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Thinking about taking the next step in growing your family? Ready to add a new best friend into the mix? Then it sounds like you may be getting a new puppy!
Puppies are wonderful, intelligent, loyal creatures. They have a crazy, inquisitive mind and somewhat chaotic demeanour…but hey, lets just call that “personality!”
Like children, every puppy will have a slightly different personality. Whilst there may be recognisable behavioural traits associated with specific breeds, no two puppies will be the same. That’s the exciting part!
Planning for your new arrival is not as stressful as you may think. Your shopping list can be broken down into the following 5 sections:(See, doesn’t sound so bad when you say it like that!)
- Feeding Time
- Sleep Time
- Play/Bonding Time
- Training Time
- Veterinary Time
Now lets break these categories down further! The items with a (*) next to them are essential, whereas the other items are suggestions for your little one.
Feeding Time
- Puppy specific food*
Your puppy’s diet plays an important role in its growth, development, gut health, and potential intolerances. To avoid digestive issues such as diarrhoea, begin by feeding the same food the breeder uses. Once your puppy has settled into its new home, you can gradually transition to a different, higher-quality diet if desired.
- Food + Water Bowl*
Choosing the right bowl matters, as the wrong size or depth can discourage your puppy from eating or drinking. Small breeds (Chihuahuas, Jack Russells, Dachshunds) need shallower bowls, making puppy-specific options useful. Food-driven breeds (Labradors, Spaniels, Beagles) may benefit from slow feeders, which use maze-like designs to slow eating and reduce the risk of dangerous complications.
- Food-Safe Storage Containers
Not essential, but food-safe airtight containers are recommended to keep your pup’s food fresher, especially for bulk purchases. Also, never underestimate the power of a hungry puppy!
Sleep Time
- Dog Crate*
When used properly, a crate provides a safe, calming space for your puppy. It should be small, cosy, and treated as a quiet, child-free area where your puppy can rest undisturbed.
Check out the range at Pets at Home! https://www.petsathome.com/product/listing/dog/dog-beds-crates-and-gates/dog-crates-and-accessories
- Dog Bed*
A dog bed is essential for a new puppy, providing a cosy space and supporting training. Beds with sides help pups feel secure, mimicking littermate snuggling and aiding nighttime settling.
- Blankets*
Blankets add comfort and can help your puppy settle in. Giving one to the breeder to scent with their mum and littermates provides a familiar smell, helping your puppy feel secure when they come home.
- Heartbeat Teddy
A heartbeat teddy is a cuddly toy with a sound machine built in to mimic a heartbeat. The sound will be extremely comforting to your new puppy, helping them to settle and sleep more without fear of being alone in a place that is not familiar.
Play/Bonding Time
- Assorted Puppy/Dog Toys*
Playing with your puppy helps build trust and strengthens your bond, making training easier. Avoid rope toys, as swallowed threads can cause serious issues, and opt for safer options like crinkly toys, which are often a favourite.
https://www.petsathome.com/product/listing/dog/dog-toys
- Puppy Treats*
Dogs are often food-motivated, so treats can help build your bond and support training. However, too many can cause weight gain or digestive issues, so it’s best to use part of your puppy’s daily kibble allowance as treats instead.
- Puzzle Games
Puzzle games add enrichment and fun for your puppy. Snuffle mats and Kongs are great options, especially for intelligent breeds like Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, and German Shepherds. Stuffed Kongs encourage licking, a calming behaviour that can help manage energetic “zoomies.”
Check out this website for more enrichment ideas! https://www.smartbark.co.uk/post/best-puzzle-dog-toys
Training Time
- Poo Bags*
You’ll need plenty of poo bags, as your puppy will go through them quickly. Keep them in multiple spots—around the house, in the car, and in coat pockets.
- Fitted Harness + Collar + Lead*
Collar, lead, and harness are essential for every puppy. Even before walks, use them at home to desensitise your pup, making future training easier. Always have a harness professionally fitted to ensure comfort and safety.
I highly recommend https://julius-k9.co.uk/dog-harnesses for great quality harnesses.
- Training Lead/Long Line*
A long line is essential for teaching recall, one of the most important skills for your puppy’s safety. It allows off-leash freedom while giving you control if your pup gets distracted, helping prevent dangerous situations.
Dogs Trust has an awesome online shop for all your essentials. This is great as it helps support shelter dogs! https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/support-us/our-shops/our-shop
- Animal-safe Antibacterial Spray*
Accidents are inevitable with a new puppy, so keep an animal-safe antibacterial spray handy to sanitise and protect your pup’s sensitive skin.
I hope this helps you feel a little more prepared for your new arrival! I completely understand how overwhelming everything must feel right now, but by breaking down what you actually need for your puppy, I hope you are now ready to jump in with both feet and experience the unconditional love and loyalty that no amount of money can buy. At the end of the day, all you truly need to give a puppy a happy home is: patience, love, warmth, and endless cuddles!
