Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an adventure filled with cuddles and serious responsibilities. Just like preparing for a new baby, getting your house ready for a puppy requires a bit of work and lots of love.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or adding to your fur family, this guide will help you tick all the boxes on your puppy checklist. Let’s dive into the essentials for a smooth and joyful beginning. 👇🏻 🐶
Let’s start with your puppy’s diet which is the cornerstone of their health. Buy high-quality puppy food that caters to the nutritional needs of growing canines. Brands like ”Purine Proplan”, “Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula” or “Royal Canin Puppy” offer balanced meals with the right blend of protein, fat, and essential nutrients.
Remember, puppies have different dietary requirements than adult dogs, so opt for a formula specifically designed for puppies. You can add to your shopping list below the links.
👉🏻 Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Buy water bowls that are sturdy and easy to clean. Stainless steel bowls such as the “Bella Bowls” or ceramic options like “Waggo Dipper Bowls” are popular for their durability and safety.
👉🏻 Stainless Steel Non-Skid Bowl
When it comes to walking and training, choose an adjustable collar and leash that can grow with your puppy. The “PetSafe Adjustable Collar” paired with a “Flexi New Classic Retractable Leash” gives your dog both comfort and control. You can add to your shopping list below the links.
👉🏻 Flexi New Classic Retractable Leash
👉🏻 Dogwong Cotton Hemp Dog Collor
Select a suitable crate that provides enough space for your puppy to stand up and turn around. The “MidWest iCrate Starter Kit” is a great choice as it comes with a crate, cover, and bedding. ”The Petmate Sky Kennel” is an excellent alternative, especially for owners who plan to travel with their puppies.
Another great pick is the ‘‘Paws & Pals Double-Door Folding Metal Dog Crate” which provides front and side entry options, allowing for flexible placement in any room.
👉🏻 Paws & Pals Double-Door Folding Metal Dog Crate
Ensure your puppy has a warm place to sleep by providing comfortable bedding. Look for a soft, washable bed like the “Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler.” For a warm, eco-friendly option, try the “K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper.”
And, for joint support, consider the “FurHaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa Dog Bed,” with its washable cover for easy cleaning. You can add to your shopping list below the links.
👉🏻 Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler
👉🏻 K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper
👉🏻 FurHaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa Dog Bed
Accidents happen, even if we do not want to happen, and when they do, stock up on puppy pads/newspapers for easy cleanup. “Amazon Basics Pet Training Pads” are highly absorbent and leak-proof. You can also consider “Hartz Home Protection Unscented Odor Eliminating Gel Dog Pads” which are highly absorbent and eliminate odor.
Another excellent choice is “Glad for Pets Activated Carbon Puppy Training Pads” which trap and neutralize smells.
👉🏻 Amazon Basics Pet Training Pads
👉🏻 Hartz Home Protection Unscented Odor Eliminating Gel Dog Pads
👉🏻 Glad for Pets Activated Carbon Puppy Training Pads
Prepare a grooming kit for your pup with essentials like brushes, shampoo, and nail clippers. Try the ”Aibors Professional Dog Grooming Kit” which covers all the basics with ergonomic tools. Another great set is the ”Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush” alongside ”Burt’s Bees for Pets Natural Shed Control Shampoo” for a gentle clean.
If you want to learn more about bath essentials for dogs you can read the blog from here.
For regular paw care, ‘‘The Safari Professional Stainless Steel Nail Trimmer for Dogs” offers precise clipping for tiny nails.
👉🏻 Aibors Professional Dog Grooming Kit
👉🏻 Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
👉🏻 Burt’s Bees for Pets Natural Shed Control Shampoo
👉🏻 The Safari Professional Stainless Steel Nail Trimmer for Dogs
Everyone knows that puppies love to chew, so purchase chew toys that can help with teething. The “Kong Puppy Toy” is designed for little mouths and helps soothe sore gums. The ”Petstages Cool Teething Stick” can be frozen to provide soothing relief for sore gums.
Additionally, ”The West Paw Zogoflex Tux Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Toy” is durable and safe for persistent chewers, while also stimulating their brains.
👉🏻 Petstages Cool Teething Stick
👉🏻 The West Paw Zogoflex Tux Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Toy
Acquire training books/classes to guide you through the process of teaching your puppy manners. Books like “The Puppy Primer” by Patricia B. McConnell are excellent resources and local pet stores often offer classes for socialization and basic training. You can also read, the ”Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution” classes, which cover everything from basic obedience to advanced tricks.
Lastly, ”Perfect Puppy in 7 Days” by Dr. Sophia Yin uses a scientific approach to puppy training and is highly praised for its effectiveness.
👉🏻 Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution
Prepare a first aid kit with items specifically for dogs. The “ARCA PET Dog First Aid Kit” is compact and comes with all the essentials for minor injuries and emergencies. Another excellent choice is the ‘JUSAID Pet First Aid Kit,’ which is also well-equipped for urgent care.
First aid is crucial when raising a puppy. For more detailed information and a list of essential products, click here to explore our comprehensive guide on puppy first aid.
Schedule a vet appointment early on to get your puppy’s vaccinations and health checks underway. Establishing a relationship with a veterinarian at clinics like “VCA Animal Hospitals” ensures your puppy is on track for a healthy life.
Start flea and tick prevention to protect your puppy from parasites. Products like “Frontline Plus for Dogs” are effective and safe for young dogs. Alternatively, ”NexGard Chewables” is a popular choice that provides month-long protection in a tasty treat form.
Another reliable option is the ”Seresto Flea and Tick Collar”, which offers continuous, hassle-free protection for up to 8 months without the need for monthly applications.
👉🏻 Seresto Flea and Tick Collar
Buy poop bags to deal with your puppy’s waste responsibly. “RangeBio Dog Poop Bags” are eco-friendly and come with a convenient dispenser. For another great option, consider ”Amazon Basics Enhanced Dog Waste Bags”, which feature a more durable design and a scent that helps mask odors.
Lastly, ”Pet N Pet Poop Bags” are biodegradable, come in a large box to save on packaging, and have a fresh powder scent to keep things pleasant
👉🏻 Amazon Basics Enhanced Dog Waste Bags
Install gates/playpens to keep your puppy safe in designated areas of your home. The “Carlson Pet Products Design Studio Home Decor Walk Through Pet Gate” is easy to install and adjustable to fit various openings.
Another choice is the ”BalanceFrom Easy Walk-Thru Safety Gate for Doorways”, which combines height and aesthetics for superior pet-proofing.
👉🏻 Carlson Pet Products Design Studio Home Decor Walk Through Pet Gate
👉🏻 BalanceFrom Easy Walk-Thru Safety Gate for Doorways
Plan socialization/training sessions to help your puppy adjust to its new environment and learn to interact with others. Socialization is key to preventing fear and aggression, so introduce your puppy to various people, pets, and situations gradually and positively.
Embarking on the journey with your new puppy is an enriching experience. With this comprehensive checklist, you’re well on your way to providing your little companion with a loving and supportive environment. Remember, patience and consistent training are as vital as your gathered supplies.
Cherish every moment — from the first tail wag to the joyous leaps of a well-trained adult dog. Welcome to the wonderful world of puppy parenting!
