WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR NEW PUPPY. AN AMAZON BASED SHOPPING LIST:

Another common question we hear is, "Help, I'm picking up my new puppy tomorrow. What do I need?" Here are our top picks, all of which can be accessed on Amazon.com by clicking on the item. Please see the end of this post on affiliate links and using Amazon Smile to donate to our SPCA!

THE BASICS: 

1. CRATE - We love the 24" crate from Midwest for puppies. It's just small enough to teach them not to use the potty in their crate but large enough to allow them to move around, eat and play with toys. When we've gone larger, we have always ended up with accidents. By the time they have outgrown this, they are really only using it for sleep and seem perfectly happy with its compact size. 
2. SLEEPING MAT - We want to be brutally honest, this mat doesn't last long. Once your adorable pup starts chewing it will be destroyed but for providing a soft place to land the first few weeks, this is a favorite. You may also consider the coordinating cover. And if your puppy is a little older and already prone to pulling stuffing from plush objects, you can start with a simply 24" memory foam bath mat that's still better than a blanket but hared to destroy!
3. BOWLS (IN CRATE) - Most trainers recommend feeding your puppy in the crate to increase their association of the crate with something positive. If nothing else, you need to make sure you puppy has access to water when crate training. A rambunctious puppy can easily knock off the traditional "hanging" bowls that use a simple hook. I prefer this type of bowl that lock in to place but have a removable stainless steel bowl for food and water. We use smaller bowls to control overfeeding and ability to make a mess but if your pet will be alone for extended periods you may want to choose the larger size. Always feed your pet from stainless steel to reduce tear stains and other health issues. 
4. KONGS - In order to effectively house train your puppy, you have to make time in the crate something they enjoy. We find stuffed Kongs to be essential to this task. There are all sorts of Kong recipes you can create but this puppy sized teether is the perfect start to appropriate chewing. We'd have at least 2-3 on hand for a new puppy.
5. BULLY STICKS - You should always supervise your puppy when providing bully sticks but this brand is guaranteed to be a favorite. Our dogs often ignore other sticks but these usually generate a fight so have one available for every dog in the house. A little costly but so worth it to keep your puppy entertained. 
6. YAK CHEWS - These natural chews are relatively new to the dog chew world. I suggest starting with just one as some dogs just don't care for them while other dogs love them. If you are lucky enough to have a puppy who enjoys these a single chew can keep them busy for days and days.
7. HARNESS - You should not use a collar on your puppy for walking purposes. For leash training and walks, we suggest a starter harness and a 4 or 6 foot standard leash (not adjustable / retractable). Some puppies will outgrow their harness rather quickly so we like this one as it's stylish (many colors), easy to adjust and inexpensive. Most Cavalier, Cavachon and Cavapoo puppies will require the extra small but confirm puppies weight with your breeder. XS fits 5-10 pounds. Once puppies learn to walk on a leash, you can consider using a collar or upgrading to a no-pull / front tab harness to avoid pulling. 
8. SHAMPOO - No need to wash your puppy right away but accidents happen and sometimes your baby will need a bath. We suggest the Earthbath line of products and also find their grooming wipes to come in handy in between bathing. 
9. BRUSH - Introduce your puppy to proper grooming with a small slicker brush. Most puppies don't need anything more than an occasional bath and a slicker brush for the first several months. After that your grooming needs will be dependent on your dogs specific coat. 
10. TRAINING TREATS - Training requires treats and lots of them. A lot of dog treats are loaded with bad ingredients and things that can be harmful for your puppy. We suggest these treats (or similar brands) that are one ingredient. For small puppies consider breaking or cutting them in to smaller pieces. Try a sample pack to decide your dog's favorite. We like this bundle b/c it includes a small traveling bowl (which we use for water on walks and trips, not treats). 
11. TRAINING BOOK - This is an inexpensive training book that covers the basics. Having a solid training plan prior to getting your pup is the key to having a great companion and a great relationship. Don't wait until a problem develops to start training!
12. CLEAN UP - While shopping, make sure to pick up some carpet cleaner (accidents happen), a pet safe household cleaner that you can also use on the crate and hard surfaces and some poop bags!

A FEW EXTRAS: 

1. TRAINING BELL - Using bells to house train pups is currently very popular. We begin ringing the bell (ourselves) to indicate poppy trips very young so the puppies associate the sound with using the potty. We find this door side bell works best for our home b/c it doesn't alert when we are using the door for other purposes and is very easy to install. We install so the bottom of the bell is about 12" from the floor. 
2. CAR SEAT - Even a fender bender can be deadly for an unrestrained animal so our pets travel in car seats. These can be expensive so search for less costly alternatives that attach to seat belts if needed. We prefer these b/c they elevate the small dog to see out of the window (which often helps with motion sickness as well) and have solid safety ratings. Should only be used with a harness (never a collar). 
3. TUG-A-JUG - We can't figure out why this toy doesn't get better ratings as all of our dogs enjoy it. Once the puppies are about 4 months old and have watched an older dog get food from the jug, they will entertain themselves for hours to get a few treats. If you don't have another dog, simply help your puppy get a few treats out. I recommend using small kibble as it's easier to get out for beginners. 
4. TRAINING / TREAT POUCH - To effectively train your pup you need positive reinforcement on your side (literally). When I'm training one of our dogs, I have a training pouch with healthy kibble or cut dried liver treats on my side. This is definitely an extra as you can use Ziploc bags but I find they get messy, dogs try to rip them and you can't get to the treat as quickly. 

As we've mentioned, we are huge supporters of our local SPCA. If you have benefited from this list, please consider using the Amazon Smile program and adding "Dorchester Paws" to your list of organizations to receive donations from your shopping. Please also note that we may receive credit from Amazon for affiliate links provided in this list. All affiliate earnings are donated to the SPCA. 

Have something to add to the list, please share your ideas with future puppy owners by commenting on this post with your suggestions! Thank you!

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