Reference Materials
PUPPY PROOFING YOUR HOME
Before bringing your new puppy home, make sure your place is ready for a little furball of chaos. First off, consider investing in trash cans with lids, or better yet, stash them in cupboards or up high. Dogs are natural scavengers, and anything rooted in their DNA is going to be tough to break. Even if there’s no food in the trash, your dog might still find ripping through it to be a five-star activity.
Next, make sure all electrical cords are tied up and tucked away—chewing on those is a quick way to turn playtime into an emergency.
Also, pick up anything within doggy reach that you don’t want to see turned into a chew toy. If it’s chewable, it’s fair game.
Dogs love to relieve themselves on absorbent surfaces like grass, rugs, and carpets rather than on hard surfaces like concrete, tile, or hardwood. If possible, roll up any area rugs to reduce the chances of your puppy turning them into a personal bathroom. Plus, cleaning up on a hard surface is a whole lot easier than scrubbing a rug.
Lastly, if you’ve set out any rodent traps or pest poisons, make sure they’re out of your puppy’s reach—unless you want your first vet visit to come sooner than expected!
NEW PUPPY SHOPPING LIST
NOTE: All products have affiliate links, so I earn a small commission on each purchase. Happy training!
LEASH
A good 4-6ft leash is a staple in dog training. Leather leashes are much gentler on the hands than most other materials.
COLLAR
Any collar that doesn’t tighten is appropriate for everyday wear. This collar is what I use for most of my dogs in training.
FOOD SCOOPS
It is important to know how much food your dog is eating, which can help with making sure they maintain a healthy weight. Plus these are so pretty.
BOWLS
Bowls come in a variety of materials. I have always enjoyed ceramic bowls, but that is just personal preference. Available in a variety of colors.
PUPPY CHEWS
These long lasting chews are a staple in every home with a puppy. Buy a few and keep them wherever you puppy spends most of their time.
TRAINING TREATS
Bocce’s Bakery Training Bites are quite small, but suitable for any sized dog. Generally these do not need to be broken into smaller pieces.
PUPPY KONG
The puppy KONG is available in a large array of sizes to be perfect for whatever breed you have. It is also available in pink and blue.
PLUSH TOYS
The honking squeaker in this makes for a very engaging play session. The shape also lends itself to puppy play. For supervised use only.
STAIN & ODOR REMOVER
Simply by Nature's Miracle is my favorite stain and odor remover for potty training any puppy! A must-have for a new puppy.
PICK UP BAGS
These pickup bags are extra thick and roomy, plus they are compostable. What more could you want from a pick up bag?
INDOOR PUPPY TETHER
This 10ft tether is perfect for indoor use when potty training a new puppy. Keeping your pup close is the key to success!
BITTER APPLE
This spray is a great way to help deter your puppy from chewing on inappropriate items. Unless you like the chewed look. Totally your call.
Crate Sizes Can Vary
All crates are manufactured differently, so you will want to check the specifications provided for whatever crate you decide to buy, but here is a general guide to help you on your search.