New Puppy Checklist 2021: Everything Your Puppy Starter Kit Should Have

Whether you’ve raised your fair share of pups or you’re a first-time pet owner, it’s always a good reason to head to your nearest pet shelter (or a responsible breeder). Here's everything you need to have in your puppy starter kit, so you’re prepared to give as much care and love to your new family member as they will to you!

For Daily Essentials

Outward Hound Fun Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl

Price: $19.99 $10.75 at Chewy.com

Among the puppy essentials that you need, a puzzle feeder is a step up from regular dog bowls because it keeps your pup engaged while they’re eating. Some puppies gobble up their food in seconds, which is why the Outward Hound Fun Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl is the perfect solution to slowing down their eating habits. Your pup has to work for their food, and while they might be frustrated at first, they’ll eventually eat every last kibble and avoid getting bloated. When you shop at Chewy.com, not only do you save almost half off but you also get free 1-3 day shipping when your order is over $49. Search for great deals and discounts at Chewy here!

The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler Cat & Dog Bed

Price: $34.95 $31.99 at Chewy.com

For puppies who like to curl up into a ball for naps, The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler Cat & Dog Bed is in the shape of a donut to promote relaxation, calmness, and deep sleep. The soft shag fabric mimics puppies’ mom’s fur so they won’t feel anxious whenever they need some shut-eye. The bed is also made from pet-safe materials. You can choose between the color frost or taupe. Their sizes run from small to extra large, but it’s best to size up because puppies don’t stay small forever. Only get a shag bed if you know your pup won’t tear it to pieces!

BarkBox or Super Chewer Monthly Subscription

Price: Starts at $23 per month for BarkBox, $30 per month for Super Chewer

You’ve heard of monthly subscription boxes for humans — now there’s one for your pup! BarkBox is a monthly subscription service with themed boxes filled with tasty treats, toys that squeak and crinkle, and chews that’ll keep your puppy’s mouth away from your furniture! Super Chewer is the alternative box for hardcore chewers, so the toys and chews are tougher and last longer. If your pup doesn’t like their toys and treats, the company will send a replacement at no extra cost! Sign up for a multi-month subscription and pay upfront to save more than if you were to pay month-to-month. Also, always be on the lookout for online discounts as there are plenty of BarkBox coupons and promo codes that you can apply for additional savings.

MidWest Quiet Time Crate Cover

Price: $23.99 at Chewy.com

Be prepared to get little to no sleep during the first week or month after bringing home your fur baby. They need time to adjust to their new environment and they just got separated from their litter, so they might whine throughout the night in their crate. What helps is to either use a blanket or crate cover like the MidWest Quiet Time Crate Cover to pull over your puppy’s crate. This turns their safe space into a den-like environment and they won’t get distracted by anything they see. The cover is made from lightweight material so your puppy can still feel comfortable and, most important of all, safe. When you shop at Chewy, you save almost 50% off compared to other retailers!

SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Brown Toy

Price: $39.99 $39.95 at Petco

If you have a super anxious puppy who can’t settle down in their crate at night, the SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy might be the answer. The toy looks just like a puppy but offers a realistic heartbeat to remind your puppy of their mom and littermates. A disposable heat pack is stuffed inside the toy as well and lasts for 24 hours. Even when your puppy becomes more comfortable in their new environment, the toy helps with separation anxiety if you ever leave them at home alone. Alternatively, it’s a great cuddle buddy for your pupper! With plenty of money-saving discounts offered by Petco, you can spend more than $50 at Petco and get 25% off your entire order; add heat pack replacements and you’ll easily get the discount!

For Outside

Checkmate Walking Bundle

Price: $55.97 $46.99 at Beast & Buckle

Once your puppy gets their shots, they’ll be able to go outside and see the world! But before you let them sniff every bush or greet other dogs and people, a harness and leash are must-haves. The Checkmate Walking Bundle gives you the essentials for your pup’s walks, including a poop bag holder. Harnesses are safer for puppies, especially if your puppy pulls on the leash. A collar, on the other hand, can potentially harm their throat. Beast & Buckle offers a wide range of fun and colorful designs, so getting the bundle not only helps you match everything but also saves you more money than if you bought each piece individually.

TagWorks Elegance Collection Chrome Bone Personalized Pet ID Tag

Price: $16.49 at PetSmart

When you give your fur baby a name, an ID tag makes it official. In the event that your puppy runs away or gets lost, your contact information is engraved on the tag along with your pup’s name. TagWorks’ Personalized Pet ID Tags are entirely yours to customize, with different colors, fonts, and sizes. The bone shape is a signature look of dog tags. You’ll also know when your pup is nearby because the tag will create a jingling noise as it hangs on your puppy’s collar! If you enroll in Autoship at PetSmart, you’ll save 5% on the dog tag — that’s if you want to grow a dog tag collection for your pup!

AutoDogMug HIGHWAVE 20oz, Portable Dog Water Bottle & Bowl

Price: $14.99 at Chewy

If you and your puppy are active and enjoy going on hikes, a portable dog water bottle is the best way to keep your pup hydrated. With the AutoDogMug HIGHWAVE 20oz Portable Dog Water Bottle and Bowl, you only need to use one hand to squeeze the bottle and water will sprout up into the bowl. It also has a leak-tight seal so you can store it away in your backpack. Alternatively, a carabiner is included so you can also attach it on the outside for easier access. The bottle is made from food-safe and BPA-free materials, making it safer than most public dog water bowls. Choose from a variety of colors and go on long adventures with your puppy while keeping their thirst quenched!

For Training

Vibrant Life Double-Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider

Price: $49.97 at Walmart

As soon as you bring your new fur baby home, crate training is a must. By giving your pup a safe space, they won’t destroy anything when you can’t keep an eye on them. A crate is also a game changer for enforced naps, which will relieve you of stress whenever your puppy has too much energy and gets cranky. The same can be said for potty training, so they don’t make accidents without supervision. The Vibrant Life Double-Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider at Walmart allows your puppy to enter and leave their crate from two sides and the divider is easy to remove when you want to create a bigger space for your growing puppy. Save money by going for a larger size, so that way you don’t have to buy a size up when you realize too late that your puppy is outgrowing their crate! Plus, you can receive additional savings when you apply a Walmart coupon during checkout.

Member’s Mark Pet Training Pads, 23" x 24" (120-ct)

Price: $14.98 at Sam’s Club

When house training your puppy, you might have to start out with pee pads, especially if they haven’t gotten all their shots. Member’s Mark Pet Training Pads have a built-in attractant so your pup can sniff and figure out that that’s where they should pee. Of course, they don’t know this right off the bat, so training them is up to you. Use positive reinforcement such as giving them lots of praise and pets when they pee on the pads. With QuickDry Technology, the pads reduce odor so your house doesn’t reek of puppy pee. Become a Plus member at Sam’s Club and get free shipping when you order these pads online. For extra savings, check out our coupons offered by Sam’s Club.

Nature’s Miracle No More Marking Stain & Odor Remover, 24 oz.

Price: $16.99 $4.03 at Petco

Puppies will have accidents inside the house which can make potty training stressful. If your pup ends up peeing on the floor, use a stain and odor remover like Nature’s Miracle No More Marking Stain & Odor Remover so that your puppy won’t pee in the same spot again. Eventually, your puppy will learn that going potty inside the house is not okay and that they should either pee on the training pad or outside. Remember though: puppies require a lot of patience and consistency, so don’t give up on training!

Frisco Pet Training Clicker with Wrist Band

Price: $4.99 at Chewy.com

Positive reinforcement usually involves marking good behavior with treats, praise, and a clicker. Dogs respond to loud and clear sounds; the Frisco Pet Training Clicker with Wrist Band is a great training tool to reward your pup whenever they sit, stay, or shake. It’s as simple as click and treat; training sessions with your puppy are meant to be fun and rewarding for both of you. The clicker has an ergonomic design with a wrist band, so you can comfortably hold it in your hand and wear it around your wrist for easy access as soon as your puppy shows behavior that you like. Don’t forget to tell your pup they’re a good boy or girl!

Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Lamb & Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dog Treats

Price: $4.48 at Chewy.com

Treats are going to be just as much of a best friend as your puppy will be during training sessions. Rewarding your pup for good behavior with treats is not only a fast and efficient training method but it also makes training fun for both of you. You can hide treats in your pup’s toys or in their bed so they have to sniff around and find it. The Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Lamb & Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dog Treats are easy to tear apart into small pieces and the smell makes puppies go into hyper mode. When you sign up for Autoship at Chewy.com, you save an extra 5% off. Set a schedule for when they should deliver your pup’s treats — there aren’t any fees for canceling!

Hi Kiss Dog/Puppy Obedience Recall Training Agility Lead, 50 ft.

Price: $11.97 at Amazon

One of the most fundamental commands that your puppy should learn while they’re still young is recall. Any time you call out your pup’s name, they need to run back to you. With the Hi Kiss Dog/Puppy Obedience Recall Training Agility Lead, you won’t have to worry about training your puppy off-leash; the long lead is supposed to give your puppy more freedom but also let you take control if they run off too far and don’t come back to you when their name is called. Depending on how big your training area is — living room, park, soccer field — you can choose 15 feet, 20 feet, 30 feet, 50 feet, and 100 feet. Before you completely trust your puppy not to run off, an agility lead is your go-to for recall training!

For Grooming & Health

Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey for Dogs

Price: $10.99 $7.91 at Chewy.com

The dreaded bath — both for you and your pup. It can get messy when your puppy won’t settle down as you try to wash their muddy paws and you’ll probably get tired real quick. But, baths are important for keeping your puppy (and house!) clean. The Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey for Dogs is made from natural ingredients that help promote a shiny coat while fighting off ticks and fleas. The colloidal oat flour soothes irritated skin and the pH balanced formula prevents dry skin. The shampoo is also cruelty-free and packaged in an 80% post-consumer recycled bottle. Not only are you keeping your fur baby clean but also the planet. When you shop at Chewy.com, you save 28% on the shampoo — and don’t forget to select Autoship if you want an extra 5% off!

Dremel Dog Nails 7300 Series Cordless Pet Nail Grinder Rotary Tool with Charger and Accessories

Price: $29.99 at Home Depot

Be prepared for the tippy taps! While cute, your puppy’s long nails will scratch up your legs and grow into their paws, causing pain. That’s why nail clippers or grinders are an important grooming tool to have in your toolbox. The Dremel Dog Nails 7300 Series Cordless Pet Nail Grinder Rotary Tool is the safer alternative to nail clippers because you don’t have to worry about accidentally cutting into your puppy’s blood vessels in their nails. With a grinder, you can file down their nails quickly and easily. It comes with a charger, so no digging around for spare batteries. You also get multiple sanding bands to replace the old ones. Save the trip (and money) to the groomer’s and become your puppy’s own groomer!

Well & Good Black Cushion Slicker Dog Brush

Price: $12.99 at Petco

Whether short haired or long haired, all puppies need their fur groomed. This not only prevents detangling but also protects your pup from experiencing pain. Plus, it’s simply good hygiene! The Well & Good Black Cushion Slicker Dog Brush is straightforward in design and functionality; it even helps groom puppies who have sensitive skin. Slicker brushes are great for gently detangling pets’ fur and it’s easy to collect the hair that gathers between the bristles. If your puppy has thick or long hair, it’s best to pair the brush with a comb so you’re getting even the smallest of tangles beneath their fur coat.

Arm & Hammer Clinical Gum Health Dog Dental Kit

Price: $17.49 $6.99 at PetSmart

Just like humans, puppies need to have their teeth brushed to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Because puppies are still growing in their puppy teeth (hence all the biting), you only need to make sure to brush their teeth at least once a week. Once their canine teeth start growing in, that’s when you increase the number of times you brush your puppy’s teeth. The Arm & Hammer Clinical Gum Health Dog Dental Kit includes chicken-flavored toothpaste with soft baking soda; it also leaves their breath smelling minty fresh, contrary to the flavor. A double-sided toothbrush and fingerbrush are part of the kit as well, so you can determine how you want to brush your pup’s shark-like teeth.

Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Treatment for Small Dogs

Price: $64.99 $36.99 at Petco

Protecting your puppy from fleas, ticks, lice, and other harmful parasites is a must. Once your puppy reaches 8-12 weeks old, the vet can prescribe medication to take a monthly basis. This way, your puppy can run around at the park and not bring home any fleas and ticks. The Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Treatment has been a well-recognized brand within the pet community and it’s a topical solution rather than a chewable tablet. It’s waterproof and kills fleas, ticks, lice, and larvae just 24 hours after application. Apply this at least once a month on your puppy’s skin and watch as they play fetch without stopping to itch their fur!

Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble

Price: $12.98 at Walmart

Puppies usually eat three meals a day just like humans, but as they become adults, they’ll only need to eat twice a day. Your puppy is in the growing stages, so a healthy diet will go a long way to ensure they’re developing physically and mentally well. The Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food is made from wholesome ingredients that promote brain and eye development with omega-3 fatty acids like DHA. This helps build strong bones and joints as well as a healthy immune system with antioxidants. Start with a small bag though — your puppy might suddenly change their diet on their own or develop food allergies.

For Puppy-Proofing

Regalo Easy Step Extra Tall Walk Thru Baby Gate

Price: $46.99 at Walmart

As you house train your puppy, you want to limit access to other parts of your house until you trust that they won’t have an accident. Or, maybe you want to create a playpen where you don’t have to worry about them chewing or eating stuff they’re not supposed to while you’re cooking in the kitchen. This is why a gate, like the Regalo Easy Step Extra Tall Walk Thru Baby Gate , is great for establishing boundaries with your puppy. The gate is expandable and stands 41 inches tall. It also has a lever handle and convenient walk through design. Once your puppy grows older and builds trust, they can graduate from the baby gate!

Furbo Full HD Wifi Dog Treat Dispenser & Camera

Price: $249 $169.99 at Chewy.com

You may have seen Furbo on social media ads, but you should know that it has helped many pet owners with training their puppy with separation anxiety. The Furbo Full HD Wifi Dog Treat Dispenser & Camera not only allows you to keep an eye on your pup but also dispenses treats at your command! The camera has a 160-degree wide-angle view with day and night vision, 1080p HD video quality so you can live stream from your phone. The product is also equipped with two-way audio with a bark detector so you can talk to your puppy to calm them down if needed. At Chewy.com, you save 32% on Furbo, which is almost $80 off! Give your fur baby peace of mind whenever you aren’t home by tossing them treats through Furbo whenever they show calm and good behavior.