What to buy when getting a puppy

Getting a puppy is a serious business and is in many ways life-changing. That’s why being prepared is the best thing you can do before they arrive. Getting a puppy checklist in order is one of the top priorities and will help organise the questions swimming round your head about sleeping, eating, exercising, training, socialising, medical care and dog accessories!

The checklist you make before getting a puppy can be long but breaking it down will help you to keep it manageable. One aspect of it that can be resolved easily with decisive action is what to buy when getting a puppy.

Getting ready for a puppy

Of course, it goes without saying that there is a broad spectrum of considerations when getting a puppy and not all of those can be bought. Preparing your home is a very important step and includes investing in some dog accessories, but it also involves preparing the space for puppy’s wellbeing and safety, including thinking about where they will sleep, eat and removing any dangerous objects or plants.

It’s vital to think about how you’re going to train and socialise them, and to research options for daycare and behavioural issues, should these needs arise. Make sure you’re up to speed on local regulations regarding dogs such as where you can let them off lead, whether they need microchipping and ID tags. Last but not least, check out local vets and make sure you research any local diseases or dangers like ticks, fleas, or algae.

Things to buy when getting a puppy

Once you’ve made your checklist and are completely ready to welcome your new puppy, it’s time to start investing in some dog accessories.

As you’ve no doubt noticed, the pet industry is huge and there are all sorts of weird and wonderful things you can buy for a dog. But here’s a list of the basics to get you started. It’s always good to be observant to your puppy’s needs and you might find certain accessories don’t work at all or conversely, work very well.

• Bed
  Think about sizing when you’re selecting a bed in preparation for getting a puppy. Get one that your puppy can grow into and that they can stretch out on. Some puppy parents get a comfy bed for each room in the house where your pup might spend time, but it’s not always possible to know that in advance. A popular choice for making bedding extra snuggly is vetbed - a kind of synthetic fleece that is durable, washable, warm and non-allergenic. 
  
• Crate/puppy gates
  Crates and child gates can be super useful when your puppy is young and you want to keep them safe or prevent them from getting into mischief when you’re not around. A few safety points to consider: don’t leave them in there for hours; check the mesh - if it’s too large they could get their teeth stuck; take their collar off when they’re inside. Make it a safe space for them with nice bedding and toys and never put them in there for punishment. It’s handy to get them used to their crate when they’re young so that if you want to travel with them later, it should be easier.
  
  
• Bowls & dog food
  Seems obvious, right? But don’t forget! It can be a great idea to get non-slip bowls, especially if you have wood or laminate flooring. And if you want to avoid spillage on a carpet, be sure to pick up a non-slip mat to place the bowls on which will catch any spillages. Ask your vet, breeder or rescue centre about the best food for your growing pup - make sure it’s specifically for puppies. 
  
  
• Walking accessories (lead, harness, poo bags)
  You’ll probably want to invest in multiple leads of different lengths for training and walking purposes and it’s always a good idea to have spares as we all know puppies like to chew! A good quality harness is a must for walkies, and can be useful in the dark winter if it has reflective strips. Poo bags! because, well, nature will call and you want to be ready. Grab a poo bag dispenser too that attaches to the lead so you’re never caught out.
  
  
• Puppy pads
  When we’re listing things to buy when getting a puppy, this has to be on the list. There will be a period of toilet training and it’s good to be prepared so that your house and furnishings are protected. 
  
  
• Dog toys
  It’s got to be the best part of having a puppy surely - playtime! Get some toys ready for the lil’ gnasher that are going to give them hours of stimulation. Be careful of stuffed toys that will easily come apart or toys that have small pieces - they’re not suitable; go for something more robust. 
  
  
• Clothing (especially in colder climates)
  Some puppies have very short coats and if their arrival coincides with winter it could be wise to invest in a doggie coat and even some paw protectors. Lots of coats also have reflective strips which is great for keeping them safe on walkies after dusk. 
  
  
• ID tag
  It’s a legal requirement in the UK to have a dog tag on your puppy with your name and address on it. It’s not always the first thing owners think of, but you could risk a fine if you’re caught without one, and if they get lost (heaven forbid), it’ll be easier for people to get in touch. 
  
  
• Car restraint
  If you’re planning on going around in the car a lot, get your puppy some kind of car restraint. You may want to use their crate from the house, especially if it’s a ‘happy place’ for them, but it’s important they don’t get loose in the car. 

Getting a puppy is going to be one of the best things you’ve ever done, rest assured. This list will help you get ready for a hassle-free transition into dog ownership. Enjoy the ride!