What to Buy Before Bringing Your Puppy Home (and Why)
- Olga Rozenberg
- Jan 7
- 3 min read
Congratulations on your new family member!
Pet stores and online lists make it feel like you need everything before your puppy arrives. You don’t.
This guide explains what’s actually worth buying before day one — and why. Not brands. Not trends. Just practical choices that make the first days easier and reduce common frustrations.
Food & Feeding
What to buy
Food, your puppy is already eating (from the breeder or rescue)
Why: Sudden food changes often lead to stomach upset, loose stools, and unnecessary stress in the first days. Keeping the same food gives your puppy one less thing to adjust to.
You can change food later, once your puppy is settled.
Stainless steel food bowl
Stainless steel water bowl
Non-slip base (silicone or rubber)
Why: Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t hold smells.
Non-slip bowls prevent meals from turning into a chasing game.
Height
Place bowls on the floor at puppy height
Raised feeders are unnecessary for most puppies
What to skip
Plastic bowls (scratch easily, hold bacteria)
Lightweight bowls that slide
Management & Safety
What to buy
Collar (for ID tag)
Harness (optional, for walking)
ID tag
Why: A collar is useful for identification and brief handling. A harness can be more comfortable for walking and reduce pressure on a puppy’s neck.
Fit matters more than style. Choose an adjustable gear and expect to resize as your puppy grows.
Standard leash, about 1.8 m / 6 ft.
Why: This length gives enough freedom for movement without being hard to manage indoors or on short walks.
What to skip for now
Retractable leashes
Very short “traffic” leashes
Long lines (save for later, structured use)
Exercise pen or
Baby gates
Why: You will need moments when your puppy needs to be safe while you cook, shower, answer the door, or rest. Pens and gates give you flexibility without forcing confinement.
They’re often more practical than crates in the first days.
Crate (optional, not required)
What to know
A crate can be useful later
Most puppies are not crate-trained when they come home
If you buy one
Set it up in advance
Leave it open
Do not assume your puppy will be comfortable being closed inside right away
Why: Forcing crate use too early can increase distress. Crate training works best when introduced gradually.
Resting Area (skip the bed for now)
What to buy
Washable blanket or towel
Simple resting mat (optional)
Why: Puppies chew, dig, and have accidents. Starting with washable, low-cost items avoids wasting money and frustration.
What to skip
Expensive or plush dog beds
Foam beds
Beds with stuffing or raised edges
You can add a bed later, once habits are more predictable.
Chews (yes) vs. Toys (minimal)
Chew items — essential
What to buy
1–2 puppy-safe chew items (rubber or nylon-style)
Why: Chewing meets a real need: teething, stress relief, and calm occupation.
Toys — optional
What to buy
At most, one simple toy without filling, and one that your puppy cannot break and swallow the pieces.
Why: Too many toys increase arousal and clutter. Early on, puppies benefit more from rest and chewing than from constant play.
What to skip
Large toy collections
Squeaky toys
Stuffed toys with loose parts
Cleaning Supplies (non-negotiable)
What to buy
Enzyme cleaner
Paper towels
Trash bags
Why: Accidents are normal. Being prepared keeps cleanup calm and prevents repeat soiling from lingering scent.
What NOT to buy before your puppy arrives
You can safely skip:
Puzzle toys
Supplements
Specialty training tools
“Fix-it” gadgets
Multiple food changes
Why: Early simplicity reduces overwhelm. You can always add later once you know your puppy.
Bottom line
Buying less — and buying intentionally — makes the first days smoother.
You don’t need everything. You need the right basics, chosen for function, not aesthetics.
If you want help deciding what fits your puppy and household, you can book a free Meet & Fit video call here:
Calm starts with clarity — not a full shopping cart.
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