Before you take your puppy/dog home you will need to ensure you have some basic equipment and supplies.

Collar and leash and ID

Generally any appropriately sized buckle collar is good.  They are available in nylon, cotton or leather.  Make sure that you get a collar tag for identification to display your contact details.

Food and Water bowls

Puppies play with their bowls therefore it is advisable to purchase metal bowls. 

Dog Crate

The most valuable training tool you will ever invest in.  Check out our house (toilet) training tips here.

This is where your puppy should sleep and with correct training will become its safe haven.  It should be large enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around, and stretch out in – even when it is fully grown!  If it seems too large to begin with you can section if off until the puppy has grown some more and this happens very quickly in the early stages.

There are two types of crates; plastic ones that are mostly solid but have a barred front and/or windows, metal ones that appear more like cages but provide very good ventilation which is good when combating odours.  Both crates are also very useful when transporting your dog safely in the car.

Bedding

Puppies will chew and soil their bedding in the beginning so it’s a good idea to use some old towels or throws from your sofa inside the crate.  The best thing about these is that they are a great alternative to expensive bedding and very easy to wash.  Most doggy smells come from the dog’s bed, so regular changing and washing can dramatically reduce bad odours.

Baby gates

In order to keep your puppy safe from harm and restrict access to areas where damage or harm can occur, using a baby gate is very effective. It is unrealistic to be with your puppy 24/7 therefore limiting its access to safe areas will give you peace of mind.

Puppy Food

For the first week or so, it is important to give your puppy the same food as it has been receiving from its breeder or the shelter you adopted it from.  This should minimise the risk of diarrhoea and gastrointestinal upset.   If you wish to change to a different type/brand of food be sure to introduce it slowly, mixed in with its normal diet over a 2 – 3 week period.  Your vet will advise you on the brand of puppy food they recommend.

Puppies grow very fast and require feeding 2 - 3 times a day.

The best way to avoid a future begging dog is NOT to feed it human food, especially tit-bits from the table as you eat.  Check out our Doggy Diet & Exercise section for more details on how to give your dog a healthy diet.

Basic Grooming Supplies

You will need a dog brush, perhaps a soft bristle brush for a puppy and a slicker brush later on, doggy shampoo and perhaps a de-matting conditioner.  There are a variety of products available.  Ensure that you choose a puppy safe shampoo – these tend to have less harmful chemicals and it is possible to find organic ones.  Some also act as flea repellents.

Pooper Scoopers

As a responsible dog owner you will need to ensure you always scoop your dog’s poop.  Not a pleasant job but part of the joys of owning a dog.  You will find a variety of pooper scoopers at your local pet store or online.  You can also use plastic bags (particularly useful when out walking as they tuck into your pocket easily.

Cleaning Supplies

Lots of accidents will happen in the beginning and your puppy/dog will make interesting dog tracks on your prize porcelain floor by trailing in dirt from the outside, so you will need to have the appropriate cleaner to hand.  Some cleaners are harmful and poisonous so an effective/safe alternative is white vinegar.  It also has the added benefit of deterring your dog from relieving itself in the same spot after a housetraining accident.

Toys

Last but not least! 

In the early stages everything (including your furniture) will be a source of excitement and enjoyment for your puppy so it is important that it realises from early on what toys it is allowed to play with.  Too many toys will be confusing as it will not understand what it can and can’t play with.  Toys are important for psychological stimulation and also for the puppy to chew on to relieve anxiety and pain when it is teething.

That's pretty much all the equipment you need to safely welcome your new companion home.

Now you will need to Puppy-Proof your home!