Must haves and helpful tips for your new furry addition
Sections
7
Health
Toys
Apparel
Crate training
Training training
Potty training
Health
All things relating to health and wellness from insurance to toothbrushes
Pet insurance is a must have and it’s imperative you start when they’re little before any pre existing conditions can happen.
Spot Pet Insurance
Hills can be pricey so if you can’t don’t feel bad but this is the best brand
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Food: Nutrition for The First Years
This is a more cost effective option I raised a puppy on iams brand up til she was 10 and needed to switch to hills for medical reasons.
IAMS™ PUPPY
Dental health is important especially so young because dentals can range from $300-5k
Puppy Toothbrush
This is pretty self explanatory but having a puppy is like having a toddler and depending on the breed the toddler won’t grow up for years
Puppy-Proofing Tips for Your Home And Yard
Here’s some teething toys so that you don’t end up with little bite marks on your furniture, yourself, or your tv
Puppy Toys: Teething, Interactive & More (Free Shipping)
Just to keep them moisturized In the extreme weather
Dog Paw Balm
Toys
A bored puppy is a dangerous one. Especially if you don’t have other pets for them to torture… I mean play with
Enrichment is important for your pup and your sanity Kong is a great brand that’s pretty durable
Shop Durable Puppy Chew Toys & Enrichment
Here’s an interactive puppy toy to help keep them entertained
Puppy Smart Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy, Blue
Here’s a box for super chewers it’s pretty comparable to bark box
Bullymake
One thing I like about this brand is when they tear the toy apart there’s another toy inside
BarkBox
I love this brand they’re pretty hard to murder which is great when buying toys
Invincibles Durable Plush Dog Toys
These are good to have so they don’t get too bored it’s also really cute
Nylabone Puppy Chew Teething Pacifier Bacon Dog Chew Toy, Small
Apparel
Collars, bathrobes, snowshoes, paw balm ect
Dogs run and for my own sanity I like to use AirTags
typecase: Airtag Dog Collar Holder
What I like is that it’s adjustable and has options but money is a thing so you can find more cost effective options
Adjustable Dog Collars | Stylish Pet Accessories
Here is the more affordable option I would def buy a harness along with the collar because as I said earlier dogs run
Dog Collars in Dog Collars, Leashes, and Harnesses(1000+)
Here’s an escape free option but seriously no shame if money is tight and you need a hand me down or a Walmart/amazon brand
Escape Free Series
I like ruff wear they’re a decent brand but you can find cheaper if needed
Dog Shoes & Boots For Paw Protection
One reason snow shoes are important is because extreme temperatures both hot and cold can harm their pads and in winter ice melt can get stuck in between
Snow Boots For Dogs
I can seriously not say enough good things about hands free dog walking it’s super helpful and great for training
Hands Free Leash
Now depending on your breed a winter coat is a must have
Top 10 Best Dog Winter Coats For 2025 Reviewed & Tested
A lifevest is important for boating it can also be used to help your dog not be scared of water (only works if they’re stick or floating toy motivated)
Dog Life Jackets & Life Vests
Cooling vests are nice in the summer my spaniel had one that you’d wet and then it would activate the cooling
Swamp Cooler™ Dog Cooling Harness
If you’re doing it at home and don’t have a blow dryer or if your pup is scared of the blow dryer this would be a great alternative
Dog Bath Robes
This holds poop bags and hand sanitizer you’ll thank me later
Dog Leash Hand Sanitizer Holder
I’ve used spot lit a couple times in the past it’s great for night time potty’s
SpotLit® Rechargeable Collar Light
If your little one is too little these may work and still get them out
Best Dog Backpack Carriers Vet-Approved
These are great if you have a dog who tries to zip make them carry their own water and food and it’ll help slow them down
6 Best Dog Backpacks of 2025 (Field-Tested)
The terrain can be rough on paws so if you know you’re going on a difficult trail shoe them up
Best Dog Boots of 2025, Tested & Reviewed
Crate training
Items to help crate train your pup
Crate training is a great way to keep your pup out of trouble during the day and to also help your vet and pet groomer out
Carden Kennels
Calming bed can help calm and get them used to the crate
Calming Bed For Dogs
Now ideally your pup won’t be going in the crate but especially if they’re little this can help associate grass with potty but def think on if this will work for you
Fresh Patch: Real Grass Dog Potty | Puppy Pee Pads
You want a washable bed when crate training especially when crate training puppies
Waterproof Dog Bed
You want them to have access to water but not to spill the water
Crate Water Bowl
This helps when crate training puppies because they’re used to the warmth and heartbeats of their siblings or mom
Snuggle Puppy® Heartbeat Stuffed Toy for Pet Anxiety Relief
Something to use in the summer to help keep your pup cool
Cooling Bed For Dogs
Training training
Everyone’s met that dog whose a terror so let’s make sure yours isn’t by doing training
Now if you have the money puppy training can be as easy as a class and maybe dropping your dog off for the day Maine specific
Canine Coach Academy
Another training place who I’ve heard great things about Maine specific
Salty Dogs Obedience & Adventure
This may be the most cost effective I’m not sure but I know a lot of places in the lower 48 have a petco
Petco Dog Training
Here’s some tips from Reddit as always with Reddit use it cautiously
puppy training/tips that actually worked for us ❤️ : r/puppy101
Here’s a guide to clicker training I’ve done it in the past and I’m not the biggest fan but I know others who’ve had massive success
A Guide to Clicker Training Pets
Here’s an actual clicker don’t forget positive reinforcement
Dog Training Clickers
This is perfect and I’ve used a version of this many times it hooks onto your pocket and stores the training treats
Dog Training Treats Pouch
You want Tiny treats because the key to training is positive reinforcement you can also look at Pavlov if you need proof
Training Treats For Puppies
I love love love the bungee leash and pairing it with hands free dog walking helps leash train. The bungee absorbs the shock. I’ve helped train many pullers on a bungee leash
Dog Bungee Leash
Potty training
This is important so you’re not doing laundry all day every day for the next 10-20 years
Positive reinforcement and knowing they’re gonna make messes. That’s my advice for potty training
Give me your BEST potty training advice!! : r/puppy101
They’re gonna make messes until they learn and maybe even after be prepared
Puppy Pads
Pretty self explanatory tho I will note stock up on Clorox wipes
Sprinkle & Sweep Pet Accident Cleanup
Dishes
Water fountain so that the water doesn’t get stagnant, most will also have a filter and it can help enrichment
Best Dog Fountains
A raised dish helps their necks and a slow feeder helps prevent vomiting and makes them
Slow down
Elevated Dog & Cat Slow Feeder Bowls
This is perfect for travel or hiking it can clip on the leash!
