Discovering the Essential Items for Your New Puppy
You are excited for your new puppy and searching for the best products can be a daunting and time-consuming task, as you sift through what works well for both you and your pup. I got you! Below is a curated list of reasonably priced, highly beneficial products that made a significant difference during my first two years with my puppy, Bear.
This guide should prove invaluable to you:
- Car Seat: Dog Car Seats for Small Dogs Dog Booster Seat with Metal Frame Construction with Double-Layer Oxford, Perfect for Small Pets up to 20 lbs. Your dog will like car rides, or in Bear’s case, she doesn’t like car rides but does feel safe in this car seat, goes on road trips, and can lay down in it (puppies and small dogs feel safer in a car seat.)
- Collar: Blueberry Pet Soft & Safe 3M Reflective Neoprene Padded Adjustable Dog Collar A simple, sturdy collar for everyday use. It’s adjustable and has a quick-release buckle for convenience. It’s also a great place to attach Bear’s identification tags.
- Crate: Amazon Basics – Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate Crate training helped Bear feel secure and assisted in housetraining. This sturdy, spacious crate was easy to assemble, clean, and perfect for Bear’s size. Various sizes are available.
- Crate Blanket: Burt’s Bees Baby – Reversible Blanket Bear loves to snuggle, and this super-soft blanket was her instant favorite. It’s easy to clean and provides a comforting sense of security for Bear during nights or travel.
- Crate Mat: KROSER Dog Bed Crate Mat Great mat for Bear to relax and make the crate her comfortable and comforting cubby.
- Cross-body Leash: Dog Hands-Free Leashes by Heelay Ensure extra safety with a cross-body leash. 8.2ft Multifunctional Crossbody Rope with Explosion-Proof Handle and Adjustable Training Hands-Free Leash for Small, Medium & Large Dogs Walking, Jogging and Running
- Dog Bed: Bedsure Calming Dog Bed for Medium Dogs Donut Washable Medium Pet Bed, 30 inches Anti-Slip Round Fluffy Plush Faux Fur Bed, Fits up to 45 lbs. We do a lot of dog and cat combos in this house, and works well. Bear and her cat sisters love this bed.
- Harness: 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness Bear took to this harness like a fish to water! It’s easy to put on, adjustable and didn’t cause any chafing or discomfort. It gave me better control during our walks without restricting Bear’s movements.
- Name Tag: Engraved Pet Tag for Dogs Round paw print dog/cat tags personalized solid stainless steel
- Poop Bags: Compostable Dog Poop Bag with Handles Eco-Friendly, unscented, Extra Thick, Leak Proof, for Dogs
- Pee Pads: AmazonBasics Heavy Duty Pet and Puppy Training Pads These extra-large, super-absorbent pee pads were a lifesaver during Bear’s potty training days. They saved my carpets from numerous accidents and were easy to dispose of. I found these particularly useful for nighttime and rainy days when we couldn’t go outside.
- Training Treats: A Better Treat – Freeze Dried Beef Dog Treats, Grass Fed, Beef Liver Single Ingredient These bite-sized treats were perfect for training sessions. They’re made with one ingredient and are just the right size for rewarding Bear without overfeeding her.
- Water Bowl: MidWest Homes for Pets Snap’y Fit Stainless Steel Food Bowl I use this in her crate and out of her crate. I have tried other water bowls and this is Bear’s fave. Snap’y Fit water and feed bowl features a patented design that holds the bowl firmly in place in its crate but still allows the bowl to easily be removed for cleaning.
Food
- Kibble Dog Food: ACANA Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Puppy Recipe Bear loves her food, and I wanted to make sure she was getting the right nutrients. This high-quality puppy food was a hit with her, and it supports her growth and health beautifully.
- Dog Food: Smallbatch Pets Freeze-Dried Premium Raw Food Diet for Dogs, Chicken Recipe We take food seriously around here, and Bear loves their variety. Organic produce, humanely raised meat, hydrate and serve patties, and single source protein.
- Dog Food Bowls (photo above): Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl Outward Hound uniquely designed fun feeder dog bowls feature meal-lengthening ridges to help slow down your dog’s eating time by 10X.
Toys
- Enrichment Toy-Treat Dog Sniffing Mat: Bear loves this snuffle mat (photo shown above). Interactive Dog Puzzle Toys Snuffle Mats for Slow Feeding, Nosework, Bordem and Mental Stimulation
- Balls: Gnawsome 2.5” Spiky Squeaker Ball Dog Toy – Small I have tried so many balls, and this is the GOAT of all balls and the only one Bear likes to play with daily. This is a small ball, that cleans teeth and promotes dental and gum health. (double check ball size, this is for small dogs).
- Teething Toy Ball (Photo above) Dog Puzzle Teething Toys Ball (2pack) Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Small medium breed dog aggressive chewer chew enrichment toy for boredom and brain-stimulating game to keep your puppy busy.
- Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Lil’ Snoop Yellow Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy, Small. The Orbee-Tuff Lil’ Snoop toy will keep your pups engaged as they sniff, paw, and play to retrieve the tasty rewards of a treat! I also put her food and treats in this toy, so fun!
- Training Treat Dispenser Toy: Diggs Blush Training Treat Dispenser Toy for Dogs – Reduces Anxiety and Stress, Made with Rubber in a Modern Style. I mash up some blueberries, and plain Greek yogurt and freeze it for a fun treat.
- Dino Plush Toy (shown in this blog post): goDog Bubble Plush Dragons Squeaky Dog Toy One of Bear’s favorite go-to toys even after two years. SOFT & DURABLE: goDog’s Dragons are cute and cuddly squeaky toys made with soft, bubble-textured plush that dogs love to play and cuddle with; featuring reinforced seams and chew-resistant lining for fun, long-lasting solo and interactive play
- Hide and Seek Squeaky Dog: Plush Toy, Rabbit and Carrot, Orange and white, 5 Pack Bear loves to find her treats inside the carrot and run around with the little bunnies.