Puppy Supplies: The “Bare Bone” Essentials

There is so much excitement leading up to the arrival of a new pup that it is easy to forget all the supplies you need before they come home. Being prepared ahead of time will make bringing home your new friend as fun and stress-free as possible. You will want to have the following “bare bone” essential puppy supplies ready for your pet’s arrival:

• Food and Water Dishes
• Food
• Collar
• Leash
• Puppy Bed
• Crate
• Grooming Products
• Toys
• Identification Tag
• Treats

Food and Water Dishes

Using non-porous and easy to clean bowls such as stainless steel or ceramic will help keep bacteria from forming and your puppy from chewing their dishes. Remember to wash your puppy’s dishes frequently and have fresh water available.   

Food

Talk to your breeder about what food they are currently feeding. Ideally, you want to feed the same food for a smooth transition from kennel to home. If you are unsure of how much to feed your puppy, check out our feeding calculator.

Collar

Choose a collar that is appropriate for the size and breed of your dog. Puppies grow fast, so it is recommended to check the collar’s fit regularly and adjust when needed. Test to make sure the collar won’t slip over your puppy’s head. If you can fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and your puppy, you have found the perfect balance.

Leash

It is recommended, especially early on in your puppy’s life, to use a short leash when on walks. The reason for this is simply for control. If your puppy is doing something incorrectly during your walk (trying to run ahead of you or across you, for example), this is easier to correct with a shorter leash. Once your puppy becomes an adult, is fully trained, and you are comfortable with giving him some space, you can trade the short leash for a longer one and give them some freedom in their walks.

Puppy Bed

A pet bed provides a sense of security and comfort for your puppy. Having a designated place for your puppy’s bed will help make them feel at home. Choose a bed that has a removable and washable cover that cannot easily be chewed.

Crate

A crate is a great way to give your puppy its own place. Make sure the crate you buy for your puppy gives them enough room to lie down, stand up, and turn all the way around, as this will make them feel safe and secure.

Grooming Products

Caring for your puppy means providing them with the grooming essentials to help them stay clean and look their best. Here are a few of the basic supplies necessary to keep up with your dog’s grooming maintenance; a brush recommended for your dog’s hair type, toothbrush, and dog-friendly toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner (depending on the breed), and nail trimmers.

Toys

Playtime is an important time for you and your puppy to bond. Choose toys for your puppy like you would for a baby. Make sure there are no sharp edges, small parts that can be easily chewed or swallowed, and contain no toxic or hazardous materials.

Identification Tag

Always make sure your dog is wearing an identification tag with their name and your contact information on it. A tag can be the reason your puppy makes it home safe to you, so it is definitely on the list of “bare bone” essential puppy supplies you will need.

Treats

Show your dog the true meaning of Tender Loving Care with treats that are not only delicious but healthy. Check the ingredient label and look for treats that are free of by-products and chemical preservatives. Treats are a critical tool for positive reinforcement training. Your puppy will be consuming a lot of treats, so make sure they are healthy.