New Puppy Must-Haves
from Kendle Frank
There’s nothing quite as exciting as welcoming a new puppy into your life! With their wagging tails, puppy breath, and adorable antics, puppies squirm their way into your heart in no time. But let’s not sugarcoat it—raising puppies takes a lot of work and responsibility.
To set your furry best friend up for success, they’ll need more than just love and belly rubs! By preparing ahead of time with all the essential supplies, you can ease the transition into their new home and start having fun together. We’ve compiled a list of all the must-have items you should obtain before the big homecoming.
Basic Essentials
Let’s start with the basics! You’ll need an adjustable collar, a training leash, a harness, and an identification tag. Puppies grow quickly, so be prepared to size up as needed. 
Be sure to stock up on poop bags (trust us, you’ll need them), a cozy bed and blankets for all those puppy snoozes, and a crate. Start crate training your puppy right away to give them a safe, secure, and relaxing place of their own. The KONG® Puppy is a fantastic tool for helping your pup create a positive association with their crate. You can learn more about crate training with KONG here!
Puppy Food Supplies
Invest in a stainless-steel water bowl and a slow feeder bowl to help your puppy pace themselves during meals. You may also consider ditching the food bowl altogether and using a treat dispenser, like the KONG Wobbler, to turn meals into an enriching and longer-lasting challenge. Before bringing your new puppy home for the first time, consult with your veterinarian about the best food options and feeding routine to meet your dog’s unique needs.
You’ll also want to pick up a bag of treats, as they’re a great way to reward new puppies. Treats like KONG Puppy Ziggies® are specially formulated for sensitive puppy tummies. Tasty, healthy, and plant-based, Ziggies also freshen puppy breath, clean their teeth, and are perfect for stuffing inside a KONG for added enrichment.
Toys for Your New Puppy
Puppies need to play to grow into happy, healthy, and confident adult dogs. Playing with toys provides puppies mental stimulation, physical enrichment, and an outlet for instinctive behaviors like chewing. Plus, it busts boredom and strengthens your bond through interactive play. 
We recommend adding any KONG Puppy Rubber toys to your shopping list, such as the KONG Puppy Binkie™ and the KONG Puppy Teething Stick. Made with puppy teeth in mind, KONG Puppy products are formulated with gentle rubber that soothes teething gums, teaches appropriate chewing habits, and keeps pups entertained longer.
Training Must-Haves
In their first year, puppies experience significant mental and physical development and soak up new information like sponges, making it prime time for learning. The socialization and training they experience from a young age has a significant impact on who they become as adult dogs, which is why you should start teaching them good house etiquette and basic obedience skills right away. Begin training on the right paw with positive reinforcement tools, such as a training clicker, treats, and a treat pouch.
Hygiene Needs
Healthy habits start early, so keep up with their health and hygienic needs from the get-go. Puppies should start getting used to teeth cleaning with a dog toothbrush and toothpaste from a young age, as keeping up with their dental health is important for their overall well-being and longevity. You’ll also need a brush, dog shampoo, and nail clippers for their grooming needs through puppyhood and beyond. 
It can take a few days to a few months for a puppy to become fully house-broken. To handle accidents, you’ll need puppy pads and cleaning supplies, such as pet-friendly carpet cleaners, wipes, and paper towels.
Other Things to Consider
You may want baby gates or a puppy playpen to keep your pup safely contained in certain areas while they’re learning the house rules. To prepare for the unexpected, pet insurance can be a financial lifesaver. While not a necessity, it can help in the event of an accident, injury, or illness. Think of it as a safety net for those “just in case” moments.
Being prepared for your new puppy will allow you to start bonding, training, and creating happy memories together from day one. For more helpful advice on welcoming a new puppy into the family, check out New Puppy Tips and watch our New Puppy 101 video.
