. Sago palm is a big one. If you have those plants in your yard it might be prudent to remove them or make them inaccessible.
--- Supplies that only take your time
25. Patience. Especially if you want your pup to spend her nights anywhere other than your bed. The first few nights alone are scary for a puppy. She's likely to whine, cry, or howl if left alone.
26. More patience. Remember that your new pup is still learning, and stay calm if she chews on something she shouldn't or has an accident on your carpet. Unfortunately that's just life with puppies. We use baby gates to protect our stuff and keep our pups out of places they shouldn't go.
27. Insurance. Pup insurance is relatively inexpensive and can be a lifesaver should something go wrong. Most puppy insurance will also pay for vaccinations and a spay or neuter, as well as yearly checkups. Some will even pay for dental cleaning.
28. Research. There are tons of articles available online about training, behavior, and development. Use them!
29. A knowledgeable friend who will let you know when everything is okay and when it's not. Sometimes an outside perspective can be incredibly helpful.
30. Confidence. You can do this! Your baby is going to be amazing!
Questions? Ask us!