The Ultimate New Puppy Checklist: Dog Supplies and Products for Dogs Every Owner Needs

Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, moments in any dog lover’s life. Your new furry friend will bring endless joy, companionship, and a little bit of chaos too. But just like bringing home a newborn baby, preparation is key.

To help you start this journey on the right paw, we’ve created the ultimate new puppy checklist. From essential dog supplies like food and bowls to enrichment products for dogs that keep boredom at bay, this guide will walk you through everything you need to set your pup up for success.

 

Food and Nutrition Essentials

Puppy Food

Puppies grow fast, and their nutritional needs are different from adult dogs. Choose a high-quality, puppy-specific formula with the right balance of protein, fat, and essential nutrients.

Tip: Stick with the same food your puppy was eating at the breeder or shelter for the first week to avoid stomach upsets. If you want to switch brands, transition gradually over 7–10 days.

Food and Water Bowls

Sturdy, non-slip bowls are a must. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are easiest to clean and resist bacteria better than plastic.

Consider raised bowls for larger breeds to promote better digestion.

Textured and slow-feed food bowls are also available for puppies who may need to slow down how fast they eat.

These are some of the most useful dog supplies to buy before your puppy comes home.

 

Bedding and Crate Setup

A Cozy Bed

Every puppy needs a comfy spot to rest after all that play. Choose a washable bed (accidents happen!) with enough cushioning to support their growing joints.

Crate Training Supplies

Crates are a safe space for puppies and a powerful training tool. A properly sized crate should be just big enough for your pup to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Beds, blankets, and crates are must-have products for dogs that help them feel safe and secure.

Tip: Let their crate be their space. If a puppy can feel safe and secure in their crate, and feel like they have their own space, this can help them pace their own activities and regulate their moods and behaviour.

Beds, blankets, and crates are must-have products for dogs that help them feel safe and secure.

 

Grooming Gear

Even puppies need grooming from day one. Starting early helps them get used to being handled, making life easier as they grow.

Brush/Comb

Choose this based on your dog’s coat type, or ask for advice from your breeder or shelter.

Dog Shampoo

Use a gentle, puppy-safe shampoo. You can also get advice from your vet about shampoo choice.

Nail Clippers/Grinder

Keep nails trimmed to avoid painful splits.

Remember: Never trim the nails too far down; don't cut the 'quick' as this will cause pain. If you trim nails by small amounts on a consistent basis, the quick will naturally retreat and shrink (allowing further trimming over time).

Ear Cleaner & Cotton Pads

Certain breeds are prone to ear infections, so regular cleaning is essential.

Tip: Handle your puppy’s paws, ears, and mouth regularly so they’re used to touch when it’s time for grooming or vet visits.

These grooming products for dogs make maintenance simple from day one.

 

Toys and Enrichment

Puppies are curious, energetic, and teething, which means toys are non-negotiable. Not only do toys save your shoes and furniture, they’re crucial for mental stimulation.

Chew Toys

Soothes teething discomfort (and your own house fittings and shoes!).

Interactive Toys

Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys keep pups busy. I've been told that 10-minutes of mental stimulation for a dog is equivalent to 30-mins of physical stimulation, and puzzles feeders are a great way to exercise their mental capacities. 

Soft Toys

Perfect for comfort (e.g. nooking) and gentle play.

Fetch Toys

Balls or rope toys help burn off energy.

Toys are some of the most important dog supplies for keeping your puppy healthy and happy.

 

Walking and Outdoor Gear

Your puppy won’t be ready for long walks until fully vaccinated, but it’s still important to get them used to collars and harnesses early.

Collar and ID Tag

While dogs wearing collars at all times in recent years has waned, it's very important if your dog is a risk of escape, getting lost, or otherwise getting out that an ID Tag can help them be located and returned (without the slower more stressful process of relying on its microchip).

Harness

Safer and more comfortable for growing pups than collars during leash training.

Note: While we use a harness ourselves, it can lead to extra leash pulling and lead to more loose leash training being required.

Leash

A lightweight leash helps you practice walking indoors or in the backyard.

Tip: Even before your pup can do full walking after vaccination, it's important they get practice wearing a leash and learning how leashes are meant to work with pup and pawrent.

Treat Bags, Water Bowls, and Water Bottles

A simple walk will still usually require you carrying some supplies.

You'll need water supplies for any dog exertion, and may need treats and treat bags for when you need to quickly grab their attention or just guide their behaviour out in the open. 

Tip: Treats are critical for training, but do your best to implement positive reinforcement training, rather than just bribing your dogs with the treats.

Poop Bags and Holder

Because accidents happen everywhere, and being stuck without one in public will make you want the Earth to open up and swallow you just to avoid the cringe and stares!

Outdoor products for dogs, like harnesses and leashes, set the stage for stress-free adventures together.

 

Health and Safety

Vet Care

Schedule your puppy’s first vet check within a few days of bringing them home. They’ll need vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, and deworming.

Tip 1: Seek trusted recommendations for your chosen vet. Don't rely on advertising, rely on the experience of people you trust.

Tip 2: Try and seek out an available after-hours or emergency vet nearby. Vet crisis can occur outside the normal 8am-6pm hours of your regular preferred vet.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

Puppies explore and learn about the world with their mouths, so take time to remove or secure anything dangerous:

• Electrical cords
• Toxic plants or foods
• Small objects that can be swallowed
• Cleaning products

Tip: Baby gates can also help limit access to unsafe areas.

Safety-related dog supplies like gates, cleaning products, and safe chew toys make all the difference.

 

Training Supplies

Good habits start on day one. Consistency and patience are key, and the right tools make a big difference. 

Training Treats

Small, tasty, and easy to chew. And appropriately use 'higher value' treats.

Clicker

Great for positive reinforcement training.

Pee Pads

Useful for house training in apartments or bad weather.

Enzyme Cleaner

Accidents happen, and regular cleaners don’t eliminate odours fully. Good enzyme cleaners work surprisingly well at eliminating accident odours.

Tip 1: Training early, and training consistently always works out better in the long run.

Tip 2: Use positive reinforcement training techniques. It's the 2020s, and no longer the 1980s or 90s.

These training products for dogs can speed up potty training and obedience work.

 

Travel and Socialisation

Socialisation is crucial between 8–16 weeks. Safe exposure to new people, sounds, and environments helps prevent fear and anxiety later. Good breeders even introduce some sound and other environment exposure training to your baby before you adopt them.

To make outings easier:

Car Harness or Crate

Keeps your puppy safe during car rides.

Portable Water Bottle

Hydration on the go (See our own 'Get About Bottle' for a great option!)

Travel Bed/Blanket

Familiar smells help them settle in new environments.

Travel-ready dog supplies make it easier to explore the world together.

 

Identification and Microchipping

Accidents happen! Doors get left open, or pups wriggle out of collars. Make sure your puppy is microchipped and registered in your name. 

Always keep your contact info up to date on both the chip registry and ID tags.

 

Love, Patience, and Routine

Finally, the most important thing your puppy needs isn’t sold in any store. We're talking about your love, time, attention, and patience.

Puppies thrive on routine, so establish regular times for feeding, potty breaks, play, and sleep.

Remember, every moment you invest in training and bonding now pays off for years to come (for both of you!).

 

Final Thoughts

Bringing home a puppy is equal parts joyful and challenging. With the right preparation, and the right dog supplies, you’ll give your new family member the best possible start in life.

Use this checklist as your guide, but remember that every puppy is unique. Above all, enjoy the journey. The puppy stage goes by quickly, but the bond you build will last a lifetime.

 

Thank you for your time,

Sarah J

 

Ready to shop for your new best friend? Browse our collection of essential products for dogs to make puppy parenting simple and fun: All Products