1. Food :
2. Treats :
Just like dog food, there are many different types of treats out there to choose from. However, a lot of the treats on the market are made with the same artificial flavors and ingredients that cheap dog food brands include. If you plan on training your puppy at home, you will want to purchase small bite size treats as "rewards" in addition to normal puppy treats as a part of your dog's daily diet. Treats that my dog enjoys include Purina Carvers chicken slices, Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy biscuits and sometimes I use Purina Beggin Strips Littles. For training, I use Nutro Natural Choice Training Bits, which are perfectly sized for training rewards. Be sure to store treats in an air tight container as well.
3. Food and Water Bowls :
Dog food is no good unless you have a bowl to serve it in. When you first bring your puppy home, he will not need to eat or drink out of a dinosaur sized bowl, so all you really need is a small set, one for food and one for water. I personally recommend buying a set of stainless steel bowls. Stainless steel bowls can be easily washed in the dishwasher, they cannot crack or be chewed unlike plastic or ceramic bowls, and they are versatile. While your puppy is small, I would suggest buying "non-skid" bowls, or ones that are connected. As your puppy gets older, you will need to "upgrade" to larger bowls, perhaps even bowls that are elevated off the floor.
You may also consider purchasing automatic dog bowls. These bowls are usually plastic, and they are connected to a reservoir, where food or water is stored. As the dog eats or drinks, the bowls are replaced with additional food and water. I don't think automatic water bowls are such a bad idea, especially if you are going to be gone a while. However, I do not recommend automatic food dog bowls, since your puppy should have certain times of the day for meals, and if they can help themselves at any time throughout the day, that means they have no set meal time. Also, you won't be able to monitor how much they are eating at once. You also run the risk of giving your puppy a chance to break into the food reservoir. I believe that it's just better to feed your pup yourself.
4. Leash and Collar :
All puppies should have a collar, preferably with an ID tag with their name and a phone number or address in case he gets lost. A leash is necessary to take him on walks or to the vet. There are laws restricting dogs from being off of their leash in public places, such as on sidewalks and pet stores.
Leashes and collars come in all different varieties. For a puppy, you won't need a long leash, a 4-6 foot one will suffice. The type of leash or collar you buy depends on the breed of the dog. Before purchasing a collar, measure your puppy's neck and add 2 inches. You will most likely need to purchase a new collar after a while, because your puppy is going to grow fast! Chain chokers are not recommended for puppies, and shouldn't be used on a dog until after one year of age. Collars don't have to be very expensive, unless you want your dog to wear diamonds and jewels around his neck!
For a larger breed puppy, such as a German Shepherd, Lab or Golden Retriever, consider buying a short nylon leash for training purposes. Once your dog knows how to walk the right way, you can switch to a retractable or longer leash if you'd like.
5. Bedding, Crate and Carrier :
Of course, your puppy will need a place to sleep. If you are crate training your puppy, be sure to buy the right size for your dog, and split the crate in half. Use one half for bedding, and the other half for newspaper. A crate provides a secure environment for your puppy. Even if he is not sleeping, he may just want to go into his crate for a some quiet, alone time. Keeping your puppy in a crate is a good idea if you don't want him roaming your house and chewing everything you own while you're at work.
Soft, comfortable bedding is essential for puppies, because it gives them the feeling of security and comfort. If you don't want to buy a bed from the pet store, you could always use old blankets, pillows or towels. Fleece is a great option for a puppy's bed.
If you are someone who is going to be traveling with your dog, then you should also invest in a sturdy carrier, large enough to accommodate your puppy. Include some sort of bedding in the carrier as well.
Of course, your puppy may find a bed of his own, with your living room pillows or your shoes. He is probably going to be scared during his first few nights in his new home. If you're like me, you'll spoil your puppy and let him sleep in bed with you at night!
6. Toys :
A puppy can't go without toys to play with, or else he may find things around your house to chew on, like your slippers or remote control. During the first couple months, your puppy will start teething and will want to chew on everything in sight. Some great toys to give him include a Nylabone (which come in all sorts of flavors and sizes), a Kong (I like the kind you can stuff and put treats in), rubber toys and balls. I don't recommend any stuffed animal, because once your dog rips it apart (and he will), you will have cotton stuffing everywhere. Also, if your dog eats the stuffing, it won't be good for his digestive system.
7. Newspaper and/or Puppy Pads :
This is pretty self-explanatory. You'll need these supplies until your puppy is house trained and can go outside on his own. Puppy pads are great because they are like an absorbent diaper you can lay out on the floor or in a crate, but beware that your puppy may chew it to shreds. But until your puppy can pee and poop outside, you have to use these, or else you'll have messes all over your floors and carpet.
8. Grooming Supplies - Brush, Shampoo, Nail Clippers, etc.
Unless you can afford numerous trips to the groomer, you'll want to have a few supplies for your puppy's grooming needs. A good brush is essential to keep your dog's coat healthy and clean, and to cut down on the shedding. You should also have a pair of nail clippers or a nail file if you are brave enough to cut your puppy's nails on your own.
Tearless puppy shampoo is a good thing to have on hand, as well as dog toothpaste and a toothbrush to keep his teeth looking and smelling good. If you start early and do it often, your dog won't mind having his teeth brushed.
9. Cleanup Supplies and Medicine :
Puppies are going to have accidents while they are potty training, so you will want to have some carpet cleaner handy. Resolve Pet Stain cleaner is a good choice, as well as Rug Doctor and Woolite brands. Have plenty of paper towels available to soak up urine, and plenty of plastic bags for picking up poop.
During your first visit to the vet, you will probably discuss the different types of medicines out there for your puppy. The essentials, in my opinion, include a monthly heartworm medicine and a flea/tick regimen. I have my dog on a monthly Heartgard chew, and a monthly Frontline application. Your vet will tell you what you should use, since these medicines dosages depend on your puppy's weight.
10. Love!
Overall, enjoy your new puppy and have fun with him/her. Have patience, since your puppy will make mistakes at first. The time is going to fly, and they only stay small for so long. Take pictures or videos to keep the moments forever!
Just like dog food, there are many different types of treats out there to choose from. However, a lot of the treats on the market are made with the same artificial flavors and ingredients that cheap dog food brands include. If you plan on training your puppy at home, you will want to purchase small bite size treats as "rewards" in addition to normal puppy treats as a part of your dog's daily diet. Treats that my dog enjoys include Purina Carvers chicken slices, Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy biscuits and sometimes I use Purina Beggin Strips Littles. For training, I use Nutro Natural Choice Training Bits, which are perfectly sized for training rewards. Be sure to store treats in an air tight container as well.
3. Food and Water Bowls :
Dog food is no good unless you have a bowl to serve it in. When you first bring your puppy home, he will not need to eat or drink out of a dinosaur sized bowl, so all you really need is a small set, one for food and one for water. I personally recommend buying a set of stainless steel bowls. Stainless steel bowls can be easily washed in the dishwasher, they cannot crack or be chewed unlike plastic or ceramic bowls, and they are versatile. While your puppy is small, I would suggest buying "non-skid" bowls, or ones that are connected. As your puppy gets older, you will need to "upgrade" to larger bowls, perhaps even bowls that are elevated off the floor.
You may also consider purchasing automatic dog bowls. These bowls are usually plastic, and they are connected to a reservoir, where food or water is stored. As the dog eats or drinks, the bowls are replaced with additional food and water. I don't think automatic water bowls are such a bad idea, especially if you are going to be gone a while. However, I do not recommend automatic food dog bowls, since your puppy should have certain times of the day for meals, and if they can help themselves at any time throughout the day, that means they have no set meal time. Also, you won't be able to monitor how much they are eating at once. You also run the risk of giving your puppy a chance to break into the food reservoir. I believe that it's just better to feed your pup yourself.
4. Leash and Collar :
All puppies should have a collar, preferably with an ID tag with their name and a phone number or address in case he gets lost. A leash is necessary to take him on walks or to the vet. There are laws restricting dogs from being off of their leash in public places, such as on sidewalks and pet stores.
Leashes and collars come in all different varieties. For a puppy, you won't need a long leash, a 4-6 foot one will suffice. The type of leash or collar you buy depends on the breed of the dog. Before purchasing a collar, measure your puppy's neck and add 2 inches. You will most likely need to purchase a new collar after a while, because your puppy is going to grow fast! Chain chokers are not recommended for puppies, and shouldn't be used on a dog until after one year of age. Collars don't have to be very expensive, unless you want your dog to wear diamonds and jewels around his neck!
For a larger breed puppy, such as a German Shepherd, Lab or Golden Retriever, consider buying a short nylon leash for training purposes. Once your dog knows how to walk the right way, you can switch to a retractable or longer leash if you'd like.
5. Bedding, Crate and Carrier :
Of course, your puppy will need a place to sleep. If you are crate training your puppy, be sure to buy the right size for your dog, and split the crate in half. Use one half for bedding, and the other half for newspaper. A crate provides a secure environment for your puppy. Even if he is not sleeping, he may just want to go into his crate for a some quiet, alone time. Keeping your puppy in a crate is a good idea if you don't want him roaming your house and chewing everything you own while you're at work.
Soft, comfortable bedding is essential for puppies, because it gives them the feeling of security and comfort. If you don't want to buy a bed from the pet store, you could always use old blankets, pillows or towels. Fleece is a great option for a puppy's bed.
If you are someone who is going to be traveling with your dog, then you should also invest in a sturdy carrier, large enough to accommodate your puppy. Include some sort of bedding in the carrier as well.
Of course, your puppy may find a bed of his own, with your living room pillows or your shoes. He is probably going to be scared during his first few nights in his new home. If you're like me, you'll spoil your puppy and let him sleep in bed with you at night!
6. Toys :
A puppy can't go without toys to play with, or else he may find things around your house to chew on, like your slippers or remote control. During the first couple months, your puppy will start teething and will want to chew on everything in sight. Some great toys to give him include a Nylabone (which come in all sorts of flavors and sizes), a Kong (I like the kind you can stuff and put treats in), rubber toys and balls. I don't recommend any stuffed animal, because once your dog rips it apart (and he will), you will have cotton stuffing everywhere. Also, if your dog eats the stuffing, it won't be good for his digestive system.
7. Newspaper and/or Puppy Pads :
This is pretty self-explanatory. You'll need these supplies until your puppy is house trained and can go outside on his own. Puppy pads are great because they are like an absorbent diaper you can lay out on the floor or in a crate, but beware that your puppy may chew it to shreds. But until your puppy can pee and poop outside, you have to use these, or else you'll have messes all over your floors and carpet.
8. Grooming Supplies - Brush, Shampoo, Nail Clippers, etc.
Unless you can afford numerous trips to the groomer, you'll want to have a few supplies for your puppy's grooming needs. A good brush is essential to keep your dog's coat healthy and clean, and to cut down on the shedding. You should also have a pair of nail clippers or a nail file if you are brave enough to cut your puppy's nails on your own.
Tearless puppy shampoo is a good thing to have on hand, as well as dog toothpaste and a toothbrush to keep his teeth looking and smelling good. If you start early and do it often, your dog won't mind having his teeth brushed.
9. Cleanup Supplies and Medicine :
Puppies are going to have accidents while they are potty training, so you will want to have some carpet cleaner handy. Resolve Pet Stain cleaner is a good choice, as well as Rug Doctor and Woolite brands. Have plenty of paper towels available to soak up urine, and plenty of plastic bags for picking up poop.
During your first visit to the vet, you will probably discuss the different types of medicines out there for your puppy. The essentials, in my opinion, include a monthly heartworm medicine and a flea/tick regimen. I have my dog on a monthly Heartgard chew, and a monthly Frontline application. Your vet will tell you what you should use, since these medicines dosages depend on your puppy's weight.
10. Love!
Overall, enjoy your new puppy and have fun with him/her. Have patience, since your puppy will make mistakes at first. The time is going to fly, and they only stay small for so long. Take pictures or videos to keep the moments forever!