What to Buy for a New Puppy – New Puppy Checklist

If your puppy thinks mealtime is a race, this Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slow Bowl is a total game-changer. We’ve been using this since bringing home our new puppy and it really helps slow down his eating—no more choking or gulping food too fast. The maze design keeps him engaged, and the non-slip base keeps it from sliding all over the floor.

Bonus: It’s top-rack dishwasher safe!

Training a new puppy takes patience—and the right motivation. These freeze-dried treats from Pupford have been our go-to because they’re made with just two simple, all-natural ingredients. That means low calories, no fillers, and high nutritional value in every bite. They’re lightweight, mess-free, and perfectly sized for quick rewards on walks, during classes, or any time your pup needs a reminder of what a good boy they are. With so many flavor options, even picky pups find something they love.

You may also like these homemade dog treats.

We’ve tried a few travel bottles for our puppy, but this one from Gorilla Grip is hands-down our favorite. It’s a water bottle and a bowl in one—just squeeze, let your pup drink, and then drain any extra water back into the bottle. No waste, no mess, and no need to carry extra gear. The leakproof design means we can toss it in a bag or clip it to a backpack without worrying about spills. Perfect for walks, road trips, or long days at the park.

This MidWest double-door dog crate has been a lifesaver with our new puppy. We use it for crate training, travel, and even sleep—it’s become his safe space. Our experience has been that covering it with a blanket makes nape time and bedtime way easier to get a young puppy to settle down to sleep. We keep an old blanket without small threads on ours because our puppy does pull it into the crate to chew on sometimes.

It sets up in seconds with no tools, folds flat when we need to store or move it, and includes a divider panel, leak-proof pan, and rubber feet to protect our floors. The double doors make it easy to position wherever we need it, and the upgraded safety latches give us peace of mind. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a better setup, this crate checks all the boxes.

We wanted our puppy to have more space to play safely during the day, and the experts all recomended having a playpen space to keep young puppies contained. This FXW Dog Playpen has been the perfect solution. It was super easy to set up and gives our pup plenty of room to move around without giving him full access to the house (especially helpful while we’re still potty training). We keep it in the family room so he’s still part of the action but can’t get into anything dangerous. The gate makes it easy to get in and out, and the sturdy, expandable design means we can adjust it as he grows. I honestly don’t know how we managed our other puppies without this!

Finding the right crate bed for a new puppy can be tricky, but this plush dog bed from KSIIA checks all the boxes. It’s thick and supportive enough to keep your pup comfortable during naps or overnight sleep, and it comes in multiple sizes that fit in most standard crates.

The soft velvet material helps soothe anxious pups and encourages restful sleep, while the non-slip bottom keeps it from sliding around. Best of all, it’s fully machine washable and holds its shape, even after repeated washes—which is a must with a new puppy in the house. I had a previous dog chew up the bottom of our crate so this has been a perfect solution to make our crate nice and comfortable.

If you’re bringing home a new puppy, nights can be rough, especially for pups struggling with separation anxiety. This plush Calmeroos heartbeat toy is designed to mimic the warmth and steady heartbeat of a mother dog, helping your puppy feel safe and calm. It’s a favorite among new puppy parents, with thousands of glowing reviews. The included heat packs add soothing warmth, and the toy is machine washable once you remove the heartbeat insert. It’s a gentle, effective way to help your puppy settle down and sleep through the night. This was not around the last time I raised a puppy and I REALLY could have used it!

Potty training can be messy, but these washable pee pads from PUPTECK make it a whole lot easier. Accidents are going to happen. You can certainly go through disposable puppy pads but these reusable puppy pads are much more economical and they work WAY better too. My puppy tears apart the disposable pads so not only is that messy but you have the worry about what he is ingesting.

These rusable pads have four protective layers including a waterproof barrier and non-slip bottom that lock in moisture, prevent leaks, and stay in place even with active puppies. They’re large enough to use in playpens or crates, and they work great under food and water bowls too. Best of all, they’re machine washable and hold up well after multiple washes, which makes them a smart, sustainable choice for any pet parent.

Puppies are adorable—but they definitely come with messes. This enzyme cleaner from Biokleen has been my go-to for years for kid messes but it is an absolute must-have for any puppy household. It uses a natural blend of live enzymes and plant-based ingredients to break down stains and odors without harsh chemicals. It’s safe to use around pets and kids, and it works on everything from potty training accidents to carpet spills. No need to dilute—just spray and go. People with chemical sensitivities love this stuff, and it’s earned a great reputation with professional cleaners too.

Using bells to potty train your puppy is a simple and effective method that makes communication easy from the start. Just hang the bells on the door you use to take your puppy outside. Every time it’s time for a potty break, gently guide your puppy’s paw or nose to ring the bells before opening the door. With consistency, your puppy will learn to ring the bells whenever they need to go out. These BLUETREE bells are adjustable to fit any door and loud enough to hear from across the room. It’s an easy, non-verbal way for your puppy to let you know it’s time to go.

If you’re potty training a puppy in an apartment or need an indoor option for those early training days, the Fresh Patch real grass pad is a great tool to have on hand. Unlike synthetic turf, this is made with real, hydroponically grown grass that gives your puppy the natural feel and scent they expect when it’s time to go. It’s fully disposable—no cleaning or scrubbing required—and absorbs both moisture and odor better than fake grass. This is especially helpful during bad weather, overnight, or when your puppy can’t make it outside in time.

Note: This is a great addition inside the playpen setup listed above.

These Pupford freeze-dried training treats are made with just three simple ingredients—no fillers, no junk—just real, all-natural nutrition in every bite. They’re low-calorie, high-value, and packed with flavor, which makes them perfect for frequent training sessions. The small size and lightweight texture make them easy to carry for training on the go, and they won’t leave your hands or pockets greasy. With a wide variety of flavors available, even picky pups will find a favorite.

A treat pouch and clicker combo is a must-have for effective dog training, and this set covers everything you need. The pouch can be worn three ways—clip, waist belt, or shoulder strap—so your hands stay free while you focus on training. It holds plenty of treats, plus your phone, keys, and poop bags, and the durable lining is easy to clean. The set includes two clickers, making it easy to mark behaviors quickly and clearly. Whether you’re working on basic commands or behavior correction, this setup keeps you organized and ready.

This double handle dog leash is a great option if you’re working on leash training or just want more control during walks. The standard handle gives your dog room to explore, while the traffic handle lets you keep them close in busy areas. Both handles are padded with soft neoprene for comfort, even on longer walks. The reflective stitching adds visibility for evening strolls, and the heavy-duty design holds up to strong pullers. It even includes a D-ring for your keys or poop bags, making it practical and easy to use every day.

When we brought home our last rescue dog, we took her on one of her first outings to a nearby state park. Partway through the walk, something spooked her—she pulled backward suddenly and slipped right out of her collar. For a few terrifying minutes, we thought we’d lost her. Thankfully, we caught her, but it was enough to make us rethink the gear we were using. A local pet store recommended a martingale collar, and we’ve used one ever since.

This martingale collar from Hyhug is designed to gently tighten when your dog pulls or tries to back out, which helps prevent escapes like the one we experienced. It’s a great training tool for walks, especially with new rescues or puppies still learning leash skills. Made from durable nylon, it slips on without a buckle and is comfortable for daily use.

Important note: Martingale collars should only be used under supervision and are not safe for crate time or unsupervised wear with young puppies. When fitted properly, they’re a secure and gentle way to keep your dog safe and close.

This long nylon leash is a must-have for recall training and teaching basic obedience in open spaces. At 20 feet long, it gives your puppy the freedom to explore while still staying safely connected. The durable, tangle-free design makes it great for practicing commands like “come” or “stay” in real-world settings without the risk of your pup running off. It’s lightweight but strong enough for dogs of all sizes and has a swivel clip to prevent tangling during training sessions or playtime.

Note: For safety, this leash is best used with a well-fitted harness rather than a collar—especially for puppies or dogs who may pull or lunge while learning.

This lightweight mesh harness from Best Pet Supplies is a great option for daily walks with your puppy. It’s soft, breathable, and easy to put on—just have your pup step in, secure the Velcro, snap the buckle, and you’re ready to go. The reflective strips add visibility for early morning or evening strolls, and the double D-rings and buckle give you peace of mind with triple security. It’s especially useful for smaller puppies or those just getting used to leash walking.