Searching for the puppy essentials you need before bringing your pup home? These are the tried and true puppy must haves!
If you are anything like me, you like being prepared. I love my lists and I wouldn’t know what to do without google at my fingertips. I’ve had the honor to be a dog mom to multiple pups, all of whom we brought home when they were puppies, and I can tell you from personal experience, and countless dog mom conversations, that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices out there. With so many products claiming to be “essential,” how do you know what’s really necessary?
Well, I’ve got you covered! Let me share the top 5 puppy must-haves I think every new dog mom should have before bringing their furry bundle of joy home. Whether you’re adopting your first pup or adding a new one to your pack, these items will set you up for success.
This post is about all the puppy must haves every new dog mom should have. Let’s get into it!
1. Dog Crate
know what you’re thinking: A crate? Isn’t that cruel? Trust me, I used to think the same thing. I thought crates were like tiny doggy jails. But after doing some research and reading a few books, I decided to give it a try—and it was one of the best decisions I made.
Dogs are naturally denning animals, and crates provide them with a sense of security and safety. My view on crates completely changed the moment I saw my puppy choose, all on his own, to go into his crate to nap.
One thing to always keep in mind is to never, ever, use a crate as punishment.
To us, crate training became essential to potty training. Dogs, by instinct, don’t like to soil where they sleep. Aside from making potty training so much easier, crates help to prevent destructive behaviors. The less access to making mistakes the puppy has, the less they have to unlearn through training.
When starting out, keep it simple. You don’t need a fancy crate pad, bumper, or cover right away. A well-sized crate will do just fine. Once your puppy is potty trained, you can add a comfy pad and cover. But remember, never use the crate as punishment—it should always be a safe and happy place for your dog. We got our first dog crate on Amazon, and it was exactly what we needed.
If you want to know more about crate training, I recommend you watched these two videos:
Crate Training Definitive Guide – Why and How to do it
5 Crate Training Steps that ACTUALLY Work
2. Stainless Steel Food & Water Bowls
Shown here: Albetapha Stainless Steel Bowls | Wild One Bowl Kit | Trot Pets Dog Bowl Set
When it came to choosing food and water bowls for my pups, I’ve learned that not all materials are created equal. I used to think any cute bowl would do the job, but then I started reading up on how some plastics can actually leach harmful chemicals, and even some ceramic bowls might have toxic glazes. That was a real eye-opener for me!
Now, I stick with food-grade stainless steel bowls. They’re not the fanciest or most stylish option (I’ve definitely been tempted by some adorable designs), but they’re nonporous, easy to clean, and just feel safer for my dogs. I’ve learned that type 304 stainless steel, also called 18/8 stainless steel, is what you want to look for. It’s durable and you can toss it right in the dishwasher, which is a huge plus for me when I’m busy juggling all the things.
At the end of the day, while stainless steel might not be the prettiest option out there, I’ve found it’s the safest and most practical for my pups.
3. Walking Set
A good walking set is a total must-have when you bring your new puppy home. I can’t tell you how many leashes and collars I’ve tried, but over the years, I’ve found a couple of favorites that I swear by. I’m a bit obsessed with high-quality dog gear because, let’s face it, I need stuff that lasts. Plus, it doesn’t hurt if it looks good too, right?
a. Branni Pets Leather Collar & Poop Bag Holder
These are hands-down some of the most stylish yet functional pieces we own. Made from Saffiano leather, which is super durable and easy to clean, they’ve been our go-to for ages. (I love them so much, we decided to carry them in our shop). Designed in Barcelona and crafted in Milan, they just scream quality. And trust me, they hold up beautifully. You can find the collar here and the poop bag holder here.
Don’t forget to purchase compostable dog poop bags. We buy these from Amazon and love them.
b. Hands Free Rope Leash
These hands-free 4-in-1 Rope Leash from Wild One can be worn conveniently around your chest or waist. They are lightweight and comfortable and come in the cutest colors!
4. Puppy Shampoo
Ah, puppy’s first bath—such a milestone! I remember being so nervous the first time I bathed my pup, worrying that I’d do something wrong or that he’d hate it. Turns out, all you really need is a good, gentle shampoo and a lot of patience.
We’ve gone through more shampoos than I care to admit, but one that’s sulfate-free and super gentle is by far our favorite for puppies. It’s tearless, which is a big win, and doesn’t irritate their delicate skin. If you have a breed like a Labradoodle or any long-haired dog, I also highly recommend using a conditioner. I’ve used it from day one with our pups, and it’s helped keep their coats soft and tangle-free.
One thing I learned along the way: Don’t rush to bathe your puppy as soon as they come home. Their sense of smell is a big part of how they adjust to their new world, so it’s a good idea to wait a little while before introducing a new scent. Many breeders will send you home with a blanket that smells like their mom, and I found it really helps with the transition.
5. Dog Toothbrush
This is one of those things I didn’t realize I needed until it was almost too late. Dog dental health is huge!
Genetics also play a big role in your dog’s dental health, so if you’re still picking out a puppy, don’t be shy about asking the breeder about the parents’ teeth. It might seem like an odd question, but you’ll thank yourself later!
When it comes to toothbrushes, I’ve tried a bunch—finger brushes, regular dog toothbrushes—and honestly, they all work. The key is just to get into a routine early. We started brushing our puppies’ teeth daily, and while we’re not perfect now, having that habit established from the start makes a world of difference. Plus, if you get your pup used to having their mouth touched when they’re young, it’ll be so much easier later on.
Another tip: Some dog chews are great for helping with tartar, but not all are created equal. Always check the ingredients and try to stick with ones that are as natural as possible.
I hope this list gives you some peace of mind as you prepare for your new puppy! I remember how overwhelming it felt, but trust me, you don’t need to go overboard. These essentials have been tried and tested by me and my pups, and they’ve stood the test of time.
Heads-up: I’m not a vet, just a dog mom sharing what’s worked for me and my fur babies. Always do your own research, ask lots of questions, and find what works best for you and your pup. Welcome to the wonderful (and sometimes chaotic) world of puppy parenting!
