- A Crate
Metal or plastic sided, the crate is going to be your number one training tool! This is the safest place for your puppy when you can’t be watching him or her. It will also keep your furniture, shoes, and remote controls out of harm’s way as well.
- Puppy Play Pen
A puppy play pen is nice to have to stand alone or to connect to the crate, so he/she can have some room to exercise while you are away. If you don’t get one of these, hang some toys in the top of the crate so that will keep them occupied and give them something to play with.
- Baby Gates
These gates are great tools for sectioning off your home and keeping your pup in rooms with easy to clean floors. They also enable you to keep track of her/him when you are cleaning, cooking, or just hanging out.
- Paper Towels
Lots of them! Accidents do happen!
- Pet Stain and Odor Remover
Nature’s Miracle is a very popular choice, but there are many different brands on the market today.
- A Small Supply of Current Food
Even if you are planning on switching his/her diet(which many people do) please do this slowly. There are so many changes going on in your new puppy’s life right now. Drastically changing his diet can cause stomach upset that is easily preventable. Slowly wean him/her off his/her old diet by mixing new food in with the old food in gradually increasing proportions.
- Food and Water Bowls
Pretty self-explanatory but weighted water dishes come in handy with puppies who like to frolic in their water!
- Plastic Bags
Start collecting these in advance when you make trips to the grocery store. You’re going to have lots of puppy poop to pick up.
- Puppy Safe Toys
Kongs, Orbees, Wubbas. I use actual baby toys that don’t have small parts to be chewed off.
- Dog/Puppy Shampoo and Brushes
Have a good supply of shampoo and brushes on hand to keep your puppy nicely groomed and smelling fresh!