9 Things to Buy Before Bringing Your Puppy Home
Bringing a puppy home is an exciting moment. It’s the start of a new bond, full of learning opportunities and memorable “firsts.” But without proper preparation, you might find yourself scrambling to manage the challenges that come with puppyhood.
As professional puppy trainers, we’ve seen how proactive preparation reduces stress for both puppies and their humans.
By gathering a few essentials—and understanding how to use them—before the puppy steps paw in your home, you can create a happier transition for everyone involved.
Here’s our no-nonsense guide on 9 must-have items you need.
9 Essential Items Puppies Need
1. Two Crates: One for Sleep, One for Zen
A crate gives the puppy a safe place to rest, decompress, and learn boundaries—especially when you can’t watch them every second. Having two crates (one in your bedroom and one in a central living space) can save you from shuffling a single crate around and make it easier for the puppy to feel comfortable wherever you go in the home.
Puppies thrive on routine, and crates can act like cozy “off switches” for overstimulation.
Which Kind to Choose
Plastic Crates: They provide more privacy and can muffle noise. They’re often chew-proof and airplane-approved if you plan to travel.
Wire Crates: They are more affordable and easier to fold for travel, yet some puppies might catch their teeth on the metal bars. So, feel free to skip them if your pup’s a chewer.
Trainer Tip: Whichever crate style you choose, make it inviting: add a soft mat, a few familiar toys, or a washable pad. This helps the puppy see the crate as a cozy den rather than “jail.” No need for commands, just let curiosity do the work.
2. Play Pen(s) to Simplify Puppy Proofing
Play pens extend confinement beyond the crate, offering the puppy room to move around without giving them full access to every shoe, plant, or couch cushion in sight. You can also use pens to block off doorways or fence in household items you’d rather keep safe.
Bonus: It doubles as a barrier for holiday decorations or that antique rug you’d rather not sacrifice. Prevention beats correction. You can have less “NOs” and more “good choices!”
Practical Tip: Keep a favorite chew toy and a comfy bed or mat in the pen. Over time, the puppy can learn to relax there, even when you’re busy in another room.
3. Treat Pouches for Puppy Training
The heart of positive reinforcement training is teaching the puppy new cues and rewarding them for good choices. A treat pouch keeps high-value treats within arm’s reach so you can mark desirable behavior in real time.
Use one pocket for kibble (for easy rewards) and another for high-value treats like freeze-dried liver. Every family member should have one —yes, even skeptical partners.
Food for Thought: The puppy will quickly catch on to the fact that you have treats. You'll see better manners faster when you’re consistent about rewarding desired behaviors (like sitting patiently).
4. Pet Camera to watch your puppy
Even the most prepared person can’t watch a puppy 24/7, especially once you begin leaving them alone for short periods. A pet camera helps you see what the puppy is up to—are they settling for a nap or pacing nervously? Over time, you’ll develop a better sense of their comfort level in confinement.
You’ll learn their rhythms: “Ah, she always paces at 10 AM—time for a potty break!”
Check-In Strategy: If the puppy appears restless, consider whether they might need a potty break or just more time to adjust to being alone.
5. Mental Enrichment Gear
Puppies need mental stimulation as much as physical exercise—maybe even more so when they’re young or have limited stamina for long walks. Enrichment gear can also create positive associations with new or stressful situations, like being in a crate or riding in a car.
Common Favorites
Kongs & Toppls: Fill with soft food or treats; freeze them for extra challenge.
Lick Mats: A calming, repetitive activity that encourages the puppy to settle.
Puzzle Toys: Engage their problem-solving abilities and help burn mental energy.
Relaxation Hack: Offer a Kong filled with something delicious right before you leave the puppy in the crate or pen. They’ll be busy licking and chewing, which can reduce anxiety and reinforce the idea that alone time isn’t scary.
6. Puppy-Safe Chews
Chewing is a normal puppy behavior. Instead of fighting it, provide safe chewing outlets that won’t upset the puppy’s tummy or risk chipping teeth. Rotating different chews can keep life interesting and discourage the puppy from gnawing on off-limits items.
What’s Usually Safe
Dehydrated sweet potato chews - good for dogs with allergies too
Whimzees - good for dogs with allergies too
Pro Tips: Stick around the first few times the puppy chews on any new item. That way, you can make sure they’re handling it safely and not breaking off larger pieces than they can manage.
7. A 5–8 ft. Leash
Some leashes are too short, limiting the puppy’s natural sniffing behavior. Others are too long (like retractable leashes), which might make it tougher to guide a young puppy who’s still learning cues. A mid-length leash (5–8 feet) often hits the sweet spot.
Features to Look Out For
Lightweight: The lighter the leash, the less strain on the puppy’s collar or harness. This is especially important for small or young pups still getting used to leash walks.
Secure Clip: Opt for a durable clip with a locking mechanism designed to safely attach the leash to a dog’s collar or harness, preventing accidental detachment during walks or training.
Waterproof & Odor-Proof Material: Biothane or similarly non-porous materials make cleanup easy and help prevent lingering odors — which is great for puppies who love getting messy.
Hands-Free Function: Some leashes include waist attachments or convertible designs, allowing you to keep your hands free during walks or training sessions.
Leash Tip: Combine your leash with a comfortable, well-fitted harness (more on that next) for gentle guidance that won’t put pressure on the puppy’s neck.
8. Y-Shaped Harness & Quiet Tags
A poorly fitted harness can restrict movement. Look for a Y-shaped design that doesn’t rub shoulders. Y-Shaped harnesses spread leash pressure across the chest, allowing for a more natural gait. Pair it with a quiet ID tag to avoid sensory overload.
Safety Check: Make sure you can fit two fingers between the harness straps and the puppy’s body—it should be snug but not too tight.
9. A Variety of Dog Toys
Toys let the puppy engage in normal, healthy play—redirecting that chewing and biting away from your fingers or furniture. Different toys also help the puppy develop confidence, problem-solving skills, and even motor coordination.
Ideas to Explore
Flirt Pole: Great for mouthy puppies or households with kiddos, since it keeps hands away from the puppy’s mouth.
Rope/Tug Toys: Encourages interactive play and bonding with the puppy’s person.
Rubber Chew Toys: Can satisfy teething urges with minimal mess.
Plush Toys: Nice for gentle “snuggle” pups, though some individuals may destroy them quickly.
Rotation Tip: Keep some toys out of sight, then swap them every few days. This keeps novelty high and helps prevent the puppy from getting bored.
Setting the Stage for Bringing Your Puppy Home
A little planning goes a long way when you’re bringing a new puppy home. You’re not just buying stuff—you’re building a foundation for trust and encouraging positive habits from day one.
Each dog has individual preferences and sensitivities, so feel free to adjust as you learn more about the puppy.
If you’d like one-on-one support, the Urban Pawsibilities team can guide you through personalized dog training sessions. Here’s to a smooth homecoming and a lifetime of joyful moments with your new best friend.
