Puppy Preparation: Essential Buys Before Bringing Home a Puppy
There is a plethora of gadgets to buy in anticipation of your puppy's arrival. Some things are more important than others. You don't have to empty your wallet; a puppy needs time, love and security more than things. But some things are good to have. Here is a checklist of the most essential items.
Continue with the puppy food from the breeder if your stomach is fine
Your puppy will likely come with food from the breeder, so buy the same kind to have a stock at home. You don't want to switch food too early (if the puppy is doing well on her/his diet) as it can upset its stomach. Check the expiration date so you don't buy more than the puppy can eat before expiration.
Puppy food budget tip: Make your own food
Making your own dog food can be a cheaper and sometimes better alternative to commercial food. However, it requires some forward planning and a lot of knowledge. It is crucial for your puppy's health to get the right nutrients, energy, and nothing that can be harmful. Read more about food in "Dog food past and present".
Choosing the right collar for growing puppies
Most puppies come with a collar, but they quickly outgrow their equipment. A wide collar is gentle, and an adjustable one allows your puppy to wear it longer.
Make your own necklace: Budget options
You can sew or braid a dog collar from paracord string, for example. Make sure what you create is comfortable and safe for your puppy. The puppy must not be able to slip out of the collar, and the buckle and leash hook must also be of good quality and securely fastened.
How to choose the best harness for your puppy
If you want a harness for your puppy, you can also buy an adjustable one. Fit is essential, so it may be good to take your puppy to a pet store for fitting. Do this during quieter hours so that your puppy has a more pleasant experience.
Affordable harnesses that still maintain quality
There are more expensive and cheaper harnesses. Remember that a harness needs to be ergonomic and safe for your puppy. Buy a quality product.
Leash for puppy safety and freedom of movement
A leash of about 2-3 meters with a good handle and a secure clasp is important.
DIY leash: How to make a durable leash yourself
You can create your own leash from paracord string or braided rope. Be careful that the handle and clasp are safe and durable.
Give your puppy more freedom with a long line
To give your puppy more freedom of movement, a long line (used in combination with a harness instead of a collar for safety reasons) can be good.
Make an affordable longline of your own
You can make your own long line from a flagpole line or other rope of suitable thickness. Make sure to attach a clasp securely so that your puppy does not get loose.
Reliable food and water bowls for your puppy
Ceramic bowls are durable and hygienic. Plastic bowls are easily scratched, making bacteria easier to attach. Metal bowls are durable but can rattle and scare some puppies.
Home-made options for food and water bowls.
You can use bowls you already have at home. They need to stand steady, and you can place them on an anti-slip mat.
Necessary poop bags
Small puppies often poop a lot, so buy a stock of bags and be sure to pick up after your puppy. On walks as well as in the yard if you have one. It's all about risk of infection, disease control and consideration for the environment.
Economical choices for poop bags
Discount stores often sell large packs of poop bags at reasonable prices.
The perfect dog bed for a good night's sleep
Buy something comfortable for your puppy to sleep in, but be prepared for your puppy to chew on her/his bed. You can invest in more expensive items when your dog is older. A soft dog blanket is also important, as bedding is a behavioral need for dogs. Adjust the amount and thickness based on your puppy's coat so that it is a comfortable and appropriate temperature for them to snuggle and sleep.
Budget-friendly solutions for your puppy's sleeping place
A cardboard box with low edges and a duvet cover can work well, or a blanket you no longer use.
Keep your puppy busy with safe chews and toys
Puppies are oral, they chew and bite, especially during teething. You want to redirect this behavior to allowed chew toys and bones. Learn more about puppies, biting and how to deal with it in "Biting puppies".
Make your own chew toys: cheap and safe options
Braid several ropes into a rope knot, tie a knot on an old kitchen towel, or use a cut-off leg from a pair of worn-out jeans. Make sure the toy you create is safe for your puppy to gnaw on.
The right toys for puppy training and play
Puppies are usually curious and playful. So, get a selection of exciting toys that you can play with your puppy every day and in training.
Economical toys for your puppy to explore
Drill a hole in a rubber ball and attach it to a rope, use old stuffed animals but make sure noses and eyes cannot come off or stuffing wear out and be eaten. Ask friends with dogs if they have any toys they no longer use that their dog got bored with.
Choosing the right dog treats: Motivating and rewarding your puppy
When you're training your new friend, you may need tasty treats to motivate her/him. Many puppies happily perform for kibble, while others need something extra delicious to want to cooperate. Small pieces are good, and keep an eye on your puppy's intake to make sure she/he doesn't eat more treats than is appropriate.
Affordable candy tips for exercise
Many dogs like dried lung, it's cheap and can be broken into small pieces. Use your dog's own food. Dry fish or meat in the oven for tasty treats.
A safe cage for car journeys and rest periods
A travel crate for the car or a canvas crate for resting at home or away can be useful. Buy one your dog can grow into. Remember to keep the crate door open when used at home. See it more as a den for the puppy where she/he can rest.
Practical and affordable alternatives to car cages and rest areas
A high-quality and safe (preferably crash-tested) travel crate for the car can save your puppy's life, don't skimp on the cost. If it feels too expensive, you can invest in a seat belt harness instead.A blanket over a side table with something soft to lie on underneath can make an excellent resting place at home.A puppy pen can work just as well.
Safe seat belt harness for safe travel
It's important that your dog travels safely and securely. If you have a car or if your puppy will be traveling in other people's cars, or traveling by bus, a safe seat belt harness is essential.
Safety first: Invest in the best seat belt
No, a safe seat belt harness is worth the cost. Car safety is important.
Important dental care routines for puppies
You should get your puppy used to dental care early on. If you have a breed that is at high risk for tartar, this will be an important daily routine when your dog gets a little older. Check out the training "Brushing Teeth" for tips on how to proceed.
A dog toothpaste can be good (never use human toothpaste), and most importantly, a toothbrush, microfiber or rubber finger brush, in an appropriate size for the puppy's mouth.
Dental care on a budget
Skip the toothpaste and wrap gauze or a piece of terry cloth around your finger and rub it. Use a worn-out toothbrush as long as it is the right size and the bristles are firmly attached.
Best cleanser for your puppy's sensitive skin
You should not shampoo your puppy too early. Let the skin be undisturbed and take care of itself until the need arises. When it's time, a dog shampoo and possibly conditioner are important. Don't use anything else as the dog's pH value (5.5-7.2) in the skin differs from ours (5.4-5.9).
Affordable and gentle shampoo options
Rhassoul clay is a soap with a pH of 6, ideal for washing your dog. It's cheap, gentle but maybe a little messier than regular dog shampoo.
Puppy's claw pliers and claw clippers
You want to get your puppy used to nail trimming relatively early. Buy a nail clipper adapted for puppies, perhaps also a nail file. In "Handling Training 1," "Handling training 2," "Handling Training 3" and "Handling Training 4" will take you through the hoof care journey with your puppy.
Budget-friendly hoof care tips
You need to buy a sharp and puppy-adapted nail clipper, but you can use a foot file as a nail file.
Protect your puppy with the right tick puller
If you live in a enviroment ticks enjoy and you have a summer puppy, a tick remover can help keep the dangerous critters away. Read the article "Tick protection."
Effective budget tips for tick removal
Learn the right knack, read "Tick protection" for more information.
Proper coat care with brushes and carding
Depending on your puppy's coat, brushes and combs may be needed. Check with a dog groomer or your breeder regarding which tools are suitable for your breed.
Economic fur care options
Ask your local dog groomer if they have equipment that needs to be replaced that you can buy for a cheaper price. These professionals often replace equipment long before it is worn out.
First aid kit: what you need at home
Be prepared in case of an accident. In "Home Pharmacy for Dogs" you will learn what a first aid kit should contain.
Financial first aid kits
Discount stores can sell first aid kits for humans, much of which you can put in your dog's care kit.
GPS: Keep an eye on your puppy when it's out: keeping an eye on your puppy
An AirTag or similar device can be invaluable if the unthinkable happens, your puppy gets lost. Attach the tag to your puppy's collar and connect it to your phone. This way, if your puppy goes missing, you can more easily find him. But don't rely on technology, hold the leash or lead tightly and don't let your puppy loose before the recall(Recall 1, Recall 2, Recall 3, Recall 4, Recall 5, Recall 6 are in all positions. Thereafter only in safe places.
Make your own necklaces: Almost free options
Write your phone number visibly on your puppy's collar or on the harness if she/he is long-haired. The number needs to be visible from a distance. A lost puppy may not dare to approach a stranger.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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