You are about to bring a new dog into your home. Maybe your puppy is almost old enough to leave the breeder or your adoption application for the perfect rescue dog has been approved. Before you go pick up your dog, you want to make sure you have the right equipment on hand. This will help your dog get comfortable being part of your family more quickly and reduce your stress in the first few days.
A New Dog Checklist
There will be some slight differences whether you are bringing home a puppy or an adult dog. You will also want to choose items based on your dog’s size, breed, and activity level, so knowing these details before your shopping trip will help. With puppies, some items like crates can be adjusted to fit the dog as he grows. Other items, such as collars, need to be matched to the dogs current size.
The basic items you will need include:
- Dog Bed
- Crate
- Food and Water Bowls
- Collar
- ID Tag with Identification Information
- Leash
- Brush
- Nail Clippers
- Dog Shampoo
- Plastic Poop Bags
- Toys
- Treats
- Dog First-Aid Kit
You will also need food for your dog. Feeding your dog the same food or a similar food to what he ate with his breeder or at the shelter is the best way to limit an upset stomach and make the change easier, so speak with those managing the dog’s care. This is a good way to find out about any dietary concerns as well. Many breeders or rescues will give you a small sample of food to mix in with the food you buy for a slower transition.
A breeder or rescue may provide toys and belongings the dog has already been using. These are important in making your dog feel more comfortable in her new environment, but they can also mean you don’t need to purchase everything yourself. Discussing what your new dog might bring home with them will help you tailor your shopping list to find the items that are best for your new family member.
Finally, remember that the best way to adjust to a new dog in the home is with training. If you're interested in learning from Marc Goldberg and Patrick Farrell, we have in-person puppy and adult dog training available in the Greater Chicago area, and Zoom training for dogs outside of our service area. Contact us today to get started.
