Getting a puppy is exciting but stressful as well. Especially if you’ve never owned a pet, you might be worried about how you’re going to handle everything and is what you’re doing enough for your furry friend.

First and foremost, dogs need love. Just like any other living being. Over time, you can buy more and more supplies as you learn what your dog enjoys and what it doesn’t.

When you bring your puppy home, there are several things that you need to consider and it’s a good idea to have some essentials so you don’t run from store to store the first day to buy everything. If you have all the things you need before the puppy arrives, you can spend the first days bonding and playing together.

Puppy Play Pen for Keeping Your Dog Safe and Happy

A playpen for puppies is the same as that for babies – an enclosure that’s open on the top. It’s quite useful for adjusting the puppy to the new environment and creating a zone that’s going to be just theirs. Playpens are a versatile item that can be used inside the house and serve as a place where the puppy can spend a lot of time or it can be an outside puppy pen that’ll keep it safe while playing outdoors.

On a beautiful day, it’s unfair to leave your puppy inside while you sit in the garden or do some outdoor work. For this reason, having a quality outside puppy pen for your new dog is a must-have. In this way, you’ll be able to do your work in peace and you’ll know that your puppy won’t cause any trouble.

Playpens come in various shapes and designs, and different colours and materials. They can be metal playpens that are probably the most used ones. They’re sturdy, long-lasting, and perfect for setting up outside. You can go for a plastic puppy pen because it’s lighter but unlike the metal ones, plastic is susceptible to chews. So, if your puppy likes to chew on things, keep in mind that plastic pens are easier to destroy. Fabric puppy playpen consists of fabric on metal frames and they offer a great variety of designs that you can choose from. The fabric is removable for easy cleaning and the playpen is lightweight.

All playpens fold completely for easy transportation and storage and most of them are expandable which means that if you get a smaller puppy pen, you can expand it later when the dog gets bigger by inserting more panels. Playpens are also excellent for travel because they’re simple to pack and take with you whenever you go camping or to the beach.

In the beginning, you should train your pup so it can adjust to the pen. By doing this, it’ll be easier to leave your dog home alone when there’s a need for that. Of course, this shouldn’t be for longer periods of time. You can set up dishes for food and water, a bed, and toys in the puppy playpen so the dog can entertain itself.

Healthy Food and Treats for Proper Development

Puppies need proper food so they can grow. When you bring them home, don’t start with new food immediately, sudden change can upset their stomach. Ask the place from where you got your new puppy what kind of food they’ve been feeding them so you can use that and introduce new food slowly.

One type of food that’s usually recommended is high-quality kibble that’s specifically designed for puppies and contains the necessary nutrients that dogs need for proper development. You can ask your vet for advice if you want to include vegetables or cooked meat but it isn’t necessary when the puppy is still small. They should be fed regularly and in small amounts.

Treats can be used for training but make sure that they’re healthy and safe for small dogs. You don’t want to go overboard with the treats because they shouldn’t be used as a primary source of food and since the puppy is small, it needs little to feel satisfied.

Collar and Leash for Greater Security

A collar and a leash are essential from day one. Collars contain the identification tag so in case the dog gets lost, it can be brought back to the owner. The leash attaches to the collar for walking.

For smaller puppies, it’s best to get an adjustable collar because as the puppy grows, the collar can be adjusted and you won’t have to buy a new one every month. Collars can be made from leather, nylon, or metal. Choose soft and comfortable collars that won’t hurt the puppy.

The leash needs to be strong and the loop for holding shouldn’t be hard on your hands. It helps with training and keeping the puppy away from distractions.

Grooming Supplies for a Clean Puppy

Having a pet inside the house means that it needs to be bathed and brushed. Try to use natural shampoos that are made for dogs because harsh ingredients can harm puppies. Brushing is an easy way to keep the puppy neat and clean. The type of brush you need depends on the puppy’s fur.

Your puppy needs to get used to having its teeth brushed because dental health is very important for preventing gum disease and tooth discolouration. Get a toothbrush and toothpaste that are specifically made for puppies and brush their teeth on a daily basis.

You’ll need to trim the puppy’s nails so having a quality dog nail trimmer will save you time and money. You won’t have to go to a groomer just to have your dog’s nails trimmed. Learn how to properly trim the nails so you don’t cause your pup any pain.

Dog Toys for Fun Time

Dogs love to play and having different toys to keep them entertained will stop them from destroying something else. Chewing toys help relieve their gums when the puppy is teething.

You can use tug toys or toys made of rope to play with your puppy. Dogs love squeaky toys so you can keep them distracted for hours with a toy like that. Don’t buy small toys that may choke your dog or others that can break easily. For training, choose the puppy’s favourite toy so it’ll do anything to get it back.