2022 New Puppy Checklist

Welcome to the world of new puppy ownership. First off, congratulations! The pup is sure to be a fantastic addition and brings lots of joy and unconditional love. Let’s be honest: first-time puppy owners can feel a little overwhelmed. The first thing you will ask yourself is, “What supplies do I need for a puppy?”

Worry no more; this blog will help you know about everything you need for a new puppy. We have prepared puppy tips for new owners like you. Here is a comprehensive shopping list (w/ product recommendations) for you before bringing home a new puppy.

You can also download this FREE PDF ultimate new puppy shopping list and check off each item as accumulating before taking your new addition home!

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Dog Supplies

Bringing a puppy home for the first time is both exciting and overwhelming. Every puppy needs four things to be happy and healthy: exercise, socialization, training, and affection. You can avoid problems by being well-prepared for your new addition, but these are a few things you absolutely must have to raise a happy and healthy puppy.

Dog bed 

Puppies need a place to sleep, and the better the bed you provide them, the happier they will be. This highly recommended Donut Cuddler Calming Bed paired with a luxurious faux-fur blanket has an orthopedic neck joint and muscle support design, which provides your new puppy with comfort on his night sleep and daytime naps.

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‍Collar 

A good fit for your dog ensures a comfortable and safe walk or training session. Ensure you have a well-fitting collar on hand when your puppy is growing. Select a collar with an adjustable strap to help your puppy develop properly. I recommend RUFFWEAR because of its fashionable colors and durable design that stands out the most. 

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Harness 

Harnesses distribute body weight more efficiently than collars do. This Rabbitgoo Dog Harness allows a leash to be clipped on your pet’s chest that discourages him from pulling, which is a good training accessory for your new puppy.

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ID Tags 

To guarantee your puppy’s safety, make sure that their collar bears identification. GoTags Stainless Steel Pet ID Tags is a personalized engraved text on different tag shapes. The engraving lasts longer than aluminum tags and is easy to read.

Leash 

Leashes are not one-size-fits-all. A dog leash should be as unique as the dog who wears it. TUG 360° Tangle-Free, Heavy Duty Retractable Dog Leash with anti-slip handle has an ergonomic design to provide you an easy grip and the thumb roll feature to lock and unlock the leash simply.

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Food Bowl 

For adopting new puppies, purchasing a suitable food bowl can be helpful. The PetFusion Elevated Dog Bowls is made of US Food Grade stainless steel and anodized aluminum, and it promotes your pet's wellness with a design that makes it easier for them to eat.

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Water Bowl/Fountain 

Water bowls are essential for any new puppy owner's checklist. This NPET WF050 Water Fountain has transparent large capacity storage for water that lasts for a week with a dual filtration system plus a notable silent pump.

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Mat for Bowls 

The most effective way to keep your floor clean while you're training a new puppy is to use a feeding mat. The AUDWUD Silicone Waterproof Pet Feeding Mats feature raised edges that prevent water or food from getting onto your floor.

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Healthy + Age Appropriate Dog Food 

It’s essential to get the correct type of dog food for your puppy so that he can stay healthy and always feel better. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food's first ingredient is real meat. It contains DHA and ARA (essential fatty acids found in mother’s milk) to improve his cognitive function and eyesight.

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Dog Food Storage 

You don't want to let your puppy eat stale food. You should invest in good dog food storage to keep their food fresh. GAMMA2 Vittles Vault Outback Airtight Pet Food Container has a patented airtight sealing system that locks moisture out. Its stackable design is space-efficient, and it also includes a scoop.

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Waste Bags and Handler 

If you’re going to take your pup anywhere, you’ll need poop bags. Dispensers and holders make them easy to find when they’re in use. Yingdelai Dog Waste Bags with Dispenser combines the convenience of an adjustable dispenser and a 9-month supply of biodegradable poop bags, saving you time and money.

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Potty Training and Cleaning Essentials

It’s not easy to house train a new puppy. As a new fur parent, preparing for a puppy checklist is a must for the smells and pests that could make your home less comfortable for your new pet. 

Puppy Training Pads 

You can use a potty pad to jumpstart your dog’s potty training, especially if you’re out of the house all day. Dog and Puppy Pads are specially designed to have an attractant built in to draw your dog to eliminate, making it easier and faster for you to reinforce good behavior. 

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Enzyme Spray 

Don’t stress out when your dog makes a mess on your sofa. Nature's Miracle Advanced Stain and Odor Eliminator has your back! It has an enzymatic formula that neutralizes your pet's mess and leaves behind a light, fresh scent.  It is pet-friendly, so you don't have to worry about harming your new puppy.

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Vacuum and Carpet Cleaner 

Becoming a first-time dog owner brings the challenge of dealing with the pet hair accumulated on carpets and clothes. Eufy’s RoboVac has been re-engineered to be a slim, quiet vacuum cleaner that gets rid of dirt and dust as soon as it is detected. It senses your house's layout and automatically adjusts its suction for carpets that needs more cleaning.

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Hard Floor Cleaner 

The consequences of a puppy eliminating on our hard floors are obvious and inescapable. Nature's Miracle Hard Floor Cleaner was created to clean and freshen sealed wood, linoleum, vinyl, concrete and ceramic tiles. Using the product as directed will not harm your beloved pet.

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Deodorizing Spray 

Every pet owner is always concerned about the foul smells lingering around the house. Arm & Hammer Air Freshener comes in a spray bottle to eliminate bad scents and leaves a fresh scent behind. It contains baking soda to neutralize bad smells, plus a long-lasting fragrance.

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Extra Absorbent Floor Mat 

You don't enjoy seeing dirty wet footprints all over your floor. There is an extra absorbent mat that could help you address this concern. My Doggy Place - Ultra Absorbent Microfiber Door Mat is ideal for homes with pets. The rug is composed of a material that holds in the dirt, water, mud. It also has rubber underneath to stay in place.

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Pet Safe Cleaners 

Preparing tasty treats for your new puppy in your kitchen will sometimes get messy, especially on your countertops and cabinets. But Puracy Multi-Surface Cleaner will make your work easier, leaving the counters and cupboards spotless. It effectively removes deep-seated stains like grease.

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Outdoor Odor Eliminator 

Never forget that the outside of your house also needs to be considered. You can’t enjoy your patio or deck with that smell in the air. Simple Green Outdoor Odor Eliminator is a powerful, natural enzymatic cleaner that safely neutralizes organic odors at their source—so they don’t come back. 

At-Home Grooming 

As part of a dog's overall well-being, grooming needs to be an essential consideration for any new puppy owner. We have included the best grooming tools below to maintain your dog's well-being. 

Brush (Soft Bristle or Metal Comb) 

Regular brushing keeps your puppy clean, healthy, and free from pain. When you brush their hair, it can easily get tangled in the brush and make grooming time more difficult. The HERTZKO Slicker Brush is designed to remove mats, tangles, and loose fur from your pet’s coat quickly and easily.

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Deshedder Brush 

Your dog’s shedding is necessary for its health. De-shedding is the process of removing loose hair to prevent the formation of matted hairballs in pets. From my personal experience with Maxpower Planet Grooming Brush, I highly recommend this de-shedding tool for breeds with thick fur or dense double coat care.

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Grooming Wipes  

Your dog's coat has acquired some potentially unsightly dirt. Pogi's Grooming Wipes can help you remove that dirt without angering your dog. The hypoallergenic wipes will not irritate your pet's skin while they remove the filth.

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Toothpaste and Toothbrush 

Regularly brushing your pet's teeth can postpone periodontal disease. Your puppy’s dental health is too important to neglect. So I highly suggest the Arm & Hammer Tartar Control Kit with baking soda. It is proven safe, gentle, and effective at removing plaque and tartar buildup.

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Dog Shampoo 

Depending on the type of puppy you adopt, the shampoo you choose can make a visible difference in its coat and skin health. Burt’s Bees 2-in-1 Dog Shampoo and conditioner is gentle enough for your pet's skin yet effective on his fur. A blend of buttermilk and linseed oil cleanses his coat, leaving it soft to the touch.

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Nail Clippers 

It’s essential to keep your new puppy’s nails trimmed since overgrown nails can contribute to arthritis in later life. Boshel Pet Nail Clipper is an ergonomically designed tool that makes clipping your pet's nails easy and comfortable. The trimmer is recommended by animal trainers, veterinarians, professional pet groomers, and thousands of satisfied customers.

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Dog Washcloth/Mitt 

Bathing your new puppy is not easy. The shampoo or conditioner gets in his eyes and can hurt him. Clean Paws Towel Mitt gently scrubs the entire face without getting soap in the eyes. It’ll also give his skin a gentle massage.

Dog Towel (extra-absorbent) 

Most dogs, even those who enjoy water or grooming, freak out when they get wet. A towel with superior absorbency will keep bathing quick and easy. Proven to be the most pet-safe, Winthome Microfiber Towel uses super absorbent materials to dry your pup within seconds. It has multiple pockets for an easy grip while wiping.

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Dog Freshening Spray 

As a new pet owner, you may be distressed to learn that your puppy’s body odor will intensify after bathing. Bodhi Dog Natural Pet Cologne is a perfume body spray made with natural ingredients that eliminate offensive odor while adding a pleasant scent to your pup’s coat.

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Lick Pad for Grooming 

For newly adopted puppies, bathing can be a stressful process that many fur parents find hard to get a reluctant pet to go through. KILIN Lick Pad allows you to clean your puppy without restraint. Your furbaby will enjoy licking his tasty treats while you bathe him.

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Ear Cleaning Solution 

Cleaning your dog’s ears can reduce the risk of infections. Burt's Bees for Dogs Natural Ear Cleaner gently removes debris and treats inflamed ear canals in dogs. The pH-balanced formula is non-toxic, making it safe for all dogs and puppies.

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Comfort and Confinement

Confining your new puppy can be difficult. It is always important to remember that your dog feels just as you would if you were locked in a small space—confined and isolated. Teaching your dog to enjoy being in a small area improves its quality of life, making confinement easier for both of you.

Puppy Crate (size-appropriate)

Your dog’s crate should be big enough for him to stand, sit, turn around and lie down. MidWest Homes for Pets’ line of iCrates can help you pick the perfect size for your new puppy. You'll love how convenient iCrates are for keeping your pet safe and comfortable. 

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Pet Taxi (size-appropriate) 

It may seem tough to leave your new puppy at home when you travel, but a dog carrier helps him stay safe while traveling in the car and makes it possible for you to take him on planes. For your puppy, I recommend this two-door softside pet carrier. The mesh doors keep him safe, secure, and comfortable when you travel.

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Playpen, Baby Gate or Fencing System 

When you’re preparing your house for a puppy, it’s important to make sure he has plenty of “safe” areas to wander while you work. Foldable Metal Exercise Playpen gives you a safe place for your new pup to play. It is great for bringing the outdoors in, or for keeping your pup safe while you work around the house.

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Blankets

Dogs, especially newly adopted puppies, crave comfort, and a blanket can provide it. Premium Flannel Pet Blanket will keep your adopted puppy warm and cozy and make him feel at home.

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Stuffed Dog Toys 

Stuffed toys can provide dogs to help keep them occupied and make them happier and easier to handle. This toy’s bright colors and vivid animal shapes are intriguing to dogs, helping them alleviate their instinctive desire to fixate on an object.

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Extra Dog Bed 

Your pup may want a comfortable spot to snooze, whether on the floor or the couch. So it’s a good idea to consider having multiple beds that suit his taste. I recommend Furhaven Cozy Beds because your pup can snuggle underneath its attached blanket hood when the weather gets cold to create a cave-like space for your pet.

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Outlet Covers 

If you notice that your puppy is too interested in the outlets in your home, be sure to invest in outlet covers. Keep your new puppy safe by covering unused electrical outlets with Safety 1st Plug Protectors. 

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Cabinet Locks 

Unfortunately, there is no foolproof way to keep harmful household items out of reach of a dog. Dog-proof cabinet locks are, however, an effective way to secure your home’s cabinets and avoid common household poisons from harming your dog.

Health Care Services 

Taking care of your dog perfectly can seem like a lot of work. It involves various tasks, including ensuring your companion gets its teeth cleaned, is vaccinated, and receives a deworming treatment. Caring for a dog can be challenging, but it is rewarding in many ways.

Up-to-Date Microchip 

When a pet is lost, it can be traumatic for both of you. It is even more distressing if the pet's owner does not have any way of finding the pet again. Microchips can make it more likely that a lost pet will return home. Keeping the information on your pet’s microchip up-to-date will help reduce the time it takes to find them.

Choose a Veterinarian 

As the nation's largest digital pet health and wellness resource, AskVet provides pet owners with convenient and affordable solutions for modern pet care. They also offer pet owners unlimited access to a network of licensed veterinarians, allowing them to speak to a doctor when a pet is ill at any time of the day or night.

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Puppy Vaccines + Boosters 

Vaccinations are critically important because they protect your dog from many dangerous diseases, including easily preventable ones. Some of these diseases can lead to death, so it’s worth your time and effort to have your dog vaccinated against them. 

Heartworms, Tick, and Flea Prevention 

Dogs, like humans, are susceptible to flea and tick-borne diseases. However, by limiting the insect population in your environment and protecting your pet with preventative medicines, you can help protect your dog and maintain a healthy, happy life. Your dog can have a variety of health concerns that veterinarians can manage. Talk with your local veterinarian to get suitable options.

Parasite Testing 

I strongly recommend testing your new puppy for parasites once a year. Puppies, kittens, and animals with gastrointestinal issues may require more frequent fecal exams. Ask your vet how frequently you bring your pet's stool sample for testing.

Puppy Supplements 

Giving your dog supplements may help prevent or alleviate some health issues and ailments. However, it is best to consult with a veterinarian before introducing new products into your pet’s diet. Your animal's health is of the utmost importance, so it is essential to ensure that you give them the safe product they need.

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Pet Insurance 

It’s hard to think about the possibility of your dog getting sick or hurt, but knowing how you’d cover the cost of a major veterinary procedure can let you relax as your pup gets older. Pet insurance is the best way to ensure that your pet gets the care it needs and that you don’t get stuck with a hefty vet bill.

Lemonade Pet Health Insurance is an award-winning service that makes pet health care accessible and affordable. It protects you against costly treatments for unexpected illnesses. It offers hassle-free digital experience, powered by AI. Check your price today with the link below!

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Pet Sitter/Dog Walker 

You might think you can take your puppy everywhere with you until you try to plan a surprise weekend away. Pet sitters can keep your pet comfortable and help out in an emergency.

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Dog Groomer 

When it comes time for professional grooming, your puppy may be more receptive to the brushing and nail clipping if he or she has been getting used to being handled since puppyhood.

Pet Stem Cell Banking 

As a new pup owner, you should prepare for the growing array of treatments using stem cells. Stem cells are injected into the body to repair muscles, joints, and ligaments that have been damaged by arthritis or injury. Some cancers are treated with stem cells taken from a dog's own bone marrow.

Toys, Training, and Travel 

When your puppy is having a hard time settling down, try playing with him or her. Remember that every dog needs exercise, whether they're busy chewing your favorite slippers or running after a ball. Below are some of our top picks for your dog's toys.

Chew Toys 

As we all know, puppies have an innate chewing drive when they’re teething. Now, KIPRITII chewing toys will protect your shoes and furniture from the destructive tendencies of your new puppy.

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Chase Toys 

If you have an energetic puppy, you know how hard it can be to give him the exercise he needs. Chase toys can help pups burn off energy and stay happy. The Tail Teaser can be used to entertain and provide exercise for your dog without the inconvenience of a long walk.

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Puzzle Toys/Brain Games 

Have you ever noticed how much mental stimulation your dog gets out of an exercise routine? It’s almost like they have the energy to learn a new skill. Puzzle toys are a great way to entertain your puppy and decrease her anxiety about being left alone. 

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Teething Sticks/Dental 

Your dog’s teeth and gums are important, so try WHIMZEES™ Dental Chews to encourage healthy chewing and clean teeth. They’re tasty enough that your dog will love them, and they’re made for his or her unique mouth!

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Frozen Toys 

Puppies usually have all their teeth by the time you get them, but that doesn't make teething any easier. The ZNOKA Arctic Freeze Fetch Food Cooling Teether Chew Toy Ring provides an effective and soothing remedy for your puppy's emerging teeth.

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Toy Bin 

Owning a dog or puppy can result in lots of scattered toys. A tidy owner can benefit from securing the pet's toys. Bone Dry Collapsible Bin will keep your home from becoming cluttered, organize their accessories in these bins until you need them again.

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Training Treats 

Having the right dog training treats on hand ensures that you have everything you need to get started with puppy potty training. Using food rewards in the early stages of training ensures that your pup sees you as a source of positive feedback, rather than a source of punishment.

Treat Bag

It’s frustrating to have to search everywhere for treats or toys when your dog needs a quick reward. The Paw Lifestyles Dog Treat Pouch alleviates this problem, with its conveniently placed compartments for treats and toys! The pouch attaches securely around your waist, belt, or shoulder giving you access to the pouch’s goodies whenever you need them.

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Training Clicker

When you train your new puppy, it is important to use clear communication. When you own a PetSafe Clik-R Trainer, you can teach your pet that a click means they're getting a treat. With the PetSafe Clik-R Trainer, you can train nearly anything!

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No-Chew Spray 

Training your new puppy to stop biting, chewing, and licking is challenging. Grannick’s Bitter Apple Liquid Chewing Deterrent Spray was developed to help deter your pet from chewing surfaces they shouldn’t, like your shoes or furniture.

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Key takeaway 

Congratulations again on adopting your new puppy! Dogs are not just pets; they are members of a family, and it's important to provide for their needs in the same way you would for any other member of the family. Even though pet ownership can present financial challenges. It is important that you comply with community leash and licensing laws, as well as your duty toward your pet in public. You also need to provide a safe environment for your pet at home. 

Obviously, providing your pet with love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and competent veterinary care is essential to maintaining his or her health. We’re happy to help you get off to the right start with our comprehensive shopping checklist for first-time puppy owners. It can be very stressful to come up with a plan of action for a newly adopted puppy. But after going through the process of adopting a new puppy and preparing the items listed above, your relationship with your puppy will develop rapidly and smoothly. You don't need to buy everything immediately, but if you'd like to do so, then you can do it whenever you're ready!