When you bring home your new dog or puppy, you’ll likely feel a wide range of emotions. On the one hand, you’re incredibly thrilled about your adorable new pet, but it’s likely that you’re also a little concerned about how they’ll fit into your family and whether you’re able to care for them.
Even though I’m willing to wager that you’re better prepared than you realize (especially if you’re reading this article), I’ve put together a list of essential dog products based on my own personal experience to allay your fears. With these supplies on hand, you’ll be ready for anything that comes with dog ownership, allowing you to unwind and savor each moment with your new pet.
1. A properly sized dog collar
First and foremost, your dog will require a collar! If you adopt from a shelter or a breeder, they may provide you with a collar, but chances are you’ll want one that matches your style. When shopping for a dog collar, choose one that is the correct size for your dog, has a quick-release clasp for safety, and a sturdy D-ring for attaching a leash. Furthermore, collars like this one from Blueberry Pet have an extra loop for attaching dog tags so they don’t get in the way of your leash.
2. A crate for required naps
It is entirely up to you whether or not to crate-train your dog, but many pet owners and professional trainers recommend it. If you decide to crate train your dog, a product like the Frisco Wire Dog Crate is a good choice because it has a divider panel for larger dogs and folds up for easy transport. It also has two doors and a simple-to-clean plastic base, because accidents happen.
3. A cool, comfy bed that’s ideal for chewy-happy dogs
Many pet owners want to get their dogs plush, cushy beds, but if you’re not sure if your new dog is a chewer, you might want to err on the side of caution and get one of these elevated dog beds instead. These beds have a steel frame covered in durable, PVC-coated fabric, and their elevated design will keep your dog cooler on hot days. You can put a blanket or towel over it if you want to give your dog extra cushion.$30 at Chewy
4. An airtight storage container for food
It’s important to store dog food in an airtight container—otherwise, mice, bugs, and other unwelcome critters may break into your supply. These stackable pet food containers are an extremely popular option for dog food, as they can hold up to 40 or 60 pounds of kibble and have convenient spin-off lids. They’re made from heavy-duty, BPA-free food-grade plastic and their airtight seal keeps pests out and odors in.$45 at Chewy
5. A baby gate to block off certain rooms
Whether you want to keep your dog out of the kitchen, away from the cat litter box, or from going upstairs, a “baby” gate will be your best friend. This extra-wide gate from Carlson Pet Products works indoors 29 to 36.5 inches, and it has a convenient walk-through design that you can easily lock. Plus, there’s a smaller door at the bottom of the gate, just in case you have a cat or small pup who might need to pass through.$44 at Chewy
6. A sturdy leash for your daily walks
A leash is another essential product for dog owners; not all leashes are created equal. Personally, I like leashes that have double handles—in addition to the loop at the end of the leash, there’s another loop mid-way down for those instances when you want to keep your dog close to you. This particular double-handle leash is 6 feet long and made of heavy-duty nylon, and it even has reflective stitching for when you’re walking at night.$16 at Chewy
7. A set of washable dog bowls
Your new dog will need food and water bowls, and these affordable stainless steel bowls are a great option. They have a 4-¾ cup capacity, so they’re best for medium to large dogs, and they have a rubber base to prevent skidding and protect your floors. Plus, when the bowls get dirty, you can toss them in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.$5 at Chewy
8. A food mat to minimize dinnertime messes
It’s also a good idea to invest in a food mat, which will keep your dog’s food bowl from damaging your floor. I got one of these when my dog started playing in her water dish—it kept the mess contained and prevented my hardwood floors from getting wet. The silicone mat has a raised lip to keep spills contained and is stain-resistant, making it a breeze to clean.$19 at Chewy
9. A Kong toy (or two) to keep your pup busy
When Addy was little, she used to get a Kong stuffed with peanut butter and fruit every night at bedtime—it was the only way she would settle into her crate without a fuss. Now that she’s grown, I still use our Kong toy to keep her occupied when I’m busy working or when we’re going to be gone all day. We own four of them!
As you might be able to tell, I’m a huge fan of the Kong, which is essentially just a rubber toy with a hollow interior. You can stuff it with all kinds of treats or food, and your pooch will be occupied for hours trying to get the goodies out. You can even freeze them to keep your dog occupied for longer.$14 at Chewy
10. A convenient, long-lasting flea and tick collar
Flea and tick medication comes in many forms, but one of the longest-lasting solutions is the popular Seresto Flea and Tick Collar. Unlike topical medication, which must be applied every month, Seresto collars last eight months! They release a low concentration of medication over the course of several months, and they’re odorless and non-greasy, to boot.$55 at Chewy
11. This guide to help you train your new pooch
Whenever anyone asks how I trained Addy, I recommend two things: puppy school and this book. I used the five-week program outlined in Training the Best Dog Ever—written by Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz, who has trained the dogs of several presidents—to teach Addy all her basic commands, and we had great results with the positive reinforcement system. Plus, it doesn’t have to be used with puppies—the program can also be used with adult dogs, which is great if you’re bringing home a rescue.$8 at Chewy
12. A top-rated ear treatment for infections
There comes a time in every dog’s life when their ears get dirty, itchy, and smelly, and you’ll be glad you have this product on hand. The Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment is an over-the-counter treatment for bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections, cleaning and treating your dog’s ear issues with a once-daily treatment. It also contains hydrocortisone to minimize itching and inflammation.$24 at Chewy
13. Nail clippers for at-home grooming
If your dog’s nails get too long, it can be uncomfortable for them, so it’s essential to trim your pooch’s nails at home if they don’t go to the groomer regularly. These popular dog nail clippers deliver clean cuts every time, allowing you to make quick work of this grooming task, and there’s even a built-in safety stop that will prevent you from cutting the nail too short.$12 at Chewy
14. All-in-1 dog shampoo and conditioner that smells amazing
After a long day of swimming or playing in the dirt, your dog will probably be quite stinky! When this happens, it’s time to break out the licking mat listed above and give them a good bath. The Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is a top-rated product among pet parents, who say it will leave your dog super soft and smelling fresh. Plus, it’s gentle enough for pups with sensitive skin.$15 at Chewy
15. These durable rubber toy balls
Toy shopping for your dog is always fun, and I’d recommend adding some Chuckit! Balls to the list. These rubber balls are incredibly durable, even for dogs who love to destroy toys, and they’re easy to spot in your yard, thanks to the bright orange color. Plus, you can also get a special Chuckit! Launcher to go along with them, which allows you to send the balls flying for some seriously intense games of fetch.$10 at Chewy
16. A big box of treats for your good boy or girl
Milk-Bone is arguably one of the most popular dog treats. This 10-pound box of medium-sized treats costs just $12 and will last you for months! Milk-Bones are fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals, and their crunchy texture helps to remove plaque and tartar, keeping your dog’s teeth nice and clean.$15 at Chewy
17. A long-lasting supply of poop bags
While not the most glamorous purchase you’ll make for your dog, poop bags are a necessity, especially if you don’t have your own yard. Luckily, many retailers offer multi-packs of poop bags, ensuring you’ll have enough to last several months.$8 at Chewy
