So, you’re getting a puppy? Congratulations—you’re about to meet your new best friend, sleep less than you thought possible, and question your life choices at 3 a.m. when your socks mysteriously disappear.
But seriously—bringing a puppy home is exciting and overwhelming. These fluffy little goofballs are equal parts adorable and destructive, and if you’re not prepared, your house (and your sanity) could be in serious danger.
That’s why I’ve created this smart, no-nonsense checklist of 8 puppy essentials every first-time dog owner should have—plus a few expert-level tips that’ll make your life 10x easier.
⚠️ Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you.
1. A Quality Crate: Your Puppy’s Bedroom & Training Ally
Crate training isn’t cruel—it’s kind. Think of the crate as your pup’s personal den. It keeps them safe, helps with potty training, and prevents furniture destruction while you sleep.
🧩 What to Look For:
- Right size: Your puppy should be able to stand, turn, and lie down—no more, no less. Get one with a divider so it grows with them.
- Double-door option: For flexible room placement.
- Leak-proof tray: For easy accident clean-up.
- Safety locks: Look for anti-paw escape features.
👉 Pro Tip: Keep the crate near your bed for the first few nights to ease separation anxiety.
🛒 Recommended: MidWest iCrate with Divider & Leak-Proof Pan
2. Puppy Chew Toys: Save Your Shoes (And Fingers)
Teething puppies = tiny land sharks. Chew toys save your hands, furniture, and sanity. More importantly, they help relieve discomfort and teach appropriate chewing habits.
🧩 Must-Have Varieties:
- Rubber Toys: Durable and stuffable (try freezing with peanut butter).
- Soft Plushies: For cuddling—look for ones with double stitching.
- Rope Toys: Great for tug and flossing teeth.
👉 Avoid: Cooked bones, cheap plastics, or anything with small detachable parts.
🛒 Try This: KONG Puppy Teething Stick — gentle on gums and freezer-safe.
3. Adjustable Collar + Leash: For Safe, Stylish First Walks
Even if your pup’s too young for full walks, you’ll need gear for potty breaks, early training, and vet trips.
🧩 Essentials to Consider:
- Adjustable Collar: Puppies grow FAST—get a lightweight one with ID tag ring.
- Basic Leash: Start with a 4-6 ft leash (skip retractables at first).
- ID Tag & Microchip: Include your phone number and get them microchipped.
👉 Pro Tip: Harnesses are great for brachycephalic breeds (like Frenchies) or escape artists.
🛒 Best Pick: Blueberry Pet Soft Adjustable Collar
4. High-Quality Puppy Food: Fuel Growth, Not Garbage
Your puppy isn’t just eating to survive—they’re growing bones, muscles, and brain cells. A balanced diet = a healthy, happy pup.
🧩 How to Choose:
- Real meat first: “Chicken” or “lamb,” not “meat by-product.”
- Breed-specific formulas: Large breeds (e.g., Labs) need slower growth to protect joints.
- DHA & Omega-3s: For brain and eye development.
👉 Pro Tip: Skip grain-free unless medically necessary—recent studies link it to heart issues.
🛒 Vet-Approved: Purina Pro Plan Puppy Formula
5. Puppy Pee Pads & Cleanup Supplies: Potty Training Lifesavers
You will face accidents. Having the right gear keeps your home clean and training on track.
🧩 Essentials:
- Leak-proof pee pads with quick-dry tech.
- Enzymatic cleaner to remove urine scent and prevent repeat offenses.
- Portable potty bells to teach them how to ask to go out.
👉 Pro Tip: Place a pad by the door and another in their crate area—but phase them out as potty habits improve.
🛒 Top Choice: Amazon Basics Puppy Pads + Rocco & Roxie Enzyme Cleaner
6. Puppy Gates: Limit the Chaos (And the Chewing)
Free-roaming puppies are disasters waiting to happen. Use gates to set boundaries and keep them safe.
🧩 Look for:
- Adjustable width for doorways and stairs.
- Easy-open latch (for humans) and non-slip base.
- Freestanding or pressure-mounted for flexibility.
👉 Pro Tip: Use gates to introduce rooms slowly, one at a time—this reduces overwhelm and bad habits.
🛒 Recommended: Carlson Extra-Wide Pet Gate with Door
7. Grooming Basics: Keep the Fluff in Check
Even short-haired pups need brushing to remove loose fur and prevent skin issues. Early grooming also helps them accept handling.
🧩 Must-Haves:
- Gentle puppy brush to get them used to the routine.
- Puppy-safe shampoo—hypoallergenic and tear-free.
- Nail clippers or grinder (with safety guard).
👉 Pro Tip: Handle their paws and ears daily so vet visits and grooming become less stressful.
🛒 Best Starter Kit: Hartz Groomer’s Puppy Pack
8. High-Value Training Treats: Motivation in Your Pocket
Training = bonding + boundaries. And treats? Your #1 tool.
🧩 Choose Treats That Are:
- Soft and tiny (under 3 calories each).
- Highly palatable—pups should love them.
- Low-ingredient for sensitive tummies.
👉 Pro Tip: Start using treats from Day 1—reward sitting, eye contact, name recognition, and crate entry.
🛒 Great Choice: Zuke’s Mini Naturals or Buddy Biscuits Training Bites
🎖️ Bonus Essentials (Don’t Skip These!)
- Non-slip food & water bowls (avoid plastic—use stainless steel or ceramic)
- Enzyme cleaning spray (trust us, you’ll use it a lot)
- Cute, cozy puppy bed (waterproof bottom is a plus)
- Poop bags & dispenser (go eco-friendly if you can)
- Vet folder & shot record (keep everything organized from Day 1)
📥 Downloadable Puppy Starter Checklist
Want this as a printable? Get our free downloadable New Puppy Checklist—so you don’t forget a single item.
✅ Crate
✅ Food & Treats
✅ Grooming Kit
✅ Potty Supplies
✅ Leash, Collar & ID
✅ …and more!
👉 Download the Checklist PDF Here
🐶 Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Not Overwhelmed
Bringing home a puppy is joyful chaos. They’ll chew, bark, whine—and then fall asleep like a tiny angel. With the right gear and a little preparation, you’ll be ahead of the game and able to enjoy the fun parts more (and stress less about the mess).
So grab these essentials, take a deep breath, and enjoy the ride. You’re not just raising a dog—you’re building a lifelong friendship.