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This post is about dog essentials for your new puppy.
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of bringing home a new puppy — the tiny paws, the wagging tail, and those sweet, sleepy snuggles. 
Whether you're a first-time pup parent or brushing up for your second (or third!) round, this checklist has you covered.
From the essentials like food and a cozy bed to often-overlooked items like puppy-safe cleaning supplies and ID tags, we’re making sure you’re fully prepped for puppy parenthood. Let’s set your newest family member up for success — and give you peace of mind in the process. 
Don’t forget to grab your free printable puppy checklist at the end—perfect for new dog parents who want to start off fully prepared!
This post is about dog essentials for a happy and healthy puppy!
New Puppy Checklist: Essentials for a Happy & Healthy Pup
Everything you need before your puppy comes home!
1. Basic Supplies
These are must-haves for day one!
Adjustable collar & ID tag For safety and identification, start with an adjustable soft collar and ID tag with your phone number.
Our top 2 recommendations for ID tags are the classic ID tags with your pup's name & your phone number. We also love these Ring tags that include a QR code that can be scanned with your pet's profile (no subscription needed, yay!).
Leash For walking and training, start with an adjustable standard 4-6 ft leash. A favorite and Amazon Choice certified leash option is the iYoShop Hands-free leash.
A walk to the park with my fur-babe and toddler is stress-free with the hands-free leash that includes removable zipper pouch and 2 handle controls (for training).
Food & water bowls (non-slip, stainless or ceramic) We switched from a standard bowl set to the PetLibro automatic feeder + water fountain, and we wish we did way earlier! Your pet will stay fed with scheduled feeding times and always hydrated and healthy!
Optional: Grab a travel water & food bowl combo for dog walking or park play dates. It'll keep your pup hydrated and a great way to store treats when on the go! Opt for this instead of carry multiples (water bowl, water bottle, treats, etc.)
Comfy dog bed with a removeable zipper cover Whether you are starting with crate training or considering your dog freely roaming, an orthopedic dog bed that has an anti-slip bottom and removeable zipper cover is essential for safety and easy wash!
Baby gates or playpen to set boundaries Start training early to set healthy boundaries for you new pup! Often overlooked but a great way to keep your pup out of places not safe or unattended to make a mess.
We loved this baby gate for both our four-legged and two-legged babies!
Crate (sized properly for your puppy to stand, turn, and lie down) A crate that is durable, easy to clean, and has a leak-proof pan is essential for puppies!
As a dog parent, it's important to protect your dog's health, especially the first few months as a new pup! We chose a dog crate with minimal features to avoid the hassle of dreading the day to clean. we love this simple, minimal, and for every pet and pet parent crate.
Age-appropriate puppy food (ask your vet for recommendations) When bringing home a new puppy, it’s important to provide age-appropriate puppy food to support their growth and development—your vet can help you choose the right brand and formula.
Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Natural Dry Food for Puppies is a great option for puppies under 12 months to ensure your puppy's development are getting the key ingredients needed early in life.
Food mat or tray for spills To keep feeding time clean and mess-free, use a food mat or tray under their bowls to catch any spills or drips.
Hoki Found is a great waterproof feeding mat with high lips that assist with keeping the water and food within the mat, great for east clean up!
2. Grooming & Cleaning Essentials
Puppy-safe shampoo A shampoo that is deep cleaning, proves reduced-shedding and nourishes your pet's coat is essential and a triple threat to keeping your pup clean and fresh!
As a pet parent, I want my pup to be happy, healthy and fresh in our home. We love PawFume Premium Shampoo and Conditioner because of the perfect blend of ingredients to keep our dog clean and healthy.
I use my electric foaming dispenser to make bath time quick and stress-free from the manual scrubbing. It's quick and easy to get my fur baby in and out of the bath!
Soft brush or grooming mitt (based on coat type) Regular brushing keeps your puppy’s coat healthy, shiny, and free of tangles. Whether you use a soft-bristle brush or a grooming mitt depends on their coat type, but both help reduce shedding and are a great way to bond with your pup.
Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush and 2X Grooming Gloves Combo is a great set to get the job done and keep your home from all the dog hair.
Nail clippers or grinder Keeping your puppy’s nails trimmed prevents discomfort and reduces the risk of scratches or broken nails. You can use traditional clippers or a gentle nail grinder—whatever works best for your comfort and theirs.
As a dog parent, I was anxious and nervous about over clipping my pup's nail and hurting him. If this is you, you are not alone!
When a friend recommended a nail clipper with a light, I felt relieved! We love the iToleeve nail clipper because it illuminates the nail and reduces the risk of over clipping.
Puppy toothbrush & toothpaste Start dental care early with a puppy-friendly toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste. Daily brushing keeps plaque at bay, helps prevent bad breath, and gets your pup used to oral hygiene routines.
Start with Vet's Best Dog Toothpaste & Toothbrush Kit for Puppies and once your pup has grown, you can continue with Vet's Best Kit for Adults.
Poop bags + bag holder for walks Always be ready to clean up after your pup with durable poop bags and a convenient holder that clips onto a leash. It’s a small essential that makes walks cleaner and more responsible.
We love VETRESKA Dog Poop Bag Dispenser because they have a variety of scented leak proof bags and the dispensers are soooo cute! We love the strawberry scent too.
Enzyme cleaner (for potty accidents) Accidents happen, especially during potty training. An enzyme cleaner breaks down odors and stains at the source, discouraging repeat accidents and keeping your home fresh.
I tried a few different options when I was crate training and potting training our pup. We prefer and recommend the Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator.
Lint roller (for all the puppy fluff!) Puppies shed more than you'd think! A lint roller helps you stay on top of fur-covered clothes, furniture, and car seats—making cleanup quick and easy.
Hands down, the ChomChom Roller Pet Hair Remover and Reusable Lint Roller is the best lint roller we've used for EVERYTHING because our dog's hair does end up everywhere.
3. Training Tools
Training treats (small, soft & high-value) Training treats are essential for rewarding good behavior and reinforcing commands. Choose small, soft, and high-value options that your puppy loves—this keeps them motivated without overfeeding.
We recommend starting with soft, high-value treats like Buddy Biscuits for those early training wins.
Puppy-safe toys (teething rings, soft plush, chew toys) Puppy toys help soothe sore gums during teething and provide a fun, safe outlet for chewing. Look for age-appropriate options like soft plushies, rubber chew toys, or teething rings to keep your pup entertained and out of trouble.
Try this: a rubber teething ring by Nylabone that can be chilled in the freezer—perfect for soothing sore puppy gums.
Potty training bell (optional but helpful) A potty training bell by the door can be a great communication tool. With consistent use, your pup can learn to ring it when they need to go outside—adding a clear signal to their routine.
Try this bell training method: hang a potty bell by the door and guide your pup to ring it before every outdoor trip.
Clicker (if using clicker training) If you’re using clicker training, a small handheld clicker is a great tool for marking desired behaviors. It helps your puppy associate the sound with a reward, making training more precise and effective.
We recommend using a clicker during training sessions to give clear, consistent feedback.
Puzzle toys or feeders for mental stimulation Interactive puzzle toys or slow feeders are great for keeping your puppy’s brain busy. They prevent boredom, reduce destructive behavior, and turn mealtimes into engaging challenges.
Try a puzzle toy for a fun, interactive way to keep your pup mentally stimulated. Here are a few highly-rated options from Amazon loved by other dogs:
KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy
Training pads (if you're indoor potty training) Training pads are helpful for indoor potty training, especially in apartments or during bad weather. They're designed to be absorbent and make cleanup easier while your pup learns where to go.
Try this 5-layer pee pads for puppies by Amazon Basics during potty training.
4. Health & Safety
Schedule first vet visit Your puppy’s first vet visit should happen within a few days of coming home. This establishes care, allows your vet to check for any early health concerns, and sets you up with a vaccination and wellness schedule tailored to your pup.
Pet insurance or vet savings plan Unexpected vet costs can add up quickly, so it’s smart to explore pet insurance or set up a veterinary savings plan. Investing early can ease financial stress and ensure your puppy gets the care they need when it matters most.
Flea/tick prevention (vet recommended) Protect your puppy from fleas, ticks, and other parasites with a prevention plan recommended by your vet. Whether it’s a chewable, topical, or collar, early protection keeps your pup itch-free and safe from diseases.
Microchip (ask your vet during first appointment) Microchipping your puppy greatly increases the chance of being reunited if they ever get lost. It’s a quick procedure your vet can often do during the first visit—just be sure to register your contact info afterward.
Unfortunately, July 4th is the #1 day in the year dogs go missing, due to fireworks. We do not have our baby chipped but we do throw on his AirTag & holder that day and make sure his tags are updated.
Puppy-proof your home (cords, toxic plants, small objects) Before your pup explores their new space, make sure it’s safe. Tuck away cords, remove toxic houseplants, and keep small objects off the floor to prevent chewing or choking hazards. Think of it like baby-proofing—but for curious little canines!
Car harness or travel carrier for safe rides Take your dog with easy to the vet, groomer, dog park or to Starbucks (for that pup cup treat!).
We love the BurgeonNest Dog Car Seat because it was SUPER easy to install, the cushion is removeable and washing was a breeze, plus there is a clip on leash to keep your pup from sliding around your car!
I highly recommend using a harness with this for your pup's safety, over hooking directly to collar.
5. Optional but Nice-to-Have
Milestone cards or journal for puppy memories Capture all the precious “firsts” with puppy milestone cards or a keepsake journal. From first bath to first walk, documenting these sweet memories helps you celebrate your pup’s journey—and makes for adorable photo ops!
Snuggle puppy with heartbeat (great for comfort at night) A plush toy with a built-in heartbeat can mimic the warmth and rhythm of a littermate, helping your puppy settle in their crate and sleep more soundly. It’s especially comforting during those first few nights away from mom and siblings.
Try the WEOK Heartbeat Puppy Toy on Amazon if you have an anxious pup. This is a great option for full-time working pup parents when working long hours, as it can provide your dog comfort while you are away.
Puppy teething toys you can freeze Freezable teething toys offer cool relief for sore puppy gums and help deter them from chewing on shoes or furniture. Keep a couple ready in the freezer and rotate them for soothing playtime.
One of the #1 Best Sellers on Amazon is the Nylabone Freezer Knuckle Bone Puppy Chew Toy. A color-changing dog toy with a lamb and apple flavor!
Night light or camera for crate training A soft night light helps your puppy feel secure in unfamiliar surroundings, especially if they're crated in a new space. Pair it with a pet camera to monitor crate training progress and reassure yourself while you're away.
By preparing ahead with the right essentials, you’re setting your pup (and yourself!) up for a smoother transition, fewer messes, and lots more joy. Remember, patience, consistency, and love go a long way in building trust and good habits.
Don’t stress if things aren’t perfect—this journey is about progress, not perfection. Cherish the cuddles, laugh at the chaos, and enjoy every tail wag and tiny milestone. You’ve got this!
This post is about dog essentials for a happy and healthy puppy!
HELLO DOG MAMAS
I'm Lavenia—dog mom, treat dealer,
and pro at lint rolling. Here for the
cozy chaos of pup life with must-haves, dog names, and DIYs for modern pet parents. 
