8 Products You Need Before Getting Your Puppy
Congratulations on your new puppy!
You’re about to embark on an adventure that will bring immense joy and happiness to your life.
Whether you’re a first-time or veteran puppy parent, figuring out what products your dog needs can be overwhelming.
Before getting Ellie, I decided to make the transition to her new home as smooth as possible. So I got on Amazon and filled my cart with items I thought I needed. I had no less than 20 things in my cart when I hit checkout and found myself in sticker shock. That is when I realized there are countless products you can buy for a new dog, but only a few you need.
P.S. Interested in training tips for your puppy? The Hapco is a wealth of information, including what to know before getting a puppy, four-weeks of training material to build a solid foundation plus helpful resources. We offer all of this information for FREE in order to help other pet parents on their training journey.
These are the eight products I recommend for your new puppy.
Collar, leash, harness
Blueberry Pet sells high-quality, adjustable collars that are perfect for your puppy as they grow. Sizing is important to consider, and it’s best to measure your puppy’s neck before buying; however, if you don’t have your puppy yet, you can make an educated guess based on the reviews. I bought Ellie, an 8-week old golden retriever puppy, the small (12-16 inch) collar.
I’ve tested many leashes, but the Julius K9 Super-Grip leash is my favorite. The grip material helps to prevent the leash from slipping out of your hand when your puppy sees its first squirrel, another dog, or even that perfect stick on the ground. I prefer a wider/shorter 0.7 x 4 ft leash for additional control.
Dog harnesses are a great training tool for puppies that haven’t mastered the art of walking on a leash. They help prevent your puppy from getting tangled up in the leash and provide better control. Most importantly, harnesses help to reduce the pressure on your dog’s trachea when walking. I’m a fan of Julius K9 Harnesses. Make sure you check out their sizing guide for the appropriate fit. Use promo GOLDEN for 15% off your first order.
Worried about your dog getting away?
The Fi Collar is a GPS tracking device that gives us peace of mind should Ellie ever get lost. It is also a fitness tracker that counts her daily steps and ensures she stays healthy and fit.
Other notable features:
waterproof
long lasting battery
LED light
FREE shipping, 30 day GPS trial
2. Collar ID
A collar ID is the one product you absolutely need but hope never to use. The idea of a lost puppy is terrifying, but an ID tag will help them return home. Although this silicone ID tag is more expensive than standard tags, I love that it is silent and attaches right to the collar.
3. Poop bags and holder
Let’s face it. You’re going to need to pick up your dog’s poop. It’s not a pleasant job, but somebody has to do it. Earth Rated scented poop bags and Waggin Tail holder help make sure you’re always prepared.
4. Crate and or containment gate
Puppies are curious creatures that often need boundaries. You can accomplish this with a crate and containment gates.
Crate training can be a lifesaver, and most dogs fall in love with having their own space.
I recommend a crate with an adjustable divider so you can give your puppy more room as they grow. Another option is to use a Cumbor containment gate to limit access to certain areas of your home.
5. Food and water bowls
There are endless options of food and water bowls. These ceramic bowls are excellent as they don’t move and are easy to clean. If your dog eats fast, I recommend adding slow feeder attachment. These aids in proper digestion and reduce overeating behaviors.
6. Food and treats
Your vet is probably your best source of information for selecting the right food. I use Spot & Tango UnKibble because it has real ingredients, nothing artificial. They create personalized plans for your dog and deliver the food right to your door.
You. can try Spot & Tango now for 50% off with promo code: "GOLDEN.”
I know it can be difficult to decide on the right food for your dog. I shared my journey of picking the right food in this blog and video.
Also, you’ll want to get some treats for training. Ellie loves Stewart Freeze Dried Beef Liver.
7. Toys and chews
All dogs have slightly different preferences in toys, so I would start with a variety of items to see what interests your puppy most.
Chuck-it has great balls and throwing sticks to keep your puppy active, dog puzzles will engage your puppy’s mind, and stuffed animals like the Kong bear, LambChop and goDog Dinos will provide comfort.
Ellie still has her first toy, Dino, from 5 years ago!
➡️ Bully sticks have been lifesavers in keeping our puppy occupied throughout the day. The safest way to deliver bully sticks is to use a Bow Wow Buddy safety device so they cannot swallow or choke on the last end.
8. Grooming
If there is one thing I can virtually guarantee, it’s the fact you’re puppy is going to get dirty and shed hair. Check out this blog for all things grooming.
All of these recommendations and more can be found in my Amazon store.
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