How to Organize Your Puppy's Stuff

When you first brought your puppy home, you might not have realized just how much stuff was going to follow him in. From grooming supplies to big bags of dog food and doggy clothes to an insane amount of toys, you likely have plenty of things to organize. Luckily, containers, baskets, feeding stations, cans and other organizational items can help you out.

  1. Food and Treats

    • A plastic, ceramic or stainless steel airtight container will keep your pal's food fresh and organized. If his chow is a bit heavy to lug around and you'd like to keep it hidden from view, consider a container that you can wheel in and out of a pantry or closet. Some stainless steel containers look quite elegant and can add to the feel of a room, especially those whose lids open with the use of a foot pedal. If you're looking for a low-cost option, choose a no-frills container that will keep your pooch's food just as fresh. Small airtight canisters or jars are also excellent options to store your pup's treats. Containers are only appropriate for dry food and treats. If you open wet food, you must keep it in the fridge for no longer than seven days or freeze it.

    Medicine

    • If your puppy requires vitamins or medication, a pill organizer can help keep everything organized. At the start of the week, fill the organizer with the pills he needs each day and then keep the organizer in a closet or a drawer away from human medications. If your furry youngster has liquid or paste medications, cut a piece of paper into seven small squares. Write on the squares the medications he needs each day, and then stick the pieces of paper into the corresponding compartments in the pill organizer. When you give him his medicine, remove the piece of paper from the organizer. Rinse and repeat the following week.

    Toys

    • Whether your puppy has lots of toys or just a few, you probably don't want them scattered about your floor. Plastic totes, dog toy boxes and baskets serve as the perfect canine toy depositories. If he has lots of toys, consider storing some of them in a separate container inside a closet. Exchange a few of them once a week with the toys he has access to -- that keeps him from getting bored with the same ones. If you'd rather not have his toys sitting in a container or basket in the open, opt for an under-bed storage container that you can slide under your couch or bed.

    Accessories and Grooming Supplies

    • Keep accessories that your pup often wears or needs, such as a leash, collar and harness, in a basket or small container near the front door. If you'd rather keep those accessories up high, affix a set of key hooks to your wall and hang them up. For other accessories, consider purchasing your puppy a food and water station with drawers or doors that open and allow you to store things inside. Alternatively, simply plop the items in a container and store them in a closet. Place small grooming tools, such as nail clippers and brushes, in a jar or something similar, near where you typically groom your little guy. Larger things, such as shampoo and towels, fit perfectly in a small plastic drawer unit that you can place under your sink or in your laundry room. A separate unit can house any doggy clothes you like to embarrass your puppy with.