So you decided to get a puppy. Such an exciting time! Now you just have to prepare all the puppy essentials for the time your little fur ball gets home.

Getting a puppy is an exciting decision. There is something special about getting a new family member who will grow with your family and learn from you. We have selected five categories of puppy essentials you need to check out before your puppy comes home.

Puppy Essentials To Get Before Bringing Puppy Home

Collar / leash / ID tag

Teach your puppy to wear a collar from the first days she is at home. If you are getting a puppy from a shelter, she will most probably be microchipped. If not, take care of the pet ID right away. In case your puppy is an escape artist, you will be able to find her fast. Get a leash of medium length at first, and buy a longer one once the puppy learns how to walk on a leash.

Pet monitor / toys

For the times your pet is left alone at home, make sure she is not bored. For that, get her some toys – but not too many. See which toys she likes to play with and then get more. You can also switch the toys by putting some away from time to time to keep your puppy interested. A video pet monitor with two-way audio, like Helmet from iFamCare, will allow you to ‘talk’ to your pup when you’re away. Helmet also has a built-in laser pointer to play with your puppy remotely.

Crate / baby gates / dog bed

Make your puppy comfortable by having her own place. Crate training is an effective way to prevent the dog from destroying your things, and also providing the dog with a safe haven. Start crate training as soon as you can, and always reward your puppy. You can also purchase baby gates or portable gates to train your puppy to stay in a specific area. A dog bed is another one of puppy essentials you have to have.

Food / food and water bowls / treats

Puppies and dogs in general love to eat! Make sure you are ready with everything for puppy feeding. You will need food and water bowls that have to be washed daily with pet safe detergent, and treats for training. You can start teaching your puppy some simple tricks from an early age, and whenever the command is executed, remember to reward it with a treat. Treats should also be used when you are introducing your pet to a new place or activity, such as crate training, or taking a shower.

Grooming supplies

It is a good idea to introduce your puppy to grooming and brushing from the early age. Once the puppy feels safe at home, your can try daily grooming sessions in the evening. At the least, you need to have the following grooming supplies: shampoo, towel, nail clippers, toothbrush and dog toothpaste, ear cleaning solution, cotton balls, and brushes. Make sure you buy special dog shampoo since human shampoo is too harsh for dog skin.