Puppy / New Dog Supplies
Crate Training
30in Wire Crates are great for dogs up to about 25lbs. If you want to start out with a bigger crate and use the divider that will work too. I recommend starting your Pup in the 24 or 30in which will make it easier to prop Pup up on a chair at eye level when you sleep. It’s my #1 crate training secret.
No need for special beds / covers. An old towel or tshirt makes a great bed that’s easy to wash and another towel or sheet over the top of the crate makes it a cozy den.
Carrier
Buy a puppy carrier / sling. I can not recommend this highly enough. You’ll see it all over our Instagram highlights. Best for pups under 15lbs. (Shoving your puppy inside your hoodie is also an option.)
New dog walking supplies
I like martingale collars because they ensure pup's head can’t slip out and they apply even pressure to the dog's neck. This is a great Day 1 collar to bring Pup home. (I recommend size 'petite' for dogs under 12lbs. Archer is 23lbs and wears a small.)
If your pup is really tiny (5-10lbs), search for kitten harnesses or collars.
ID tag -- pick this up at a local big box pet store (Petco/Petsmart). I find they’re the best quality for the price. Put this info on it: (1) Pup’s name, (2) Your cell, (3) Your partner’s cell (prioritize this over an address, particularly in a city where it’s highly unlikely someone will ring your doorbell because they found your pup)
Simple nylon leashes are my favorite. Get a 6ft one. Easy to clean and cheap enough that you won’t be upset if Pup chews on them.
Upgrade options: 6 Foot - Braided Heavy Duty Training Leash, or 4ft Leerburg Biothane Leash
You’ll also want a long lead for playing outside and recall training.
Don’t forget a poop bag holder! I finally found a favorite from Atlas Pet Company.
Poop bags. I like these because they’re easy to open.
Toys
Marshalls/TJ MAX have great, cheap options. Pick up a ball and a few soft toys for puppies.
Small, fabric balls are a hit with puppies and great for fetch. I love these hedgehogs
Splurge for a Snuggle Puppy. It has a heartbeat inside that puppies melt into. If you want to save, wrap a cheap ticking clock in a towel / blanket.
Duck toy. This was Archer’s favorite as a pup and although he destroyed it many times, I keep buying new ones for foster puppies.
Chewing
Teething rings -- When you’re on a conference call or crate training. These are yummy and will disappear quickly. Think of it like a treat.
Himalayan Dog Chew -- These are edible but very hard and will last a few weeks for a young Pup.
Benebones -- These are similar to Nylabones. Both are good but I prefer Bene. They’ll last for ages (not a treat).
For teething:
Nylabone Freezer Toy: wet the cloth piece of this one and toss it in the freezer
DIY: braid strips from a tshirt or roll up a small towel, wet it, and toss it in the freezer
You can also soak these things in chicken broth to make them more appealing. I'd recommend crate time to chew so your carpet doesn't smell like chicken.
Enrichment Supplies
Flirt poles are a great way to burn energy indoors
This is a great leather bite rag if your dog isn't particularly interested in toys
Food toys (I love asking puppies to work for their food, especially on rainy boring days):
For Kibble or dry treats: Bob-A-Lot, KONG Wobbler, Snuffle Mat, and Kibble puzzle
Treats:
Happy Howies Treats -- My absolute favorite training treats. Chop these up as big or as small as you like.
Liver Treats -- You can chop these into smaller pieces for training sessions. Archer’s favorite.
Stella & Chewy's Freeze Dried Heart Treats -- a little smelly / oily for the humans handling them but the pups will be happy
Cleaners
Folex for everything . It's a wonder cleaner.
Nature’s Miracle Foam for your carpet. This one of my favorite products. It smells amazing!
Pee pads: Any brand is fine. If you get big ones, you can cut them in half as your pup’s aim gets better. Keep these by the door if possible. It’ll make the transition from peeing inside to outside a bit easier. (Unless you have a huge pup, there’s no need to spend extra on the heavy duty pads.)
**Reminder: Talk to your vet about how safe it is for your pup to go outside. Everyone has a different comfort level. Use pee pads until you talk to your vet to be safe. A few days won’t set you back. Here's a helpful article about vaccines and when your pup can go outside.
Grooming
Dawn Dishsoap for the first bath (will kill any fleas gently) and Johnson’s Baby Shampoo for future baths
For puppies with tiny nails, I highly recommend using human nail clippers. Whatever you have at home for your toenails will do.
For stinky breath and cleaner teeth: water additive
For short hair: Furminator
Food
1st - you need food / water bowls. Look for something heavy. There’s a good chance Pup will run through it and knock it over at least once a day. Yeti dog bowls are fantastic. (If your pup is tiny, start with custard dishes.)
There are so many options out there for food and it's a complex space to understand. I feed my dogs The Farmer's Dog (use my link for a free trial).
If kibble is a better option for you, I'd recommend sticking to vet recommended brands: Purina / Hills / Royal Canin.
Archer's Jackets
I'm sure they'd work for other small pups too...
Fleece onesie - made to measurements