Are you eagerly anticipating the arrival of a furry bundle of joy? Bringing a puppy home is an incredibly exciting time, filled with endless cuddles, playtime, and unconditional love. But before you bring that adorable ball of fluff into your life, there are a few essential things you need to prepare. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the must-have supplies and preparations to make your puppy's transition smooth and stress-free. So, let's dig in and discover what you need before bringing a puppy home!

​

Creating a Safe and Cozy Environment The first step to welcoming your new furry family member is to create a secure and comfortable space for them to call their own. Here's what you need:

​

1. A Cozy Bed: Choose a soft, washable bed that provides ample cushioning and support for your puppy's growing body., we often use blankets but a padded bed is also ok

2. Crate: A crate serves as a safe haven where your puppy can relax, sleep, and feel secure. It also aids in housetraining and prevents destructive behaviors when you're away.

​

Mealtime Essentials: Proper nutrition is vital for your puppy's growth and development. Ensure you have the following supplies:

​

1. High-Quality Puppy Food: A premium, high quality puppy food which is nutritionally balanced and meets your puppys needs is important. .

2. Food and Water Bowls: Choose sturdy, non-slip bowls that are easy to clean. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are preferable to plastic, as they are more hygienic.

​

Grooming and Hygiene Supplies Keeping your puppy clean and well-groomed is essential for their overall health and happiness. 

​

1. Puppy Shampoo: Look for a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo formulated specifically for puppies. Avoid using human shampoos, as they can be harsh on their sensitive skin. Bathing too often can remove the oils from your puppys coat so only bath when necessary

2. Brush or Comb: Invest in a brush or comb suitable for your puppy's coat type. Regular brushing helps maintain a healthy coat and reduces shedding. Some breeds require this more than others.

​

 Fun and Enrichment Puppies are bundles of energy, and providing them with mental and physical stimulation is key to a happy, well-behaved companion. Here are some supplies to keep them entertained:

​

1. Chew Toys: Puppies love to explore the world through their mouths. Provide a variety of chew toys made specifically for puppies to keep them occupied and save your furniture from teething damage.

2. Interactive Toys: Stimulate your puppy's mind with interactive toys that challenge their problem-solving skills, such as treat-dispensing puzzles.

​

Health and Safety Essentials To keep your puppy healthy and safe, these supplies are a must:

1. Collar and ID Tags: Get a collar that fits snugly but comfortably around your puppy's neck and attach ID tags with your contact information. This helps ensure a safe return if your pup ever gets lost. We find most puppies between 8 and 12 weeks of age will fit into a collar size of between 20 and 30 cm and this is the collar size we use unless a puppy is particularly small. 

2. Lead: A sturdy lead is essential for walks and outdoor adventures. Opt for a lead made of nylon or leather with a comfortable handle.  A fixed length lead gives consistency to your puppy when walking, which will aid in reducing pulling.

​

Below are links to some of the products we use for our trainee puppies and our own dogs.