The Essential Puppy Supplies List
Half the fun of getting a new puppy is going on a "puppy welcome wagon" shopping spree. So get out the checkbook, and check out our checklist!
Bedtime:
- Crate: Choose between wire, which fold flat and have better ventilation; plastic, which are cozy and are approved for airline shipping; and cloth, which are lightweight but can be shredded by dogs that want to get out.
- Bed: It doesn't have to be fancy, just soft.
Mealtime:
- Food: Start with what they're eating at the breeder's. You can gradually switch them later.
- Bowls: Stainless bowls are best because they are easy to clean and durable.
House time:
- Baby gates: Baby gates allow your dog more freedom while still blocking off restricted areas.
- Exercise pen: An exercise pen (X-pen) is a 4-foot by 4-foot pen that you can set up as an optional indoor playpen. You can also take the X-pen on trips so you have a portable yard.
- Anti-chew spray: These sprays taste so bitter most puppies won't chew anything they're on.
- Cleaning supplies: For rug accidents, use an enzymatic carpet cleaner, which destroys the odor causing molecules.
- Potty Training pads: Scented pads that entice a puppy to urinate on them rather than your rug. Optional.
- Indoor potty system: An option for apartment dogs.
Yard time:
- Fence: The fence should keep your dog in and other dogs out.
- Kennel: A covered kennel run is another option, but only if it's next to the house and has shelter from the elements.
- Pooper scooper: Two-part scoops are easier to use than hinged versions. Scoops with a rake on one side are better for grass, and the flat-edge pusher varieties are better for cement surfaces.
Walk time:
- Collar: For now, get a nylon buckle collar with room for adjustment. The collar should be loose enough for you to get a couple of fingers between it and your puppy's neck, but not so loose that it could slide off his head when walking on leash. Don't leave any collar on a puppy unattended because pups have a talent for getting their lower jaw stuck in it.
- Leash: Start with a sturdy lightweight leash, four to six feet long, of leather or nylon -- never chain links!
- Retractable leash: Only for use away from roads, other people and dogs.
- Harness: If your puppy has a habit to slipping out of a collar, consider a harness as an option.
- Poop bags: Cheap sandwich bags or stylish doggy poop disposal bags both work.
- Identification: Get both tags and a microchip.
- Coat or Sweater: Little puppies don't have much fur or fat, and may need some extra warmth in cold weather. Optional.
Grooming time:
- Brush: A soft-bristle brush is ideal for getting your puppy used to grooming.
- Rinseless Shampoo: A quick fix for dirty puppies! Optional.
- Toothbrush: For now, you just need a soft baby toothbrush and some doggy toothpaste.
- Toenail clippers: The guillotine and scissors-type cutters are equally good.
Fun time:
- Plush toys: Soft-mouthed puppies love soft fuzzy toys. Make sure no parts can come off, and that your puppy can't gut it and swallow any noisemakers or bean stuffing.
- Throw toys: Balls and other toys, such as tug toys, that encourage playing with people are especially good for social development.
- Interactive toys: Toys that challenge your puppy to dislodge food treats can occupy them while you're away.
Love time:
- You: A person who will stop what they're doing and pay attention to the new puppy!
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Comments (9)
hansel April 29, 2009 11:31 AM
cute noh ..
PoohBear May 22, 2009 11:40 AM
I think they are useing dogs a little to much like babies talking bout putting up baby gates an play pens! But I will say dont get me wrong I love my puppy enough to that its just to pricey!
not telling June 5, 2009 11:11 PM
great advice
ruby's keeper June 12, 2009 1:08 AM
The baby gates are more for keeping the puppy outta un-puppy proofed rooms or dare I say... Stairs!*cue dramatic music* In all seriousness though, I live up stairs and do not wish my puppy to fall down them. Solution=Baby gate. Though to the list I would have added things like urine-smell remover like Odaban. It comes in handy when trying to potty train a puppy or keeping an adult dog from doing it again.
mrscullen1 June 14, 2009 8:06 AM
awsome
Betsy June 15, 2009 1:23 PM
Actually our baby gate was 25$ and it has kept her from chewing very expensive tables and such when we are not home. They aren't babies, but sometimes an article designated for another use is perfect. Puppies like to chew, but I like my furniture intact. This way she gets the whole hall to play in instead of juts her crate.
You shouldn't just use sandwich bags though. Go to a dollar store and get biodegradable cornstarch bags. they are 1$ for a whole box. More environmentally friendly and cheap too!
Derek June 21, 2009 2:15 PM
Ya, the cost of a baby gate is a lot less than an emergency medical bil because the dog took a tumble. When in doubt try the newspaper or craigslist for free items. I have gotten a lot of stuff for my dogs that other people don't need any more.
(blank) July 30, 2009 10:44 PM
cool
Shahna December 4, 2009 4:18 PM
yep baby gates have been worth so much more than the price we paid.. we have been able to keep the cat food where its always been in the kitchen for our precious puss who has always been the boss in the house, and keep our adorable pup out of the way of poisons in kitchen cupboards as well as out of the puss's food.. totally worthwhile and everyones happy :)
Kat December 28, 2009 5:15 PM
ApprovedWe use a baby gate to keep our GSD puppy out of the kitchen. Our cat's food is in the kitchen so it keeps her out of our cat's food too. We also got her a stuffed pooh bear from the baby department at Target. I searched all over for a stuffed animal that would be safe to leave with her in her crate without having to be watched (meaning no beady eye parts, squeakers, etc.). I had a hard time finding them at pet stores and pet departments and then I walked by the baby aisle and saw the baby stuffed animals on the end! It has sewn eyes and no other removable parts so she can't swallow anything dangerous when we're not watching. She loves her pooh bear! I also use baby safety door latches to keep her out of certain cabinets.
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