Bringing home a new puppy is an experience unlike any other—a rush of pure joy, boundless energy, and an endless supply of puppy kisses. Whether this is your first or your fifth, nothing quite compares to the whirlwind of those early days. As you prepare for the magic of sweet snuggles and the soft sigh of puppy dreams, you’ll also need a few essentials to help make this precious chapter as smooth as possible.

I’ve raised a few dogs from puppyhood and learned a thing or two along the way that immensely improved my experience each time – here are a few must have items that I discovered any new puppy parent will want to have on deck to help get their home puppy-ready.

1. Protective Puppy Pads
Potty training can feel like an adventure, especially when that tiny bundle of fluff is still figuring things out. With my sweet girl, Baylee, we were living in a third floor apartment which made quick potty breaks a bit of a challenge. That’s when protective puppy pads became a lifesaver. I placed the potty pads in key areas an even outside on the balcony which helped her get used to the idea of “outside” while keeping our space fresh and clean. The best part? Watching her quickly catch on to ringing the door bell when nature called. These pads will be your trusty ally—whether lining their crate or safeguarding your floors when a quick trip outside isn’t an option.

Sam’s has a great option that is quite affordable, check it out here.
And if you want a more environmentally friendly option, I loved this rewashable version.

2. A Cozy Crate
Your puppy’s crate isn’t just a tool—it’s their sanctuary, their very own little retreat. Think of it as their cozy den, perfect for those peaceful naps or when you can’t have eyes on them every second. This training is so important because of the many instances in their life that they will need to have this safe space. You may never envision a time your pup would need this training but think of circumstances such as the groomers, a urgent overnight vet stay, hurricane evacuation, hotel stays, etc. It is 100 times easier to start them with a positive experience so that when they are older this is a non issue.

As they mature and grow they may choose a different safe-space but during their early years crate training will make the puppy stage so much easier. Look for a sturdy crate that – for larger breeds – has a divider so it can grow with your puppy. To make the den fun and comfy, I suggest adding a blanket, a safe toy, and a special treat to really make it their own. If your puppy is still in the bed shredding stage I would advise against a lush bed as you may come home to a freshly shredded bed.

Now you might say that crates are big and ugly and don’t fit into the décor of your home and I completely get that! Great dane sized crates are massive! But if the aesthetic really bothers you I suggest finding a crate that can fit into your décor. For a local option, check out British T Woods Designs, they make AMAZING custom dog kennels. A handcrafted crate made to your specifications and colors that match your home décor is functional and truly swoon worthy. 

3. Engrossing Chew Toys
Puppies and chewing—they go together like peanut butter and jelly. Speaking of which, Baylee adores her Buffalo Horn from 3 Dogs & a Chick. It’s not just a toy; it’s an experience, filled with hours of entertainment and the added bonus of keeping her teeth healthy. This one chew has lasted us for 6 months! Trust me, investing in a few durable, treat-stuffable toys will save your shoes and furniture while giving your pup something constructive to focus their energy on.

4. Leashes for Safety and Play
Every puppy parent needs a collection of leashes, and I’ve fallen in love with Bolder K9’s custom biothane leashes. I highly suggest looking into biothane leashes as they are not just beautiful but durable and perfect for every occasion—from leisurely walks, hands-free hikes, and water adventures – perfect for a trip to the Pensacola Dog Beach! Having a sturdy leash gives you peace of mind, especially during those early training days when curiosity might lead your pup into unexpected adventures.

I always like to have a variety of leashes on hands for various tasks. Recall training calls for a long line, while a walk through the Palafox Market requires a shorter 4ft leash. Here are some other options you may like at a steal of a deal: long line, REALLY long line, basic nylon leash

Side note: I recommend avoiding retractable leashes for training and walking. Your pup can quickly zip out of control, get tangled in the legs and leashes of other dog walkers, or swerve unexpectedly into traffic. Retractable leashes take precious long seconds to reel in when your puppy is in danger, especially if you are in a panic, too!

5. A Collar with Identification
Losing a puppy is every parent’s nightmare, but with a little preparation, you can keep that worry at bay. And while no one expects to lose their dog, especially a small puppy, inquisitive puppies do chase exciting things, sneak out an open door, or bolt in sudden fright. If someone finds your wandering pup, you absolutely want them to know there’s a loving pet parent looking for them!

A collar and ID tag is super important. There are a lot of additional options to the standard metal engraved tag, like smart tags that reveal your pet’s personal profile when scanned by a smartphone, GPS tracking tags, and microchips. At the least, I suggest a standard tag and a microchip to help get your pup home.

I personally use a Fi Collar which is a GPS tracking collar that alerts me if my dog is not in her designated safe spaces or if she leaves these spaces without me. Unlike an airtag, the Fi collar relies on cell towers to track your dog, not other iPhones in the vicinity. I am often out hiking with Baylee and if she were to run off it is doubtful she would be trackable with just an airtag in these remote areas. However, the Fi collar not only has tracking but lost dog mode that will allow quick up-to-the-moment tracking of her location. There is a subscription fee but honestly the peace of mind I get with this collar is well worth it.

All of my pups are microchipped and I have a reminder in my phone to update their contact info yearly (super important if you move!). Additionally, I also have a backup QR tag on their harnesses so in the unlikely instance they slipped their collar they still have identification on them where I could be contacted quickly. Check out the QR tag here.

6. Poop Bags and Holders
Ah, the glamorous side of puppy parenthood! Picking up after your pup may not be fun, but it’s part of the deal. The Doo Loop, a handy leash accessory, makes it easier to carry those bags without juggling them in your hands. On long hikes, I even have a magnetic bin for the car to stash away those less-than-pleasant packages until I’m home. Because while the task might not be lovely, it’s necessary—and it’s much better with the right gear.

7. A Plush, Cozy Dog Bed
My dogs have had many different beds over the years and while they will always prefer my bed, sometimes they have a need for a plush cozy, actual dog bed. The clear winner in my house is the Bessie & Barnie bagel bed. We now have several of these cozy beds and I’d be lying if I said I’ve never fallen asleep on one of them myself.

Choose a dog bed that’s an appropriate size for your pup, and look for one with a removable, machine washable cover! I typically replace my dog beds every year or when a visible hole appears (someone likes to dig in them, ahem Baylee) and I like to freshen up the bed anyway. Even though I buy beds that are washable that inner stuffing has a way of smelling after a while.

But note: I would advise sticking to a cheap bed until you know your puppy is out of the bed shredding stage!

8. Baby Gates for Safe Spaces
Puppies are endlessly curious, and that’s part of their charm. But sometimes, you need a moment of peace or a way to keep them safe from stairs or off-limits areas. To this day baby gates are one of the daily use items for my dogs. Sometimes I just want to keep them within a certain room but still maintain visual on them and sometimes it is needed when introducing new guests or foster pups. Oh and it is so much easier to clean parts of the house without a 100lb dog under foot, after all that drool isn’t going to clean itself!

I love this retractable one from Amazon, I use it in my hallway but it stays nice an tucked away when not in use.

9. Durable Food and Water Bowls
Don’t just grab a bowl you no longer use in the kitchen. Puppies are developing their motor skills and need sturdy food and water bowls that stay put and won’t be mistaken for chew toys and the right bowls can make all the difference.

Use a heavier bowl or add a gripping mat under the bowls if your pup likes to shove their dinner around the room or enjoys sloshing water everywhere. Tall, gangly pups like great danes and greyhounds might need elevated bowls to eat and drink more comfortably. There are so many fancy dinner-time bowl options out there. It took a while to find the perfect bowl but we now use this food puzzle for our daily meals. They are on the pricier side but are great as a slow feeder and a treat holder while add a little mental stimulation to treats with a spinning piece.

10. Puppy Monitors for Peace of Mind

I actually enjoyed the Furbo camera so much I even got a camera for my backyard! A few of my dogs like to lounge outside for hours but some of us don’t have free time like that! Now I can be working away in my home office and know that Baylee isn’t trying to dig to China or being taunted by the neighbor kids through the fence. Peace of mind for the win again!

This outdoor camera we got has been amazing and it runs off solar power so it can be placed anywhere in our yard as long as it can reach the wifi.

Well that’s a wrap! Even if the essentials on my list here turn out not to be your puppy’s all time favorites, these must-haves will help smooth out the bumps and let you focus on the sheer joy of this special time.

So what do you think? Did I miss anything? Have any other puppy essentials you swear by? Share them with me in the comments below!

Wags & wiggles,
Jess