20 Puppy Essentials Every First-Time Pet Parent *Needs*

The puppy is yours - part of your family! Don’t risk losing her forever. Get a collar so you can proudly display her name tag with her vaccination information and your contact info, should anyone need to find her. This version is made from recycled plastic bottles. Soft to the touch and strong enough to withstand chewing and pulling, it’s a no-brainer.

A retractable leash gives puppies an opportunity to explore while out on a walk. This one from maxbone brakes and locks easily—and it’s stylish. It’s ideal for puppies and dogs up to 44 pounds. (If your puppy eventually outgrows this leash, definitely get a heavy duty one that can handle your dog. The TUG 360° is the best-selling retractable leash on Amazon for large breeds.)

Harnesses give dog owners a little more control over where their pup wanders on walks. For puppies, this is especially important. A harness is a very helpful tool when lead and leash training. We’re obsessed with this harness from Wild One (to put it mildly). It also comes with a matching leash and collar, if you’re so inclined.

Cleaning up after your dog on walks is the neighborly thing to do! No one wants to step in that… stuff. These bags are the number one best-seller on Amazon. Not only are they guaranteed leak-proof, they are made of recycled materials (as is the packaging).

Just because it concerns poop, doesn’t mean it can’t be fashionable. These poop bag carriers from Wild One can be ordered to match your harness, which is just too darn cute.

At one point, the wait list for the Revol Dog Crate by Diggs was 25,000 people long! Not only does this crate combine aesthetics with functionality, it’s ideal for puppies. The crate comes with a divider to make crate training simpler and an easy-to-clean tray in case of accidents.

Stainless steel is the material of choice for pet food bowls as it doesn’t grow mold or wear down as easily. This set also has BPA-free, silicone lining along the bottom so the bowls won’t slip or slide around while your pup is chowing down. They’re also dishwasher safe, which is a must.

According to Dr. Annie Valuska, Ph.D., at Purina, puppies need more protein, fat and calcium than adult and senior dogs. Small- and medium-sized breeds should eat puppy food for about a year; large breeds should eat puppy food twice as long. Check to make sure your puppy’s food contains DHA omega fatty acid, antioxidants, calcium, phosphorus and protein. Purina’s Pro Plan Puppy Formulas definitely cover those bases.

Um, yeah, puppies love treats! Treats come in handy during training sessions, after stressful events (like baths) and whenever your dog has achieved something important. Shameless Pets makes dog (and cat) treats that provide canines with essential nutrients. Plus, their treats are made from upcycled food. A brand combating climate change and food waste while also feeding our animal companions? Sign us up.

Transitions can be hard on puppies! They’ll need a calming, comfortable bed to snooze in after a long day of playing, chewing, learning and loving. This bed is made of pet-safe, vegan materials and designed to remind puppies of their mother’s fur. (Pro tip: If you live in a hot climate or you adopt a puppy in the summertime, consider a cooling bed.)

Now, whether you let your puppy sit on the couch or bed is up to you. This blanket will help protect your furniture from puppy nails, hair and general grime. Even if you don’t use it for furniture, it’s a nice addition to your puppy essentials welcome kit, as it also works in cars and crates.

Again, where you let your puppy roam is up to you. Blocking off certain areas is usually wise in the first few weeks. You’ve got to establish boundaries—especially if you have a breed that has trouble using stairs, like a Dachshund.

Please don’t wait until it’s too late to put together a dog first aid kit. Puppies get into a lot of stuff. They might cut themselves on sticks, knock over a glass and step on a shard, or worse. Having a first aid kit (with all your dog’s medical paperwork and vaccination records inside) is key to keeping your pup healthy. You’ll thank yourself later should you need gauze, hydrogen peroxide or a thermometer in a pinch.

Frequent vet check-ups are common for puppies, especially as you get your pup immunized. The Diggs Revol Crate also doubles as a travel carrier, but if you want something soft and airline-approved, try this one. It’s ideal for puppies and small dog breeds. You can buckle it into your car with a seatbelt and lock the zippers so your pup can’t escape.

Now, if you’re a road trip family, invest in a dog car seat that protects your pup and gives her space at the same time. Depending on your distance and dog’s size, you may need to adjust the type of dog car seat you purchase.

Get ready to trim some nails. These doggy nail clippers make it safe and easy to keep your puppy’s nails trim (a safety guard prevents cutting too short). Start clipping nails early so your dog gets used to it!

Here’s where additional breed research comes in super handy. The type of brush you need for your dog depends on your puppy’s coat length and how many layers she’s got. Frisco makes a ton of unique brushes that tackle mats, short fur, long hair and more. Start with a beginner’s kit or go right for the brush you know you’ll need.

Similar to nail trimming and coat grooming, the sooner you start cleaning your puppy’s teeth, the better. Plaque build-up is a huge issue in canines and felines. Vets say oral hygiene is one of the responsibilities humans often neglect to provide for their pets. To avoid hefty vet bills later, start brushing now.

Puppies roll in stuff. Stuff can include mud, grass…their own poo…bathtime is essential after your dog has accumulated lots of dirt. Even though this Burt’s Bees formula is 99.7% natural and vet-recommended, there are ways to make your own dog shampoo before giving your dog a bath. Try a few options to see what works best!

The most fun item(s) on the list: toys! Puppies love toys! They chew on stuff as throughout teething and this actually helps them learn about their environment. Kong toys are classics for a reason. They’re durable, long-lasting and provide hours of entertainment. Don’t stop there, though. Get as many chew toys for your puppy as you want. Just be sure to avoid anything your puppy shouldn’t chew.