New Puppy Shopping Checklist

Bringing a new puppy home for the first time can be very exciting, whether the pup is a present for you, your children or significant other. Raising a puppy, however, takes a lot of work, care and preparation. You and your dog will be miserable if you are not prepared with the supplies necessary to house and care for a new puppy.

  1. Food

    • One of the first things to consider is getting food for your dog. To start out, the best option is to feed your dog the same brand and type of food he was eating prior to adoption. A sudden change in diet can upset your puppy’s stomach and cause overall digestion problems. You can mix in a different type of dog food, and gradually make the switch. You will need puppy-specific and, depending on the breed, breed-specific dog food. Another thing to keep in mind is that dry dog food is better for dental and digestive health than soft, canned dog food. Additionally, doggy treats can serve as rewards for early obedience training. And finally, don’t forget food and water bowls.

    Collar and Leash

    • A collar with identification, including a dog license, is a necessity when bringing home your new puppy. In fact, many states require that you keep your dog’s collar and license on him at all times. An added benefit is that your puppy’s collar attaches to a leash. All dogs, especially puppies, need exercise, and you need a leash, preferably about 6 feet long, in order to keep control of your dog in public; in many places, it is also the law. Additionally, you need to start obedience training at an early age, and a leash (particularly, a second, longer leash) will help you accomplish this.

    Crate/Enclosure/Shelter/Gates

    • A shelter or doghouse is an obvious must for an outside puppy. However, inside puppies need a crate or other enclosure, as well. During the night and when you are away from home, crating your puppy will stop her from chewing up the furniture and peeing everywhere. You should always put some sort of washable bedding (blankets and towels) in your dog’s enclosure. Additionally, gates are a good idea for keeping your puppy out of certain areas of the house; you can even use baby gates, which are usually cheaper than dog gates.

    Cleaning Supplies

    • Yes, your new puppy will, even if it is potty-trained, pee or poop inside your house at some time—usually many times. Dog poop is picked up easily enough with a napkin or baggy, but you will need a dog urine cleaner for your carpet when your puppy pees; enzyme-based cleaners are some of the most effective. If your puppy is going to be an outside dog, you may want a pooper-scooper. Make sure you’re stocked up on plastic baggies for when you take the new puppy on walks.

    Toys

    • Your new puppy will also need a selection of toys, giving him an outlet to release energy. Puppies need to chew to help their teeth develop, so make sure you select some chew toys to keep your pup from gnawing on furniture, pillows and shoes.