You’re about to welcome a new furry friend into your family, great news! There is no better companion than a dog, and seeing your new puppy grow from their current size into a loyal and loving adult dog is a wonderful experience.
Of course, you need to make sure that when you’re bringing home a puppy, you have everything you need beforehand. Puppies are a little like babies, but with more fur and a slight inclination to nip on occasion! That means you need to be prepared. The best way forward is to make a list before your new addition arrives, ticking items off as you purchase them, find our list of must haves for your new puppy below.
Our 10 Must Haves for Your New Puppy
There are certain things your puppy must have and a few added extras that will make your life a little easier. Remember that your puppy is a baby, having left their mother not that long ago. In that case you need to make them as comfortable as possible, by making them feel safe and snug in their new surroundings.
- Food – Without a doubt the most important thing is the food you’re planning on feeding your puppy. At first this needs to be a combination of the food the owner is currently feeding them, and the food you want to transition them onto. After a while you can move completely to your choice of food, but doing so immediately may cause stomach disturbances – something you do not want to clean up!
- Food and water bowls
- Puppy pads for house training – read more on how to potty train your puppy here.
- Baby gates – Yes, we told you it’s like having a baby! Consider your furry friend a toddler and that means you need baby gates stop them going where you don’t want them to go and to make sure they don’t end up tripping down the stairs. Puppies are very inquisitive!
- A play pen or crate – must haves for training them, especially in the night.
- A small bed – Choose a bed which isn’t too small but one which will hug them a little, helping them to feel safe and secure in their new home.
- Puppy blankets – choose fluffy or fleecy blankets to help them feel warm and snug
- Toys – You will no doubt want to go and buy lots of toys for your pooch, and this is great for keeping them occupied and helping them to develop. Within that list of toys you should add in a teething toy too, to stop them using your hand instead!
- Dog leads – Once your puppy is able to go out walking you’ll need a leash to stop them wandering off. Remember, your puppy does not come pre-trained! Climbing rope leads are a great idea here too as they are incredibly safe.
- Collar and dog tag – Choose a coloured collar which suits their personality as a fun way to dress up a must have piece of equipment. You also need a dog tag which is engraved with certain details, including your last name, postcode in case your puppy gets lost, and a contact number to call.
Let’s face it, going shopping in preparation for your new furry friend’s arrival is half the fun!
