Essential Puppy Supplies:

What to Buy & What to Skip

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting adventure, but making sure you have the right supplies can make all the difference in their training, health, and happiness. With so many pet products on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed—do you really need that fancy bed, or will your pup just chew it up? Should you buy potty pads, or will they create bad habits?

As a professional dog trainer, I’ve helped countless new puppy owners set their dogs up for success. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the must-have puppy supplies, what to skip, and how to choose the best items for your new furry family member. From crates and chew toys to training essentials, this list will help you avoid common mistakes and start your puppy off on the right paw!

Must Have Supplies

• Food & Water Bowls – Any will work, but consider a refillable flowing water bowl. As she grows, she may drink half a gallon or more daily.
• Crate – Get one big enough for her adult size with a divider. If you’re okay buying multiple crates as she grows, you can start with a medium and later upgrade to a large. I personally prefer plastic (airline-style) kennels for crate training—puppies tend to settle in them more easily. However, they don’t have dividers, so you’ll need to size up as she grows.
• Chews (Bully Sticks & Whimzees) – Some puppies love these immediately, while others become interested around 12 weeks when teething starts. I recommend buying a size larger than you think they need. These are long-lasting and safe for digestion, unlike rawhide or Nylabones.
• Toys – Almost any toy is fine with supervision. I suggest:
  • Tennis balls (larger than her mouth)
  • Rope toys
  • Stuffed animals without stuffing
  • Hard rubber toys (for chewing)
  • In her crate: Stick to tennis balls, hard rubber toys, bully sticks, and Whimzees. Other toys should only be used under supervision to prevent shredding and accidental swallowing.
• Bed or Cot – Most young puppies shred beds, but they’re useful for obedience training. I recommend buying one that will fit her as an adult for training sessions. I personally prefer a raised cot over a traditional bed. If you’re interested, check out the VeHoo Dog Cot —it’s not typically sold in pet stores.
• Dog Food & Treats – Depending on what the breeder has her on, I may or may not recommend switching food right away. For treats, I like:
  • Boiled chicken breast
  • Fresh Pet (refrigerated)
  • Any soft, small training treats (if you prefer a non-refrigerated option)
• Potty Training Essentials – Skip the potty pads! We don’t want her to think it’s okay to go inside. For cleaning accidents, I recommend Odoban (available at Home Depot).