9 Things You Need For Your New Puppy

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time! Make sure you’re ready by getting these 9 things before your puppy comes home so you’re not scrambling when they arrive.

Commit to Choosing Natural Products

If you follow this blog, you know we are all about natural products and food! Most of the toys, products, and dog food out there are full of dangerous chemicals that are very harmful to your dog. And since there are no restrictions that control what companies can put into dog food and treats, they are able to add all kinds of preservatives, artificial colors, and chemicals that are very dangerous to your dog. And because of the lack of controls, they can make false claims on the bags and labels. Yikes!

So, what should you do to make sure your puppy is getting healthy products? Make a commitment to finding natural toys that make products without toxins, and feed your dog real food. Don’t worry, we can help you!

9 Things Your New Puppy Will Need

1. Collar and Leash

It’s important to choose a comfortable collar, and a leash that is strong so you can keep using it as your puppy grows. We like the ICON collars since they have a clasp instead of a buckle. I have heard too many stories about dogs that have almost choked when another dog has gotten wound up in a collar, and there is not enough room to get the buckle off. Always choose an easy release clasp instead. If you want a waterproof, odor-proof collar, we like the Tiger Tail collars. 

For your leash, you’ll want something strong with a comfortable handle. We like leashes by Active Pets and iYoShop, but any leash that is durable will work. You’ll want to get a 5-6 foot leash, not an expandable one for your puppy since you’ll be using it to train your pup how to walk on the leash without pulling. 

2. Dog Tag

Most dog tags are metal, but there have been many many accidents where dogs have gotten their metal tags caught and were not able to get themselves free because the tag could not bend. Because of this, we recommend silicone tags that are bendable so your dog can pull them out of anything they get stuck in. We like Love Your Pets Soundless Tags. They’re made of silicone, and you can get them engraved just like a metal tag.

3. Food Bowls

It has been proven that dogs digest better and have less bloating and digestive problems if they have a bowl that is the right height for them. Gone are the days when all dog food bowls just sit on the floor. Eating with an extended neck instead of bending over to reach the food on the floor also relieves neck strain. We love the bowls that come with an adjustable frame like Pupteck, so as your dog grows, you can just change the height setting.

4. Food and Treats

As I mentioned above, there are dangerous chemicals and additives in most commercial dog foods so you’ll want to be careful when you choose what you’re going to feed your puppy. To make sure your puppy grows into the healthiest dog possible, and avoids disease, you’ll want to choose from the 4 healthy ways to feed your dog which I map out HERE. To keep your dog busy, consider feeding their treats in a refillable toy like a Kong. Check out some fun Kong filler recipes here. 

5. Dog Bed

An independent study of Pet beds made in China showed that beds contained heavy metals like lead, arsenic, mercury (directly linked to cancer), and other dangerous toxins. So, it’s important to pay attention to what your puppy’s bed is made out of since they will be spending a lot of time snuggled on their bed. You can either get an all-natural cover and fill it with old blankets and things you already have, or get a naturally made bed, like one from Hemp Organic Life.

6. Crate or Pen 

Your puppy is going to need a place to go when you can’t watch her, and a crate or a pen area is the perfect way to give them a safe place of their own where they can relax. Take a look at our blog about housebreaking to learn how to set up their space, and what crates and pens we recommend. 

7. Toys

You’ll need some toys for your new puppy, but once again, be careful not to buy toys that have dangerous chemicals in them. Toys will help you train your puppy to stop nipping, give them something to do when you want them to spend some quiet time, and keep them company when they are sleeping. Non-toxic chew toys will help occupy your puppy, keep them calm, and keep their little teeth off things you don’t want them to chew! See our #1 pick of natural chew toys HERE.

8. Poop Bags and Cleaner

We all hope our puppy will learn to go outside right away, but the truth is that it takes 6-9 months for a puppy to be fully housebroken. So, chances are you’re going to need some floor cleaner! Make sure you choose an enzymatic cleaner like TriNova Pet Stain and Odor Remover which helps take away the smell since puppies will keep going in the same place if they smell their past mistakes. For bags, I buy them in big quantities so I know I’ll have them. If you want to do your part for the environment, get Pet n Bags Biodegradable bags. 

9. Shampoo and Brush

You’ll want to give your puppy a bath, so make sure you have some organic shampoo ready with natural ingredients. We recommend 4-Legger shampoos. After the bath, you’ll want to start to get your puppy used to being brushed. There are 4 types of dog brushes each designed for different types of coats. You can read about all 4 kinds, and choose the one that’s right for your puppy here. 

Once you have all 9 of these things together, you’ll be in great shape for your puppy’s arrival!

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