Once you find the right dog, you can begin to collect the various puppy products you’ll need to care for him. You’ll want to go shopping before you bring your puppy home since most of the supplies you’ll be purchasing can be used right from the start. If you take the time to prepare beforehand, you can avoid harried trips to the pet supply store, which means you’ll have more time to spend with your puppy.

The following is a new puppy supply list that covers the basic products most dogs need to live comfortably.

Collar and Leash

While most new dog owners pick a leash and collar based on appearance, you should take into consideration the functionality of the equipment and the type of training you plan to do with your dog. Find recommendations for choosing a dog collar and dog leash for your puppy.

Dishes for Food and Water

Every puppy supply list should include quality dishes for food and water. There’s a wide variety of materials and styles to choose from. You should pick bowls that work with the physical characteristics of your dog such as an elevated dish for bigger dogs or a tapered bowl for those with long ears. See our dog dish buying guide for more information.

Indestructible Chew Toy

Puppies like to mouth and chew on things, so have a few chew-approved items around. You don’t want to come home to teeth marks on your chair legs or the shredded remains of new running shoes. Visit our guide to dog chew toys.

Dog Crate

Crate training is the easiest way to foster good house training habits. A crate can also serve as a safe, comfortable place to keep your puppy while you’re away from home or when you travel with him. View our guide to choosing a dog crate.

Grooming Tools

These are puppy products that are often overlooked, but they’re a necessity for nearly all dogs. Even if your puppy will be professionally groomed, you should buy a brush and nail clippers. Regular grooming sessions not only keep your dog’s coat healthy, they help build his trust in you as pack leader. You can visit our Dog Grooming section for more information on basic grooming tasks.

Name Tag

No puppy or dog should be without an id tag. Whether you opt for a simple name tag, a tattoo, or an implanted microchip, make sure your puppy can be traced back to you if he’s ever lost.

This is a basic list of supplies for a new puppy, but you may want to have other items on hand to make caring for your pet easier. A pooper scooper, a folding gate to confine your puppy to a particular room, and chemical deodorizers for accidents are all good purchases.

It’s not necessary to spend a lot of money on a puppy product to keep your pet happy. Once you have the essentials, wait a few weeks and see what else he needs. You don’t want to buy something that never gets used. Also, your puppy can quickly outgrow collars, crates, and other items so purchase with his adult size in mind.