Lifesaving Products for Bringing Home Your New Puppy!
- kistanker1441
- Aug 14, 2023
- 5 min read
Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and heartwarming experience. Whether you're a seasoned pet parent or this is your first time, each furry addition brings its own unique charm and challenges. As a proud pet parent who just brought home my second puppy named Lennon (affectionately known as Lenny), I want to share with you some indispensable items that have made Lennon's first weeks at home a breeze while also improving the life of my two-year-old dog, Woodstock. If you're preparing to welcome a new puppy into your life, these items from my carefully curated Amazon list can help ensure a smooth transition for both your new pup and your existing furry friend.
1. Comfortable Crate: A crate serves as a safe haven for your puppy and aids in house training. Opt for a comfortable crate that's spacious enough for your pup to stand, turn around, and lie down in. This provides a secure environment and helps establish a routine. Lenny quickly made his crate his cozy den, and Woodstock enjoyed having a designated puppy-free zone for some quiet time. We've tried metal and soft crates and I have to say this one is my favorite.
2. Interactive Toys: Puppies are curious and full of energy. Keep them engaged and mentally stimulated with a variety of interactive toys. Kong toys and puzzle feeders can help prevent boredom and encourage problem-solving skills. These toys kept Lenny occupied while also challenging Woodstock in a playful way.
3. Chew Toys: Puppies love to chew, and it's essential to provide them with appropriate outlets for this natural behavior. Invest in durable and safe chew toys to prevent destructive chewing on furniture or shoes. Woodstock, being an experienced 2 year old dog, showed Lenny the ropes of appropriate chewing using these toys. Both of my dogs LOVE toys, so I consider myself somewhat of a toy expert - check them all out here but here's a few of their favorites:
- Burrow Toys!: These are Lenny and Woody's absolute favorites. Especially the gym bag, pickles, cookie jar, and burrito
- "Bones": Puppy safe bones are a big hit in this house. We've repurchased the Maplestick, rolling bone, and bark bone several times.
- Balls: Our boys love to play with balls, but these 3 are the favorites. Kong Treat Ball, Tuff Tennis Balls, and the Nerf Squeek!
4. Puppy Pads: House training can be a process, and having puppy pads on hand can be a lifesaver. These absorbent pads help contain accidents and simplify cleanup. Gradually transitioning to outdoor potty training becomes smoother with the use of these pads, especially if you live in an apartment building. Accidents happen - it is just a part of the process! When they do it is crucial to use an enzymatic formula cleaner so your puppy doesn't continue to pee in the same spot. I have found that Nature's Miracle and Furry Freshness both work really well for deterring your puppy from having accidents in the same place.
5. Puppy Gates: Create designated spaces within your home using puppy gates. These gates help with puppy-proofing and ensure a gradual introduction to different areas of your home. Woodstock appreciated having his space protected from the enthusiastic energy of the new puppy. This one worked great for Lennon, but if your budget is a little higher this gate is perfect for the chic, minimalist dog owner!
6. Training Treats: Positive reinforcement is key when training your puppy. High-quality training treats serve as motivators during obedience training and encourage good behavior. Both Lenny and Woodstock responded well to training with these tasty treats - Lean Treats, Zuke's/Zuke's Puppy Naturals, Blue Bits, & Bocce's Bakery. Don't forget the other training essentials like a slip lead, training treat pouches and training clickers!
7. Leash and Harness: Walks are essential for your pup's physical and mental well-being. A well-fitting leash and harness combination ensures comfort and control during outdoor activities. Introducing Lenny to leash training alongside Woodstock made for enjoyable walks for both.
8. Grooming Supplies: Puppies need grooming and maintenance to stay healthy and comfortable. Grooming supplies such as brushes, nail clippers, and puppy-friendly shampoo (ouai's fur bebe and Natural's Sensitive Formula are my favorites) are essential for keeping your pup looking and feeling great. However, there are a lot of things that new pet-owners overlook when it comes to grooming - when we got Woodstock I was definitely one of those people. But not that we've gone through lots with him (and his terrible allergies) and perfected his grooming routine - I feel like I need to pass on my wisdom to you. Grooming must-haves that you're PROBABLY forgetting about are:
- paw cleaner & protective balm: dogs get into a LOT of things, especially as puppies so cleaning and caring for their paw pads is crucial, especially if your pup has allergies like mine.
- dog-friendly wipes: you're probably thinking you don't need these. Trust me... you're wrong. Puppies will have to transition onto new foods and inevitably get into some things they aren't supposed to so pet-friendly wipes are a must. Don't say I didn't warn you!
- ear cleaner: especially you pet-owners with floppy-ear dogs, ear infections can be very common if you don't clean out a dogs ears - I'm looking at you golden retriever parents! I love PetMD for a medicated ear cleaning wipe and ARCA Pet for a soothing, natural treatment.
- toothbrush & paste: dental health is so important for your pup's happiness and health. Not to mention the cost of dental work down the line if you neglect their teeth - a few minutes brushing their teeth will be so worth it in the long run.
- skin soothers: if you're anything like me, you LOVE watching the puppy-spa-day treatments on tik tok (go look it up if you don't know what I'm talking about). So for those of you looking to put that shiba to shame, the skin soother, paw soother, and snout soothers are the best in the game.
9. Puppy-Friendly Food and Bowls: Feeding your puppy a balanced diet is crucial for their growth. Choose high-quality puppy food that suits your pup's breed and size. Also, invest in sturdy and easily cleanable food and water bowls to make mealtime enjoyable and mess-free. Stainless steel bowls are my personal favorite because they are easy to clean and have no BPAs. Lick mats are also a great way to give your pup a little treat and tire them out from all the licking activity! If you like bringing your pup everywhere with you (like I do) make sure you have some good travel bowls for them as well. My personal favorites are this 2-in-1 waterbowl combo, these collapsible bowls that can hook to your keys and these rollable fabric travel bowls!
10. Comforting Bed: A soft and cozy bed gives your puppy a designated spot to relax and sleep. Make sure it's appropriately sized for your pup and placed in a quiet area where they can unwind. Both Lenny and Woodstock appreciate having their own comfortable spaces to retreat to like these cushy donut cuddler beds. Don't forget a washable crate liner so your pup is well rested in and out of their crate.
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a journey filled with love, patience, and joy. By equipping yourself with the right tools and supplies, you're setting the stage for a harmonious and happy life together. As Lenny settles in and forms a bond with his older furry sibling Woodstock, these items have proven invaluable in ensuring a smooth transition and fostering a sense of companionship between the two.
Remember, every puppy is unique, and their needs may vary. Pay attention to their cues, offer plenty of love and attention, and enjoy watching your furry family members flourish together. With the right items and a lot of affection, you're on your way to creating a strong and loving bond that will last a lifetime.
For my full list of recommendations, check out my Amazon Storefront!
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