Welcoming a furry bundle of joy into your home is an exciting time filled with wagging tails, wet noses, and treasured memories. To ensure you're well-prepared for this adventure, we're here to guide you through the creation of your essential puppy starter kit list.
Whether you're a first-time puppy parent or a seasoned pro, having the right tools can make all the difference.
Join us as we explore the must-haves of any puppy starter kit list, including cosy bedding, exciting toys and quality grooming supplies. Let's delve into the world of puppy care and set you and your new four-legged family member up for the best possible experience.
Table Of Contents:
Bedding
Your new puppy deserves nothing but the best, right? Well, one of the key ways to give your fur baby that top-notch life is by creating a comfortable bedding area.
The Best Puppy Beds
A good sleep goes a long way for energetic pups. It is important to provide your fur baby with a high-quality dog bed that is comfortable, soft and warm.
Calming Beds are a great choice! Their shaggy, soft exterior helps anxious pups feel settled and comforted while they are getting used to sleeping alone. We highly recommend the Large Calming Bed by Somerzby - our puppies loved it!
Crate Training
Dog crates provide your puppy with a secure 'den' where they can rest without being interrupted. Once crate trained, the crate can also be used to safely transport your dog in the car and can assist with toilet training.
During training, first introduce your dog to the crate slowly. Make the crate a happy place and offer treats when your dog willingly goes inside. Gradually increase the time your dog is inside the crate until it feels comfortable enough to stay in all night.
Read more crate training advice here.
Training Tools
Puppies are like tiny balls of energy, and harnessing that energy requires the right tools. The key to effective training is consistency and patience. But let's be real; it can be a lot easier with some help from reliable gear.
Treats
The power of positive reinforcement should never be underestimated when training your new puppy to become a good dog. A well-timed treat can be used to reward good behaviour. You can either buy special puppy training treats or you can use their everyday puppy food.
Break treats into tiny pieces for training to avoid overfeeding - you only need a little bit to motivate your dog. See our healthy range of dog treats here.
Clicker
A clicker helps communicate clearly with your puppy by marking the exact moment they do something right. This small tool may seem simple but works wonders when used consistently during training sessions.
Leash and Collar
A training leash and collar set isn't just about keeping your puppy safe during walks - it’s also crucial for basic obedience lessons such as 'sit', 'stay', or 'come'. We recommend you buy a puppy collar or an adjustable dog collar to ensure it will fit properly.
Harnesses can be safer than collars if your fur baby tends to pull on their lead when walking. Harnesses distribute pressure evenly across the chest rather than concentrating around the neck, reducing any potential strain.
You should also invest in a car harness for safe transport.
Remember this journey isn't all smooth sailing; there'll be days filled with missed cues and ignored commands. But don’t lose heart. With these handy tools in hand (or paw), you're already halfway through setting up a solid foundation for your puppy's training.
Stay persistent and you'll soon have a pup that comprehends precisely what you need of them.
Prioritise safety by puppy-proofing your home - secure cables, remove harmful plants and invest in puppy gates. Anti-chew spray can help prevent unwanted chewing on expensive furniture.
Toys
Every puppy needs a good selection of dog toys to keep them entertained and help with their development. At Zach's Pet Shop, we've got an exciting range of play toys that your furry mate will absolutely love.
Puppy Chew Toys
Puppies chew on everything! It's pointless to try to stop them chewing altogether. However, you can use a puppy chew toy to redirect their chewing to something more appropriate.
The Multi Chew Sweater Rope Ring by All For Paws has firm knots to withstand repeated chewing and is also great for playing tug-of-war.
See more puppy chew toys here.
Puppy Anxiety Toys
If your puppy cries during the night, it may be experiencing separation anxiety. Comfort toys are designed to help your puppy relax and feel as though another dog is nearby for comfort.
Our top-selling Heart Beat Sheep by All For Paws is a soft puppy toy with a battery-operated heart inside. The heart gently beats, helping your puppy feel safe like their mother is nearby.
See more puppy anxiety toys here.
Puppy Teething Toys
Teething can be a painful time for a young pup. Teething toys are designed for tough chewing and can help relieve sore mouths.
The Cactus Chill Teething Toy by All For Paws can be frozen to provide extra pain relief as puppies chew.
See more puppy teething toys here.
All For Paws has assembled an all-in-one New Puppy Starter Kit that includes four key items: a blanket, teether, toy and heat packs. Each item has been chosen for its quality and functionality - giving your pup what it needs without any fuss.
Other Essentials
Other basic supplies puppies need include:
Bowls
You will need to invest in quality dog bowls for both food and water. Stainless steel water bowls can minimise bacteria build-up and are rust-resistant.
Grooming Tools
Regular baths with gentle shampoo will help keep your pup's coat clean and smelling fresh.
Also invest in a quality dog brush to remove loose hair, nail clippers to trim puppy's nails, and a dog-friendly toothbrush for puppy's dental health. Regular dental care by brushing your puppy's teeth daily can help prevent gum disease and save you money at the vet long term.
Flea & Tick Treatment
It is a good idea to provide your puppy with monthly parasite prevention and worming treatments after they reach 8 weeks of age. Seek advice from your vet before starting any treatments to make sure they are right for your pup.
Puppy Pads
Puppy pads provide indoor pets with a space to go to the toilet.
Also consider buying cleaning products such as stain neutraliser for when your puppy, inevitably, has an accident in the wrong place.
FAQs in Relation to Puppy Starter Kit List
What should be in a puppy starter pack?
Your pup's starter pack should include essentials like water and food bowls, toys, bedding, grooming supplies, and a leash.
What do I need to get started with a puppy?
To kick off with your new puppy, you'll need the basics: quality dog food, a crate or bed for sleep, a lead and collar for walks, and some fun toys.
What should I buy when getting a new puppy?
Pick up quality dog food plus feeding dishes. Also, grab comfy bedding materials. Don't forget hygiene items like brushes or wipes along with toys for mental stimulation.
What is the puppy checklist?
The puppy checklist includes essential gear like food containers and feeders, bowls for fresh water, a sleep spot, training tools such as treats, and toys puppies love.
Ian's Wrap
Building a comprehensive puppy starter kit list ensures a smooth journey into pet parenthood.
Be sure to prepare cosy bedding, a pet crate, grooming supplies, quality toys, and parasite prevention measures. These essential puppy supplies pave the way for a happy, healthy, and well-trained furry companion.
