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The Ultimate Puppy Starter Kit: Must-Have Essentials for New Dog Owners
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items Welcome to the exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, world of puppy parenthood! As a vet tech and dog mom, I know firsthand how much love, preparation, and gear goes into raising a happy and healthy puppy. To help you get a head start, I've put toget...
Sections
6
Feeding & Hydration
Sleep & Comfort
Potty Training & Clean Up
Health & Grooming
Play & Training
Travel Supplies
Feeding & Hydration
The right nutrition and gear are crucial for your puppy's healthy growth. Starting with a science-based diet and durable bowls will make mealtime a breeze.
As a vet tech, I highly recommend a high-quality, science-based diet to support your puppy's rapid development. Hill's Science Diet is formulated with the perfect balance of vitamins, minerals, and protein to ensure strong bones, healthy organs, and ...
Science Diet Puppy Food
Elevated bowls are a fantastic choice for puppies because they can help with proper posture and digestion, and are more comfortable for dogs to use as they grow. The foldable design is also perfect for travel or adventures with your pup, ensuring the...
FRISCO Copper Stainless Steel Elevated Foldable Double Dog Bowl
Treats are the key to positive reinforcement training. Look for low-calorie treats that are small and easy to chew. This allows you to reward good behavior without overfeeding your puppy, which is especially important during their key training period...
Pet Botanics – Dog Training Treats With Botanicals
Fun Feeder Slo Bowl, Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
Sleep & Comfort
Creating a safe, secure, and comfortable space is essential for helping your puppy adjust to their new home and for successful crate training.
A crate is a powerful training tool that helps with potty training, reduces separation anxiety, and provides your puppy with a secure "den" of their own.
Amazon Basics Foldable Portable Metal Wire Dog
A cozy bed gives your puppy a soft place to rest inside their crate or elsewhere in the house. I love this durable, washable bed that fits snuggly inside their crate to create a comfortable retreat. You can also get a second one for a common area of ...
Frisco Dog Beds
This is my absolute favorite secret weapon for a smooth transition! The Snuggle Puppy has a little heartbeat that you can turn on and a warmth pack you can slip inside. It mimics the feeling of snuggling with another dog, helping to soothe your pup's...
Snuggle Puppy® Heartbeat Stuffed Toy for Pet Anxiety Relief
Potty Training & Clean Up
Accidents are a normal and expected part of raising a puppy! Being prepared with the right supplies will make cleaning up much easier and more effective, helping you get through this crucial training period with minimal stress.
An absolute essential for every single walk and a crucial part of being a responsible dog owner. Always have a roll on hand to clean up after your pup. They're compact, inexpensive, and a must for any outing.
Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags: 100% Leak-Proof Guaranteed
This simple tool is a game-changer for backyard cleanup. It allows you to quickly and hygienically scoop up waste without having to bend down or get your hands too close to the mess.
FRISCO Spring Action Foldable Scooper, Large
This is a non-negotiable for puppy parents! Regular cleaners might just mask the odor of an accident, but an enzymatic cleaner will break down the stain and odor at a molecular level. This is key because it prevents your puppy from smelling the scent...
The Equalizer
Perfect for apartment dwellers or for puppies who are still learning to hold it. Potty pads can be placed in a designated area to help minimize accidents inside, providing a safe and convenient indoor option for your pup while they're still in traini...
Home Protection Pee Pads
Health & Grooming
Getting your puppy comfortable with a grooming routine early is one of the best things you can do for their long-term health. Starting these practices now will make for much less stressful vet visits and happy, healthy paws and teeth down the road.
I can't recommend this enough! Understanding your puppy’s breed mix and genetic health can be a game-changer. An Embark DNA Test provides crucial insights into potential health risks, breed-specific needs, and estimated adult size, helping you proact...
Embark Dog DNA Test Kit: Dog Breed & Health Test
This all-in-one kit gives you the tools you need to start a routine right away. It includes puppy-safe nail clippers to keep their paws healthy and a brush to help them get comfortable with being handled. It’s the perfect starter set for at-home groo...
FRISCO Beginner Grooming Kit for Dogs & Cats, 4 count
Puppy shampoo is specially formulated to be gentle on their sensitive skin and fur. This brand is a fantastic choice, as it’s often recommended by vets for its mild, pH-balanced formula that cleanses effectively without causing irritation.
Puppy Love Extra Gentle & Tearless Shampoo | For Pups and Kittens
A puppy's nose and paws can get dry or cracked, especially with all their exploring. This balm is a soothing way to moisturize and protect their delicate pads and noses, keeping them soft and healthy.
Palmer's for Pets Cocoa Butter Fragrance Free Paw Pad & Nose Balm ...
These wipes are a lifesaver for quick cleanups! Perfect for wiping off muddy paws after a walk or cleaning up little messes on their fur without needing a full bath. The hypoallergenic formula is gentle and safe for daily use.
TropiClean Hypoallergenic Dog Wipes for Paws, Butt, Face and Body, Safe ...
While at-home grooming is important, there's no substitute for professional care. A groomer can handle more complex grooming needs and get your puppy comfortable with baths, trims, and nail care in a controlled environment. I highly recommend booking...
PetSmart Grooming
Starting a dental hygiene routine early is crucial for preventing future dental problems. This kit includes everything you need—a finger brush and poultry-flavored toothpaste—to make brushing a positive experience for your pup.
C.E.T.® Oral Hygiene Kits
Play & Training
Playtime is a vital part of a puppy's development—it's how they learn and bond with you. These items are designed to make training more effective and playtime a blast, keeping their minds engaged and their teeth off your furniture!
Leash training can be a challenge, but a no-pull harness is a game-changer. It gently steers your puppy to the side when they pull, teaching them to walk calmly by your side without putting pressure on their neck. This makes those early walks much mo...
Easy Walk® Harness, No Pull Dog Harness
I can't overstate the value of professional training. My own pup and I went through all three levels at PetSmart, and it was the best investment we made! The classes teach you how to communicate with your puppy, build a strong bond, and work on key b...
PetSmart Dog Training
Clicker training is a science-based method that provides a clear and consistent marker for good behavior. The clicker is a powerful tool to help your puppy quickly understand when they've done something right, making learning new commands much faster...
Smarty Pooch!™ Training Clicker: Bone
Puppies are notorious chewers, especially when they're teething. Nylabone's puppy-specific chew toys are a safe and durable outlet for that natural instinct. They also help clean your pup's teeth and massage their gums, which is an added bonus!
Puppy Chew Toys
Travel Supplies
Even if you're not planning a long road trip, having the right gear for vet visits, park trips, or quick errands is crucial. These supplies will ensure your puppy's safety and comfort, making every outing a stress-free adventure.
This carrier is a lifesaver for safely transporting your puppy, especially on car rides to the vet. The top-loading door makes it much easier to get a squirmy puppy inside without a struggle. It protects them from injury in case of a sudden stop and ...
Petmate E-Z Load Two Door Dog & Cat Kennel
A dedicated car seat for your puppy is a must for safety. This bucket seat keeps them securely contained in the back seat, preventing them from becoming a dangerous distraction and protecting them in the event of an accident. It gives them a safe and...
FRISCO Travel Dog Bucket Booster Seat, Gray/Teal, Regular
This bag is an organizational lifesaver for any overnight trip or long day out. It comes with containers for food and treats, and has plenty of space for all your puppy’s essentials like toys, a blanket, and grooming supplies. It’s the perfect, styli...
Mobile Dog Gear
Keeping your puppy hydrated is non-negotiable. This is my go-to water bottle for all adventures! The stainless steel keeps water cool and fresh, and the lid doubles as a bowl, making it a convenient, leak-proof way to offer your pup a drink anywhere ...
KONG H2O Stainless Steel Dog Water Bottle