New Puppy Checklist for 2021

Whether you got a new pup for Christmas or are looking to add one to your family this year, you’re probably overwhelmed with all that comes with bringing home a new puppy. There are thousands of articles about the best foods, treats, and toys that puppy parents must buy and it can be hard to figure out which is the best for you and your furry friend. Today I’m cutting out all the unnecessary information and breaking it down into a simple, easy to follow new puppy checklist. 

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1. Toys and Lots of ’em

Everyone knows that puppies LOVE to chew. If you don’t offer plenty of different toy options, you’ll likely end up with a chewed up shoe or table leg. Before you bring home Fido, pick up a variety of different toys for him to choose from. I’ve linked my dogs favorite toys in each category for you to add to your new puppy checklist.

• Stuffed

My Siberian Husky loves stuffed animal toys. Her favorite past time is opening them up and spreading the stuffing all over my clean floors. She’s had many different stuffed toys over the years but her favorite has always been the Lamb Chop plush. It comes in multiple sizes and has a squeaker inside for added fun!

• Hard Chew

Chew toys are a must for new puppies. Benebone is a tried and true favorite in my household! They come in different shapes that allow your dog to get a good grip and the different flavor options are great (my dogs favorite is the peanut butter). 

• Fetch Toy

Fetch is the perfect way to play with your dog and allow them to get some much needed exercise. Tennis balls are my favorite for playing with my pup. We purchase the Frisco tennis balls as they’re reasonably priced and come in a variety of fun colors!

• Interactive

Interactive toys are the perfect way to keep your new puppy busy for hours. The classic Kong is my favorite way to distract my dog when I need her to be occupied. You can fill it with peanut butter or other yummy treats to keep your pup busy and satisfied!

2. Collar, Leash and Harness

When choosing a collar, leash and harness for your dog you’re going to want to explore all the different options to find what best fits your, and your dogs, lifestyle. 

• Collar

When it comes to your dogs every day collar, choosing one that is comfortable for your dog to wear daily is key. The collar is the fun part as you get to choose from so many colors and patterns. As long as your dogs collar fits comfortably around their head and will hold a name tag securely, it will work for your pup.

• Leash

The leash you choose will vary based on your lifestyle. I find rope leashes to work well for me and my husky as they’re strong enough for me to control her on walks. Nylon leashes are common, but aren’t the best option for dogs that pull a lot. Leather leashes are a durable and comfortable option.

• Harness

When choosing a harness consider your lifestyle and the energy of your dog. If you and your pup live an active life then a more sturdy harness will be your best choice. If you plan on only taking leisurely walks around your neighborhood, a less sturdy harness or a martingale collar will suffice. 

3. Food and Water Dishes

Stainless steel food and water dishes are the safest option for your dog. They’re easy to clean and don’t harbor bacteria the way plastic dishes do. They’re also the most durable. Your dog won’t be able to chew them up like plastic and they aren’t breakable like glass or ceramic. 

4. Treats

Like toys, you’ll want to put a variety of treats on your new puppy checklist. Be sure to pick up some small, training treats, for basic training. You will also want to get some bigger, high value treats for training difficult commands or rewarding extra good behavior. 

Pick out some chews for your pup as well such as bully sticks to let your dog practice their natural instinct of chewing. Avoid rawhide products, as these are dangerous for your dog to ingest. 

5. A Crate

Crate training is incredibly important for all puppies. A wire crate will work for most but there are plenty of other options such as collapsible crates and plastic crates. 

6. Grooming Supplies

Depending on the breed of your dog, you’ll either be taking them to get professionally groomed or you’ll be doing low maintenance grooming at home. Regardless, you’ll want to have some of the basic grooming supplies on hand such as:

• Shampoo
• Nail Trimmers
• Brush
• Toothpaste and Toothbrush

And that’s it! Your new puppy checklist. Of course, there are other supplies you may want to purchase once you bring your pup home and learn more of his or her needs. But this checklist should give you a solid start on shopping for your new furry friend.