New Dog Checklist: 19 Products to Purchase Before Adopting a Rescue Puppy

A new dog or puppy may find it difficult to adjust to new surroundings. Meeting new people, smelling new things, and experiencing a new environment might be stressful, so it’s best if you can spend the first full day at home with your new puppy. The basic steps are the following: 

  • Begin by establishing a welcome environment before they arrive to assist them in making the transition to their new space. 
  • Ensure you have a comfy bed, a size-appropriate crate, toys, and food and water dishes. 
  • Allow them to explore their new home under supervision when they get home, making it one room at a time. 
  • Keep new encounters with people and other pets to a minimum until they build confidence. 
  • And for added assurance, utilize the following new dog checklist to ensure that you and your pup get along.

Do you have a specific question about buying essentials when adopting a rescue puppy? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page. 

Bowls for food and water

If you have a gated backyard where your dog will be spending a lot of time, consider purchasing an extra water bowl to keep outdoors.

Gates for your dog

Use doggy gates to provide them access to a dog-proof area where they can explore safely.

Grooming equipment

The grooming equipment you acquire for your dog will be heavily influenced by the breed and the activities you plan for him. For example, grooming requirements for a Pomeranian are far more complicated than for pugs. Maybe you want to seek breed-specific advice from the same breed owner. In general, no matter what breed you are owning, the following essential tools are required:

  • comb and brush
  • scissors and coat clippers
  • conditioner and shampoo
  • nail grinder or clipper
  • toothpaste and toothbrushes for dogs

Crate

Many new dog owners are put off by the concept of a crate, yet the enclosed environment is like a warm den from the dog’s perspective. Dogs and puppies prefer to curl up in a secure and private environment. Crates are typically made of wood, wire, and plastic. Wooden enclosures are costly, heavy, and difficult to clean.

Wire kennels are simple to clean and give adequate ventilation for the dog; owners frequently drape a blanket over the crate to make it look more like a cave. Plastic crates are lightweight and suitable for use in various climates. What size crate should you get for your dog? A crate must be large enough to stand up and turn around.

If you have a puppy, purchase a crate divider to make the confinement smaller; this will aid with housetraining. If the crate is too big for your pet, he can claim one section as his resting area and the rest as his potty area. And you probably would like to avoid that. 

Dog food supply

Not all food is created equal. Puppies, in particular, require high-quality food. The first ingredient should always be meat. In the instance of pet rescue, your furry family member is sent home with a bag of food that they have already consumed. You have the option of discontinuing that brand or continuing to use it. Because dogs have sensitive digestive systems, it is critical to gradually transfer them from one food to the next.

Canine bed

Allow your dog to have a spot where they can go away from their crate. Putting an extra bed in the center of your living room or bedroom gives your new pet some much-needed bonding and socializing time with their new family.

Relaxation aids

Having them on hand will help ease your dog’s nervousness when introduced to their new home. But you might consider many things before choosing a particular product in this case. Consult your veterinarian to see if they are appropriate.

Dog-proof trash can

Assist in avoiding the consumption of potentially dangerous objects and food leftovers such as bones, chocolate, onions, and grapes.

Poop bags and a scooper

No matter where you reside, poop bags are a must. A dispenser and holder can assist keep everything together, so you don’t have to scramble to find a bag when you really need it.

Microchip 

Before puppies are adopted, some rescues and breeders microchip them. Simply ensure that the registration has been transferred to your name and that all information is correct, including your phone number and address. If your puppy hasn’t previously been microchipped, consult with your veterinarian about having it done.

Bedding

Dog beds are available in various forms, ranging from thin pads to orthopedic foam to soft, loosely cushioned pillows. Prices also vary greatly. Of course, your dog’s preferred location to sleep will be determined not by price or fancy label but by how well it meets his personal definition of comfort.

When you have decided on the proper type of bed, make sure it is spacious enough to allow your dog to stretch out and relax. It has to be easy to wash. If you have a power-chewer puppy, wait until he outgrows this stage before purchasing a bed for him. He’ll be perfectly content sleeping on the floor or at the bottom of his crate.

Harness for dogs

These are self-explanatory, as you will need to take your dog for walks. Consider a dog harness for smaller dogs or if you are concerned that a standard collar would strain your dog’s neck.

A regular leash

Look for a strong and sturdy leash to give you more control over your dog’s movements when it matters. You would also like to go for a leash covered by a lifetime warranty.

Dog identification tags

Make sure your new puppy is easily identifiable if it escapes, and double-check that they are officially registered in your area.

Enzyme spray

Accidents happen, but they don’t have to wreak havoc on your carpet or furnishings. There is an extensive range of safe cleaning products available to assist. Enzyme sprays typically do the best job on getting rid of the pee smell. 

Toys

When choosing a toy for your dog, try to imagine yourself in his shoes. Ribbons, bells, plastic eyes, noses, and whatever else is attached to that lovely little toy are simply torn off, chewed up, and sometimes ingested. The innards (stuffing) can be taken out and occasionally eaten. Durable rubber toys, such as those made by Nylabone, are often popular with dogs. 

The most popular models include hollow interiors where you can tuck snacks. Many dogs are puzzle solvers, and trying to get those snacks out is fun for them—and their human observers. Supervise your dog while he plays with his toys, and inspect them for indications of wear regularly, eliminating them as needed.

Training treats

Training snacks are not the same as regular puppy treats. They’re designed to be “high value,” or something your dog will enjoy, to serve as an incentive to learn.

Training pads for puppies

If you’re thinking of obtaining a new puppy, having an older, well-behaved dog around can help the newbie grasp the home rules faster. Because dogs are pack creatures, the elder dog will automatically assume the role of pack leader, and the younger dog will imitate them.

Puppies consume food four to five times every day. They normally have to go bathroom 10 minutes after eating. That is when you should place them on the potty pad. Use the same potty pad multiple times to help them associate the smell with the activity of peeing/pooping.

Insurance for pets

It’s also a good idea to start making financial plans. It’s difficult to imagine an accident or illness befalling your brand-new puppy. But knowing how you’d pay for any large veterinary bills can provide peace of mind as your dog grows older (and gets into mischief).

Pet insurance is one way to ensure you’re protected in the event of a disaster. 

Thanks for the blog graphics: Canva.com

Thanks for the blog graphics: Canva.com

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