First things first: this decision you are making to have a puppy is very bold and not for the faint of heart or character. For the next 6-7 months you will be listening to a lot of whining, your hands and fingers will feel like they are falling off, your pillows will probably be shredded, and you will be paranoid or concerned that they are causing mischief at all times.
But I can tell you that those 7 months of hell don’t compare to the lifetime of love, laughs, and memories your new dog will bring you. When you bring this little menace into your home for the first time, you need to be prepared with all the puppy product essentials to survive. It’s all hands on deck. After raising 3 amazing golden retrievers, I’ve pretty much got it down to a science. Of course there are more than 20 things you might need, but I have got it down to 20 essentials for what to buy for a new puppy.
1. Metal Dog Crate
Unless you are going rogue, everyone in the dog training community suggests crate training your dog. Contrary to the people who call it torture (and I mean how the whining will torture you), it’s good for the dog and the family. It immediately establishes order and sets expectations, and it gives them a safe space they will eventually like to sleep/be in (trust me on this).Plus the powder blue is less of an eye sore than the others out there.
2. Foldable Metal Pet Exercise and Playpen
For when you’re hanging out and don’t want to be chasing the little guy around. It let’s you keep an eye on them while they have some open space to stretch their legs.
3. Pet Training and Puppy Pads
Simple: put these pads inside the playpen above or the grass pad below.
4. Puppy Potty Trainer – The Indoor Restroom for Pets
I wouldn’t have survived without this one. If you live on the 2nd floor without an outside or you have a balcony and you don’t want it to smell really bad, this is the next best thing. After your puppy eats, take them and plop them on the grass pad and stand their until they relieve themselves. You take the puppy pad above, put it under the grass, and after a week, you change out the pad. It’s odorless and it’s perfect!
5. Dog Bowls + Travel Bowl
The dog’s gotta eat right? This is a great setup. The bowls include an eco-friendly drip mat so your new pup doesn’t make a huge mess. Plus it comes with a travel bowl so when you’re out on long walks, your dog has something to drink out of.
6. BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Puppy Dry Dog Food
There’s so much wrong with the pet food industry. You really have to be careful what you feed your dog. Health requirements are a lot less stringent when it comes to nutritional accuracy in pet food. There’s a whole documentary dedicated to it. You’d rather serve your dog premium and healthy than cheap and unhealthy. Get your new pup some quality dog food.
7. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Dog Food,Snacks Super Meal Mixers
I like to refer to this as “crack for your dog”. New dogs can be really picky eaters. There have been a number of meals where I’ve had to hand feed my new pup. This makes meal time very frustrating. Mixing it with some wet food is great, but this is definitely tastier and less gross. It’s like dried deliciousness that you break up over your dog’s kibble. It’s like astronaut food for your pup. Read the reviews, people are not messing around!
8. Dingo Twist Sticks Rawhide Teething Treats
These are great when you need to entertain them or when you’re leaving the house. These will occupy their time in a time of need.
10. Dog Training Clicker
To go with the training treats. The clicker is another one of those expert training tips. You condition your dog to follow your commands with a click and a treat. The easiest is to get them to sit. It will come in handy on walks and and in the park when you’re training them outside of their environment.
11. Hands Free Dog Leash
I live by this leash. It’s so frustrating being dragged around by the arm and always yanking them back by their neck. This is fastened like a belt and your body weight is anchoring them.Plus, your hands are free. You will thank me.
12. Durable and Thick Nylon Rope Leash
Use this for when you’re not on a brisk walk and just need to get the pup mobile and keep him close.
14. Dog Bed
Ok, is it me or do you also wish you could sleep in a dog bed? I swear they are more comfortable than the bed I have at home. Your dog will love this one!
15. BackSeat Cover for Pets
You don’t want your backseat to be covered in dog hair. That is not a good look for anybody and you don’t want to be “that person”! This is seriously a must have. Plus, its so much safer for your pet and leaves you worry free.
16. Dog Toy Set
You can never have enough dog toys.
17. Dog Brush
Unless you have a hypo-allergenic dog, your dog will be shedding all over the house. Take 5 minutes every morning and night and try to brush the excess hair off them.
18. Tearless 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner for Puppies
Better to go with a brand name to get your pup smelling fresh!
19. Wet Ones Fresh Scent Anti-Bacterial Wipes
You will need these for almost everything. It keeps the place clean and fresh.
20. Ear Plugs [Must Have]
I’m telling you, the whining will happen. You need to ignore it. These are going to be your best friend + sleeping aid for the first few weeks. Drown out the noise (and the guilt) and rest easy.
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