What You Really Need for a New Puppy - Advice from a Dog Trainer

There is no denying that a new puppy is exciting and fun — but also a lot of work. What you do now makes a big difference in your dog’s behavior later in life. So, if you are getting ready to bring a new puppy home, here is my list of what you need to be successful.

Food and Treats - This is the fuel your puppy uses to grow big and strong.
Food designed specifically for puppies — This is a must. It’s ideal to get a small bag of food from the breeder and use it to transition to the food you plan to feed long-term. Feed the best food you can afford, and take time to educate yourself about nutrition.
Treats for training — Training starts the moment you get home, so have treats ready to go. Keep them small and reward everything your puppy does right. Before long, they’ll be doing more right things than wrong ones. Look for treats with ingredients you can pronounce and avoid inferior treats with added colors.

---

Supplies - This is all the “boring” stuff you need.
Water bowl — Choose one that’s easy to clean and hard to tip over. I recommend using food toys for meals, so you don’t need a food bowl — just a water bowl.
A treat bag — You should be rewarding your puppy for all the right things. If you put treats in your pocket, you’ll end up washing more clothes than you care to admit. If you leave treats in their original bag, you’ll inadvertently teach your puppy the wrong cue. Using a treat bag means your voice — “Yes, smart puppy!” — predicts good things, not the crinkle of plastic.
Crate (to be replaced as they grow) — Using a crate helps with housetraining, and it’s not “mean.” What is mean is letting your puppy roam, make a bad choice, and then yelling at them about it.
Dog gate(s) — Need to keep the puppy out of the fancy dining room? No problem — use a dog gate. Limiting access reduces destructive chewing and housetraining accidents.
Soft, adjustable collar and harness — Don’t spend a lot of money here. Your puppy will outgrow these quickly. Save your money now so you can invest in high-quality equipment when they’re closer to adult size.
At least one 6-foot leash — No retractable leashes. A plain leather or nylon leash is perfect. Puppies chew, and it’s not uncommon for one to chew through a leash if you’re not paying attention. If that happens with an expensive leash, you’ll be disappointed.
Incontinence pads — I don’t recommend pee pads. They’re wasteful and not environmentally friendly. Instead, buy reusable incontinence pads from a medical supply store. They’re washable, reusable, and a better long-term investment.
Cleaner — Decide now what you’ll use when your puppy pees on the floor. Make sure it’s an enzymatic cleaner.
Playpen / exercise pen — Think of the crate as a crib and the playpen as a safe play space. This is where your puppy stays when you can’t actively supervise, such as when you’re working. I recommend using a scrap of linoleum under the pen so you can set it up anywhere. I also use ice cubes in the water bowl so puppies don’t spill it or drink too much at once.
Grooming tools — Ask your breeder what tools and shampoo are appropriate for your breed. Don’t skimp on quality. Better tools make grooming easier for both you and your puppy.
Dog bed / cooler bed — Which one you need depends on climate and season. Puppies often seek out tile floors because they run warmer than humans, especially while growing. Cooler beds are great for warm climates or summer puppies; warm beds are better for winter or colder regions. If you live somewhere with seasons, you may need both.
Temporary contact information — Cheap tags wear off. Invest in a stainless steel, engraved tag when possible. If your puppy is too small or growing fast, make a temporary tag using shrink plastic from a craft store. Just remember to poke the hole before baking. This is also useful for travel or camping.

Toys & Chews - This can get expensive — make investments, not just purchases.
Stuffable food toys — Kong™ is my favorite. I recommend having at least five adult-size Kongs (based on predicted adult weight). Once a week, stuff them with your puppy’s meals. I skip peanut butter and focus on food that provides real nutritional value. Puppies should get at least one meal per day this way.
Food toys for dry kibble — If you feed kibble, get at least two puzzle-style food toys. For young puppies, I love the Kong Wobbler and Planet Dog Snoop.
Animal chews — Bully sticks, pig ears, lamb ears, tracheas, and no-hide chews fall into this category. Use them sparingly. Puppies are teething, which is why refillable food toys work well. I use bully sticks intentionally for handling and grooming exercises.
Play toys — These are the cute, soft toys you use with your puppy. They’re also the toys most likely to be destroyed or eaten, so keep them put away unless you’re supervising.
Balls & bumpers — For hunting dogs, skip squeaky balls and use bumpers. For pets, balls, bumpers, and frisbees are fine. Rubber toys tend to be more durable. I’m a fan of West Paw and Planet Dog.
Tug toys — Soft fleece tug toys are my favorite for puppies. I keep them in every room because they’re perfect for redirecting biting. Don’t bite my pants — bite this instead.
Toys (general) — Rotate toys regularly. You’ll quickly discover preferences and can invest in what your puppy truly enjoys.


Education - “I am still learning.” — Michelangelo, age 87
Puppy training class — Every puppy should attend a well-run class taught by a trainer who specializes in puppies. Experience matters. Early guidance prevents bigger problems later. Avoid harsh methods and prioritize age-appropriate, positive training.
Adult training class — Learning should continue throughout your dog’s life. Plan and budget for ongoing education.
Books — Reading helps, but choose wisely. Two of my favorite trainers are Suzanne Clothier and Patricia McConnell, Ph.D.
A veterinarian — Choose someone who listens and answers questions respectfully. If they talk at you instead of with you, find a different vet.
Webinar — I offer a puppy webinar packed with information to help you prepare. It’s an hour I wish every new puppy parent would watch.
 https://namastaytraining.thrivecart.com/puppies-are-more-than-puppy-breath/

And finally, the most important thing you need for a new puppy isn’t sold in any store: patience — for your puppy and yourself. Mistakes will happen. Planning for them makes it easier to laugh, adjust, and forgive. That mindset communicates more to your puppy than any single training exercise ever could.