Welcoming a new puppy to your family home is an exciting time! Puppies make for a warm, cuddly companion with an abundance of energy and love to give. In amongst the excitement, it’s important to remember that there are a few crucial steps to take before bringing home your new furry friend.

For first-time owners, it’s likely that you may not be aware of all the essential purchases and steps to take before you welcome a dog to your home. While there are quite a few things you will need to buy, our blog post is designed to help ease the confusion that can come with prepping for a new dog.

Below, we will look at the necessary supplies to buy before you get a new dog.

A Legible ID Tag

Before you take on the great outdoors for the first time with your new puppy, you must remember to equip your pooch with a durable ID tag. The Control of Dogs Order 1992 states that all dogs in a public domain must be wearing a legible tag with your contact details disclosed, as well as any other relevant information.

Your new companion deserves a beautiful, high-quality tag built to last through their many adventures to come. We carefully craft our tags using deep mill engraving, meaning your tag will remain readable no matter the adventure.

Join thousands of other satisfied customers and view our premium range of Brass Dog Tags.

Collars and Leads

To pair with your puppies new tag, you must also buy a dog collar, or harness, for their outdoor trips. There are plenty of different styles of collars that you can treat your pup to, you can even match it with your new tag, or lead!

You will also need to buy a lead to ensure the safety of your pup. While it is not illegal to let your dog off the lead, it is very important that you keep them on one. Your pooch should be able to understand call-back commands, and should obey you before allowing them off the lead in public.

Sleeping Area

Another thing that you will need to consider is the sleeping arrangements for your new puppy. While some owners and their dogs opt to sleep in the same bed, this is certainly not the case for all dogs. It is important that you provide your dog with a dedicated bed to sleep in each night.

Whether you’d like to opt for a traditional dog bed, a couch bed, or a bed in a crate - it is entirely up to you to choose the type of bed that your pup will sleep in. Make sure that whatever bed you decide to choose, that you take into consideration the size of your dog. 

Looking for inspiration for your puppy’s bed? Visit Dogster’s article for some ideas.

Food and Water Bowls

Other essential items to buy are food and water bowls for your pup. Whether you’re looking to buy customised bowls with your furry friend’s name on, or a standard bowl for them to drink from, you must ensure that you have these before bringing them home.

For quality, we recommend that you buy stainless steel bowls, as they are durable, easily cleanable, and they won’t chip.

Toys

All dogs need a toy to play with, and puppies need something to teeth on in their early months, or else it will be your sofa they’re gnawing on! Not only do chew toys make for a great way of keeping your pup entertained, but it is a brilliant way of bonding with your new pet.

Make sure that the toys that you buy for your puppy are safe for them to chew on. If a toy might be a choking hazard, or is too hard for newborn dogs, we urge you to look for a new toy that’s more suitable for your pet. 

Constant Essential Purchases

While the previously mentioned items will last you a while, there’s a few things that you may want to add to your shopping list on a more frequent basis. Below, we list some of the important items you will need to buy for your dog.

Dog food - It’s no secret that dogs and humans eat different foods, you will need to ensure that you’re stocked up on dog food at all times. It’s always a good idea to keep them on the same food they are used to to start off with. If you’re looking to change their diet, read this blog first.

Treats - When teaching your pup new things, you will need to give them treats to reward them for good behaviour. Make sure that treats make up less than 10% of their food intake for a balanced diet.

Poo bags - For your walks out, or for when you let your pup into the garden, you will need to carry poo bags with you to clean up after them.

Dog shampoo - You will need to buy dog-specific shampoo for bathing times.

Grooming equipment - You will need to make sure you have grooming equipment, such as brushes, and nail clippers. You can also take your pup to a professional grooming business.

Dog toothbrush and toothpaste - You will need to ensure that you buy a toothbrush, as well as toothpaste (dog-friendly) for your pup. You will need to brush them three times a week.

Cleaning supplies - Keeping yours, and your dog’s environment is important for both of your health.

Medical supplies - In case your puppy will require emergent medical attention, it’s advised to buy a pet first aid kit. 

Other Things to Consider

Once you’ve bought all of the essential items for your pup, you’re good to go! However, there are a few other things that you may wish to consider, just to make you and your puppy’s life a little easier:

Crates - When you get your new puppy, you may wish to put them in a dog crate at night. However, it is important not to leave them in there for too long, as this may lead to them feeling anxious.

Gates - If there are certain areas of the house you wish for your dog not to enter, you could buy a gate to prevent them getting past.

Clothing - Some owners wish to opt for clothing for their dogs, particularly breeds that get colder in the winter.

Car harness - If you wish to travel with your pup, you will need a car harness to keep them safe and secure for the long haul.

Carrier - You may wish to have a carrier for your pup, so that you can transport them without the risk of them running off.

Puppy pads - Puppy pads are excellent for toilet training, they provide your pup with a designated spot to go to the toilet.

Blankets - As the cold weather comes round, you may want to provide your dog with a blanket so that they keep warm.

Conclusion

A puppy will bring new memories, and adventures to your life. You will be able to explore the world with your pup, going for long walks on the beach, or trips to the countryside. That’s why we design our tags with outstanding durability to take on any journey.

If you’re looking for something with even more resilience, our Reinforced Dog Tags are the perfect tag for you. Click here to explore our range.