New puppy supplies:
the complete shopping checklist.

A properly sized crate

Big enough for the puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down, but not so roomy they can toilet in one corner and sleep in the other. A divider panel lets one adult-size crate grow with the puppy.

A washable bed or mat

Puppies have accidents and chew on soft edges early on. A machine-washable, low-cost bed is easier to replace than an expensive orthopedic one until house training is solid.

A playpen or baby gates

For confining the puppy to a safe area when you cannot actively supervise, without shutting them in a crate for hours at a time.

Food and water bowls

Stainless steel or ceramic is easier to keep clean than plastic, which can hold odors and scratches that harbor bacteria. Non-slip bases stop bowls sliding across the floor.

The same food the breeder or shelter was already feeding

Sudden diet changes are a common cause of puppy diarrhea. Keep the current food for the first week, then transition to a new diet gradually over 7-10 days if you want to switch.

Age-appropriate puppy food

Puppies need a diet formulated for growth, with different calorie and nutrient levels than adult food. Check the label says "growth" or "all life stages," and ask your vet if you are unsure what to feed a specific breed or size.

A slow-feeder bowl if the puppy gulps food

Fast eating can lead to choking, vomiting, or discomfort. A slow-feeder or puzzle bowl paces meals down without any extra effort from you.

A flat collar with an ID tag

Even a microchipped puppy should wear a visible tag with your phone number. A flat buckle or snap collar is enough for short home walks and vet visits at this age.

A well-fitted harness for actual walks

A harness that does not restrict shoulder movement is generally gentler than a collar for a growing puppy that has not yet learned not to pull. Look for one you can adjust as the puppy grows.

A lightweight, standard leash

Skip retractable leads for a new puppy — they make it harder to prevent a bolt into traffic or another dog, and they teach pulling rather than loose-leash walking.

Poop bags, carried everywhere from day one

Keep a stash by the door and in any bag you take on walks so cleanup is never the reason a walk gets skipped.

Enzymatic cleaner for accidents

Regular household cleaners do not fully break down the scent markers that draw a puppy back to the same spot. Enzymatic cleaner is worth the extra cost during house training.

Paper towels or a dedicated accident-cleanup kit

Kept somewhere easy to grab so an accident gets cleaned up calmly and immediately, without a scramble that turns it into a bigger moment than it needs to be.

Chew toys sized for a puppy's mouth and stage of teething

Puppies need to chew, especially while teething. Choose toys labeled for puppies specifically — sizes and hardness meant for adult dogs can be too big to grip or hard enough to crack young teeth.

Treats small enough to use for training

Pea-sized or smaller so you can reward frequently without overfeeding at meals. Soft treats are easier for a puppy with baby teeth than hard biscuits.

A soft-bristle brush suited to the coat type

Short daily or weekly brushing sessions get a puppy comfortable with handling early, which pays off at grooming and vet visits later.

A puppy-safe nail trimmer or grinder

Ask your vet or a groomer to show you how to trim safely, and pair the first few sessions with treats so the puppy learns nail care is not something to fear.

Avoid anything with small removable parts

Squeakers, stuffing, buttons, or ribbon can be chewed off and swallowed. Choose puppy toys built to hold up to teething rather than plush toys meant for display.