Life with a new puppy is an exciting adventure! I remember our first beagle puppy. I wanted to name him Copperfield because he seemed to be a magician at getting out of any enclosure. Boy could he carry on when he was locked up, nothing like a hound dog bark to break you down. It certainly wasn’t what I expected!
Max, as my son named him, ended up being what us dog lovers refer to as my “heart” dog. As I puppy he was my hardest puppy to train.
As a trainer I always wonder why potential puppy parents many times seem so ill prepared. I am not trying to shame anyone. When a human baby is coming, we spend months planning, buying, researching, and buying the right equipment. We throw baby showers to help parents to have the right stuff.
Puppies are babies but even more frighting they come mobile.
So, I wanted to share the products that I discovered any new puppy parent will need to help get their home puppy-ready.
Potty plan
Potty training is an adventure. Start with a plan, who is taking them out middle of the night during day while I am away etc.. Where do I want them to go? If you do not want them to go right outside the back door do not just put them out and expect them to go across the yard.
I generally do not recommend using “pee pads” for good reason! They eat them or encourage your pup to go on towels and carpets on the floor. But if you must use something for inside or on a patio, I recommend potty patches. It is better to just take the time to train them where you want them to go now.
House training your pup takes patience. Let them outside when they wake up, after meals and playtime – regularly and frequently. Puppies can only hold it an hour for every month of life, up to 5 hours. If a puppy is 3 months 3 hours at the most and this is if they are calm not running around. Activity means they need to go more frequently.
A comforting dog carrier and crate
Your new dog can appreciate a cozy den of their own at every stage of their life. Crate training is important because it gives them a safe-zone when you cannot supervise them providing peace of mind for you, puppies natural do not like to pee where they live so it encourages them to control their bladder, it prepares them to be comfortable in a crate while at the vet, groomers or traveling.
Even if your grown dog’s crate can be tucked away because they choose a different safe-space, their early crate training will make visits to the groomer or overnight veterinary care so much less stressful. Look for a sturdy crate that many come with a divider for larger breeds so it can grow with your puppy. To make the den fun and comfy, I suggest adding something that smells familiar that could be you or a new puppy an article that has been rubbed on mom or littermates.
Engrossing chew toys
Puppies love to chew! Puppies who stay with me love the kongs and similar fillable chew toys. Besides the boatloads of positive mental stimulation, chewing toys give your pups something appropriate to chew besides your shoes and keeps them busy. It also helps to keep their teeth and gums healthy. To keep your pup busy, use one of puppy-safe rugged toys that can be filled with their favorite wet and/or dry dog food or other yummy treats like peanut butter or cream cheese.
Leashes for training and safety
Pick up a few leashes for both play and training with your new pup. I’d recommend having 3 leashes because you want to keep one near the front door when greeting, one to use for out and about and an extra in case something happens to one of them.
I recommend leashes that are 5 to 6 feet long. Make sure they are strong enough to stand up to puppy chewing. I recommend avoiding using chains because they are heavy and hurt your hands. . You should also avoid retractable leashes for training and walking. Your pup can quickly zip out of control, get tangled in the legs and leashes of other dog walkers, or swerve unexpectedly into traffic. Retractable leashes take precious long seconds to reel in when your puppy is in danger, especially if you are in a panic, too!
A collar and identification to bring them home
No one expects to lose their dog, especially a small puppy, but excited puppies do chase exciting things, sneak out an open door, or bolt in sudden fright. Searching for a lost pet is scary and heartbreaking. Even if your little puppy has been happy to follow you, they will hit a point where their curiosity becomes stronger than the desire to be with you.
If someone finds your wandering pup, you absolutely want them to know there’s a loving pet parent looking for them! A collar and ID tag is super important. There are a lot of additional options to the standard metal engraved tag, like smart tags that reveal your pet’s personal profile when scanned by a smartphone, GPS tracking tags, and microchips. At the least, I suggest a standard tag and a microchip to help get your pup home if their collar comes off.
Poop bags and bag holders for the daily “doo-ty”
Picking up poop is NO ONE’S favorite puppy chore. It is a required part of being a pet parent. .It is a habit you’ll want to establish right away, since you’ll need to do it regularly while out and about, and you don’t want your yard filled with dog doo landmines. Besides, picking up after your pup is a good way to make sure your pup is healthy. .
Pocketing a warm bag of icky dog poop or carrying it in your hand on a long walk is bothersome and distracting. There are poop bag holders that make this a lot easier. Ruffwear has hip pack with extra spot for poop bags and/or sloppery toys. The dooloop is a cool dog leash accessory that will carry the poop for you!
A comfy dog bed or beds
My dog has had many different beds over her life. Nicki is especially fond of her beds. She will curl up in it when just hanging out. I keep one in the car, in our room now that she does not sleep in a crate at night and when we travel. It helps her be more comfortable knowing she has her own special place to be.
Every puppy needs a spot where they can comfortably relax, and giving your pup that space is a great way to enrich their lives.
Choose a dog bed that’s an appropriate size for your pup, and look for one with a removable, machine washable cover! My dog’s bed usually needs to be washed regularly.
Pet or baby gates to manage safe spaces
Puppies aren’t bad; they’re curious! Use gates to help keep them from being underfoot in the kitchen or to prevent them from tumbling down steep steps. I’ve needed to restrict access for my dogs in my office, this provides me with a way I can keep an eye on them but keep them out of all the papers and stuff I do not want them to have access to. Now that my dogs are older, I still use them to separate visiting dogs when feeding.
Food and water bowls for frustration-free meals
Don’t just grab a bowl you no longer use in the kitchen. Puppies are developing their motor skills and need sturdy food and water bowls that stay put and won’t be mistaken for chew toys. I recommend stainless steel bowl. Plastics not only are chewable but also can release chemicals and bacteria into your dogs food and water. Believe it or not a study also showed that ceramic bowls can be just as bad.
Use a heavier bowl or add a gripping mat under the bowls if your pup likes to shove their dinner around the room or enjoys sloshing water everywhere. They also sell water bowls specifically for those dogs who like to play in their water bowls. For example the Indipets Stainless Steel Spill Proof Splash Free Dog Bowl.
I have used weighted heavier bowls for Nicki as a puppy because she like to spill her bowl of food. She did it when she thought another dog might get it.
Grooming supplies
Puppies are adorably messy! It may be from playing in the new found mud puddle or the accident they walked through before you got a chance to clean it up. You want to help your puppy get comfortable with all the grooming tools now. A puppy generally needs more clean-up than an adult dog, so plan on more than a single bath each month.
Your grooming starter kit should include pet-safe wipes, pet shampoo, dedicated dog towels, coat-appropriate brush, and nail clippers or grinder. You may want to invest in a sprayer and hose for your bathtub if your puppy does not fit in the sink.
I also recommend a licki-mat or something to keep them busy.
Backyard Pet Pool
Speaking of baths, why not teach your puppy that water is fun! .
You don’t want your puppy to grow up thinking water is scary. If you can make it fun and enjoyable, you’ll both be better off, especially when bath time rolls around. A small pool when weather is appropriate in the backyard can be super fun
Don’t startle your pup with water – toss a toy (not your pup) in the pool to encourage them. Get in yourself, or run through the sprinkler encouraging your pup to follow.
Enjoy preparing your life for a puppy
The first year with any puppy is fun. I love watching them grow and learn as they explore the world. Being prepared will make a huge difference as you introduce your puppy to your world. They’ll make your first days and weeks together so much easier and set you up for a lifetime of love and fun.
Did I miss any essentials you think a new puppy parent needs for the first year? Let me know!