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As the proud mother of a puppy, I can attest that nothing emotionally prepares you for the moment those little paws step into your home for the first time. Sure, there’s getting used to a new routine and mourning the shoes that now double as chew toys. However, it’s the immediate, all-encompassing love you feel for your fur baby that really catches you by surprise.
Thankfully, there are many ways to physically prepare your home for your puppy’s arrival and ensure that your adjustment to pet parenthood is as smooth and as safe as possible. Getting started can feel dizzying: what type of food will they need? What kind of crate works best (and looks good too)? Are there special dog treats to use for training? To help you avoid endless internet searches and decision fatigue, we spoke to veterinarians and dog trainers to create a complete and concise puppy parent checklist.
SKIP AHEAD Crates and playpens | Collars, leashes and harnesses | Food accessories | Toys and treat dispensers | Grooming | Cleaning supplies
Everything you need to prepare for a puppy
Below, we’ve used expert guidance to round up the essentials for any puppy parent, including tips from experts Andrea Arden, founder and director of Andrea Arden Dog Training, and Dr. Judy Morgan, an integrative veterinarian and owner of Dr. Judy Morgan’s Naturally Healthy Pets. Our experts share the best tools to keep your puppy safe and happy as they navigate their new home, advice for successful house training and staying balanced during this transition.
Crates and playpens
In your dog’s younger, exploratory years, confined spaces like crates and playpens are essential methods of supervision. While you may swear to keep a watchful eye over your pup at all times, even the smallest task, such as grabbing something in a different room, leaves enough time for your dog to get into trouble, says Arden. When your puppy matures, a positive relationship with their crate can also make instances when you’re away from home much easier, says Morgan.
Best dog crate: Fable Crate
When looking for a crate for my puppy, I knew that I wanted to invest in a high-quality product that fit the style of my home. I tried this Fable Crate — which won an NBC Select Pet Award — and liked that it felt sleek and modern. But it was the crate’s durability, secure latching mechanism and ability to double as a side table that I loved above all.
I chose the signature wood finish with an acrylic gate in the medium size for my puppy. If that’s not the right fit for your personal style, Fable has color (for the gate and wood finish) and size options to make your pick feel custom. If you’re still lost, any crate that’s big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lie down fully stretched on their side is a good option, says Morgan. If you choose an option that’s too large, your puppy is more likely to go to the bathroom on one end and sleep on the other, which reduces the crate’s potty training capabilities, says Arden.
Best playpen: Regalo Pet Products 4-in-1 Play Yard Configurable Dog Gate
Playpens serve the same safety purposes as crates while allowing for increased roaming space, says Morgan. Arden recommends this one from Regalo because it sits directly on the floor and doesn’t provide any leverage for puppies attempting to climb out. You can either configure the product’s six panels into a confined playspace or use them as a gate to keep your puppy out of certain spaces in your home, according to the brand.
Collars, leashes and harnesses
While collars, leashes and harnesses can seem like fun opportunities to accessorize your puppy, your dog’s equipment is what you use to keep them safe on the street, so focus on that rather than the color, says Arden.
Best harness: SENSE-ation Dog Harness
When looking for a harness, Arden recommends choosing figure eight-shaped options with leash attachments at the front as they “tend to discourage pulling without hurting the dog,” she says. Arden is a fan of this one from Sense-ation, which comes in nine sizes, ranging from mini to extra-large, and a variety of bright colors.
Best collar: If It Barks Hemp Martingale Dog Collar
Even if you plan on sticking to harnesses, you should still get your dog used to wearing a collar, says Arden. They serve as identification in the event that you’re separated from your pup and, if their leash or harness malfunctions mid-walk, a collar is an added security measure that can help you pull them back to safety. My puppy wears this hemp option from If It Barks, which offers tons of options for customization. After picking the width and neck size that work best for your pup, you can choose the material of the collar’s buckle and the number of leash attachments you’d like. Finally, for an additional $13, you can have your pup’s name, your address, and any other contact information engraved in the font of your choice.
Best leash: If It Barks Hemp Dog Leash
In addition to a sturdy fabric, “the [clip] that attaches to the leash to the collar or harness is really important because it’s the main source of being connected to the dog,” says Arden. “Make sure it isn’t easy for you to flick with your thumb [so] your dog isn’t accidentally unattached from you.” She also recommends opting for a six-foot leash over a shorter option, allowing your puppy to explore within a safe distance. I use this one from the North Carolina-based dog brand If It Barks. It matches my puppy’s collar and has a traffic grab handle for an extra dose of safety.
Food accessories
Choosing the right food for your puppy starts with careful considerations like breed, health concerns and your vet’s recommendations. Here are some products that can help make mealtime as mess-free as possible.
Best dog bowl: Petmate No Spill Bowl
Your puppy’s playful energy won’t stop at mealtime, meaning there’s a good chance that their food and water will end up on your floors. “I do think that non-slip bowls are a godsend for puppy parents," says Arden. “Petmate’s No Spill Bowl is really great for goofy puppies because it’s very hard for them to tip over. If you want to go for the extreme — no tipping, no splashing — the Petmate one is best.”
Best puppy food utensils: Ginbear Suction Bowls and Utensils
My puppy’s food consists of a dry kibble base with wet toppers, which means mealtime results in many dirty dishes. I initially designated a few pieces of my own silverware as dog-only utensils, but that pile kept growing and I knew something needed to change. Purchasing these silicone bowls and utensils has made all of the difference; I now have meal prep items that are easy to clean and clearly identifiable as my pup’s. Each set comes with a suction, no-spill bowl, a spoon and a fork.
Dog toys and treat dispensers
“Just like small children, [puppies] learn through play and interaction,” says Morgan. That means toys play a crucial role in your new dog’s development. Boredom is also a leading cause of poor puppy behavior, meaning that selecting the right toys can actually assist you on your house training journey, says Morgan.
Supervising your puppy’s playtime is imperative, even with the safest toys. Morgan strongly recommends avoiding a toy most pet parents own: the tennis ball. “The covering abrades the enamel on [your dog’s] teeth and is a choking hazard when swallowed,” she says. Below are some safe and stimulating toy options that have the green light from both our experts and my pup.
Best treat dispenser: PetSafe Buddy Twist & Treat
Both Morgan and Arden highly recommend including treat dispensing toys in your pup’s collection because they are great ways to keep them busy while also mentally stimulated. PetSafe’s Buddy Twist & Treat is Arden’s favorite because it has adjustable treat pockets that are rewarding for dogs of any age. “If it’s a baby puppy, you’re going to make the opening bigger because they’re not yet toy savvy,” says Arden. “If you have a more mature dog, you can make the opening smaller to make it more challenging.”
Best dog toy for anxious puppies: Snuggle Puppy
When I decided that I’d be crate training my puppy, I poked around TikTok for things other puppy parents did to ease anxieties throughout the night. I came across this Snuggle Puppy, which uses a battery-powered beating “heart” and heating packs to mimic the feeling of sleeping next to another dog, according to the brand. It has become his nightly snuggle buddy — and a godsend for helping me get a few more hours of sleep.
Best dog toy for aggressive chewers: Happy Hands Happy Dogs Knots of Fun
Every puppy loves to chew and mine is no exception. We spend most of our time playing tug with rope toys, however, my pup’s energy and tiny teeth mean that I often get nipped in the process. Arden says this colorful, fleece option from Happy Hands Happy Dogs helps eliminate accidental biting, as “it’s long enough for playing with puppies who don’t yet have good impulse control or eye-mouth coordination.”
Best dog toy for teething puppies: Nylabone Puppy Teething Chew Toys
If your pup is entering their teething stage, you know how hard it is to find a toy that can satisfy their urge to chew (and keep them away from chewing household items like furniture). This durable nylon chew toy is one of our favorite dog toys for puppies because the grooves help massage their gums and provide relief. Similarly, you can roll up a damp washcloth, freeze it and give it to your dog, which helps reduce biting and chewing, experts told us.
Best pet camera: Furbo 360
Another NBC Select Pet Awards winner, the Furbo 360 pet camera and treat dispenser is a great way to keep tabs on your new puppy while you’re not home. It rotates 360 degrees, which lets you see more of your space than fixed-angle pet cameras. You can use the brand’s proprietary app to monitor your pet on a live feed, talk to them using two-way audio and throw them a treat (as long as you remember to keep it stocked). It also has night vision and automatic pet tracking, which keeps your pet in the camera’s view, according to the brand. Plus, the app allows multiple people to monitor the Furbo, so your partner, friends or roommates can tune in if they’re dog sitting.
Grooming
When it comes to grooming your pup, there are a few tasks — nail trimming and haircuts, for example — that you can leave to the professionals. However, you should definitely plan on doing some daily maintenance on your pup to ensure that they remain squeaky clean. Plus, Morgan says the close contact between you and your dog while brushing their teeth or giving them a bath doubles as quality bonding and trust-building time. Below are some must-haves for your at-home grooming kit.
Best puppy shampoo: Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
When it comes to bathing your puppy, Morgan recommends mild shampoos made for dogs with sensitive skin. “Do not use human shampoos, especially baby shampoos, on puppies,” she says. Arden lists oatmeal (found in this option from Burt’s Bees) as a favored ingredient. Baths should not be a daily occurrence, though, because “the oils and normal bacteria that live on [your pup’s] skin are an important barrier against infection,” says Morgan. If you notice food or dirt on your puppy’s coat, use grooming wipes to spot clean between bath days.
Best grooming accessory for anxious puppies: Minnya Pet Grooming Table Mat
No matter how gentle you are when bathing your puppy, they’ll likely be a bit uncomfortable. “One of the reasons that dogs, especially puppies, get so panicked in the bath is because they feel unstable,” says Arden. To prevent your dog from slipping around, create some traction with one of these rubber grooming mats. This option comes in three bright colors and has a non-slip backing to keep it secure in your shower, according to the brand.
Best grooming wipes: Wild One Dog Grooming Wipes
“I would buy wipes because they’re a good tool for freshening your puppy up, but also for getting them used to gentle cleaning and handling,” says Arden. “When your puppy is chilled out after a play session or a walk, take out a wipe and gently clean the under part of their paws and their undercarriage.” I use this option from Wild One and shower him with treats when he calmly sits through a cleaning session.
Best grooming brush: Burt’s Bees Double-Sided Hemp Brush
“Daily brushing is important to bring out the oils in the skin and coat, [create] time for you to bond with your pup, and for you to examine their entire body for scrapes, cuts or redness,” says Morgan. While your puppy is young, Arden recommends sticking to a brush with very soft bristles. However, as your dog (and their coat) grows, you’ll need a finer tool to avoid tangles and mats. This highly rated 2-in-1 option from Burt’s Bees can accomplish both of these tasks, as it has a detangling pin brush on one end and a gentle, soft-bristled brush on the other.
Best dog toothbrush: H&H Pets Finger Toothbrush
Your puppy’s dental hygiene is just as important as yours, meaning you should be brushing their teeth daily, says Morgan. If your pup seems hesitant to let you touch their teeth, Arden suggests gradually exposing them to the sensation and doling out treats anytime you see progress. “Touch their muzzle for just a second, then give them a treat. Lift up their lip, then give them a treat. Eventually, they start to get desensitized to you messing with their mouth,” says Arden. She recommends this H&H figure toothbrush for young pups, which you can use with coconut oil as toothpaste, Morgan adds. “It has antibacterial properties and most dogs love the taste.”
Cleaning supplies
One thing I heavily underestimated before bringing my puppy home is the amount of time that I would spend cleaning up. Between potty training messes and spilled food, there’s always something to wipe up, and having the right supplies on hand is key.
Best pet vacuum: Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum
One of our favorite vacuums for pet hair, this Dyson option is great if you have a breed that sheds. Arden stocks each of her training locations with Dyson vacuums, and the Animal 3 specifically has special detangling features that clear pet hair from the vacuum’s brush as it cleans, according to the brand. It even comes with a grooming brush that can remove hair directly from your dog, according to Dyson.
Best for odor control: Skout’s Honor Professional Strength Stain & Odor Remover
Arden calls this stain and odor remover from Skout’s Honor “the magic stuff” and I couldn’t agree more. I’ve used it to clean up accidents all over my home, making the stain and odor disappear.
Best stain remover: DOG By Dr Lisa Wee Cleaner
Once a pet has “marked” a spot in your home, they’re more likely to go to the bathroom in that same spot again, according to our experts. A great option for odor management, especially for bathroom accidents around your home, is this Dog by Dr Lisa spray cleanser, which won an NBC Select Pet Award for best stain remover. Our staffers with pets who tried this spray specifically liked its ability to neutralize urine odor. NBC Select staff also tried the Wee Cleaner on carpet samples and noticed it not only improved the appearance of stains like acidic coffee and juice faster than other products we tried, but it also left a pleasant odor that eliminated any other smells.
Best reusable towels: The Rag Company Microfiber Cleaning Towels
After the first few days of cleaning up messes (and blowing through my paper towel budget), I knew I had to find another solution. This pack of twelve microfiber cleaning towels was a quick fix — I can clean up a mess, throw them in the laundry and then reuse them over and over again.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Judy Morgan is a board-certified veterinarian with over 38 years of experience as an integrative veterinarian, acupuncturist, chiropractor, food therapist, best-selling author, speaker, podcast host and owner of Dr. Judy Morgan’s Naturally Healthy Pets.
- Andrea Arden is the founder and director of Andrea Arden Dog Training in New York City.
Why trust NBC Select?
Mikhaila Archer is a former NBC Page. For this article, she spoke to two pet experts to inform the product recommendations and advice included in this piece, while including personal experiences and observations throughout her journey as a new puppy parent.
Mili Godio is an updates editor at NBC Select who has covered a variety of pet articles for the site, including dog food, dental treats, shampoos and toys.
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