When you adopt a new dog, you might immediately start thinking about all of the items you need to keep your dog happy and healthy. There are many different options for dog items on the market today, and it’s easy to be completely overwhelmed and confused by the different dog products that might be advertised to you. Fortunately, our article is here to help you out.
Below, we give you an overview of the most important items to buy when you adopt your dog, in addition to giving you some tips on first-time dog ownership and recommendations for our favorite pet care items.
Adopting Your First Dog – What to Know
Adopting your first dog is a wonderful process that gives you a furry companion in addition to providing your new dog with a safe, loving home. However, it’s important that you understand the responsibilities associated with dog ownership and that you prepare your home properly. We recommend taking the time to learn about dog ownership, how to potty train puppies, and dog training before committing to adopt your dog.
You should also take into account how much money it will take monthly to support your dog, the type of work and life schedule you have, and the specific characteristics you are looking for in a dog. Selecting a breed from a rescue that can fit seamlessly into your life is a great way to make sure your dog feels at home as soon as possible.
What Does My Dog Need?
All dogs need the essentials – food items, toys, beds, collars, and leashes. Many dogs also benefit from specialty harnesses, fun treats, and puppy-proofing items if your dog is very young. Depending on the size of your new dog and their anticipated activity level, you may want to invest in a pet carrier, car-proofing items, and things like baby gates to keep your dog safe when they are hanging out at home by themselves or with you.
Before deciding on what items to buy – and before bringing your dog home – make a list of all the things your dog might need. This will help you organize your thoughts and purchase items in order of importance, rather than becoming overwhelmed and purchasing too many things at once. There are plenty of doggy gifts and essential items out there, so it is easy to get deterred as you start to look into items for your dog.
Pet Carriers and More – Dog Prep Recommendations
Preparing for your new dog is an exciting time, and it’s important that you take steps to prepare for your dog’s arrival around your home, in your car, and everywhere else you might like to take your pup. The following items are our top recommendations for doggy caretaking that can help your pup adjust to your home, stay safe, and thrive at your side day after day.
Pet Carrier
Pet carriers are essential if you have a small dog or a medium-sized dog, as these carriers help you safely transport your dog to the vet, take them on car trips with you, and even serve as a safe place to keep your pup while flying. We recommend getting a pet carrier that has safety features built-in, such as zippers that lock to stop your dog from escaping, and you may want to look for special features, such as pet carriers that fasten to seatbelts for safe car rides.
Our Recommendation: Henkelion Soft-Sided Dog Carrier
Collars, Leashes, and Harnesses
Collars, leashes, and harnesses are also very essential when it comes to caring for your dog. A collar will hold their identification and rabies tags, and the leash lets you safely walk your pup. Many dogs benefit from harnesses when walking, especially if they tend to pull very hard on their leash when walking.
Our Recommendations: Joytale Reflective Dog Collar, toboDRI Dog Harness and Leash Set
Pet Gates
For very small dogs and puppies or homes where you wish to keep your dog out of certain spaces, pet gates can be very helpful. You can put a pet gate up in front of stairs to stop your small dog from hurting themselves with a fall, or you can use a pet gate in certain rooms to ensure they are dog-free or dog-only spaces.
Our Recommendation: Carlson Walk-Through Pet Gate
Treats
All dogs can benefit from some healthy treats, and we recommend using treats as a reward for your pup when training or reinforcing good behavior. Of course, all dogs have specific preferences, but some treats tend to be more universally popular than others. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect treat for your dog.
Our Recommendation: Wellness Soft Puppy Bite Training Treats
Toys
Every dog needs toys, and the types of toys your dog may be interested in can vary. You can take your dog to a pet store to figure out which toys they prefer, and you might need to invest a little money in figuring out the best sets of toys for your dog. Stuffed toys, interactive toys, and basic toys like tennis balls are all good choices for most dogs.
Our Recommendation: Multipet Lamb Chop Plush Dog Toy
Beds and Comfort Items
A comfortable bed is essential for your dog, and if you are adopting an older dog, they may need additional comfort items like pillows and pet stairs. Some dogs of any age also like to be extra comfy, so you may want to find a dedicated dog blanket or other comfy items for them to relax and snuggle with.
Our Recommendation: JoeJoy Small Dog Bed With Blanket
Food Items
Food and water bowls are a must for your new dog, and you might also need a mat to collect any water droplets, food storage containers, or a platform to raise your dog’s bowls up from the ground. It’s important to keep your dog’s size and needs, plus your personal preference, in mind when choosing your dog’s food items.
For that matter, you should also keep these preferences in mind when choosing a food to feed your new dog. You can speak to a vet if you are having trouble figuring out which diet suits your dog’s needs best.
Our Recommendation: Neater Feeder Mess-Proof Dog Bowl Set
Car Readiness
When you take your dog in the car, it’s important that they are properly secured and safe when traveling. For smaller dogs, this may mean a secure pet carrier. For larger dogs, this may mean car-friendly crates, leashes and harnesses that are securable, and pet blankets that protect your car’s integrity while your dog joins you on adventures.
Our Recommendation: Kytely Dog Car Seat Cover
Should I Train My New Dog?
Training your dog is something that all new dog owners need to consider, as training your pup can help them become socialized, well-mannered, and well-behaved. Dogs that are well-behaved and have the proper skills for interacting in public and living alongside you without stress or destruction are usually happier overall. Plus, when your dog has good manners, they can accompany you to more dog-friendly places without stress.
We recommend starting training with your new dog as soon as they are acclimated to your home, as consistent training can also help set a routine for your pup. Start with basic obedience tasks and then work your way up to more complex skills as your dog starts to learn.
Do I Need More Items For a Service Dog?
If you are adopting a service dog into your family, you will need the same items as if you were simply adopting a pet dog. Service dogs are still dogs, and they will need comfort items, dedicated food and water bowls, toys, and beds for when they are off-duty, asleep, or sitting around the home with you.
That being said, if you want to make your dog’s work as a service dog known, you may want to invest in leashes and harnesses that indicate your dog is a service animal. Doing this can make public access much easier, even though it isn’t necessarily required by law to advertise that your dog is a service animal.
When adding a service dog into your life, think about what they would need to feel happy and perform their duties to the best of their ability, in addition to what will keep them safe.
How Can I Help My Dog Adjust to Their New Home?
Helping your dog adjust to their new home is often a matter of time, and it’s essential to note that adopting a new dog, especially a puppy, is a significant commitment of time and effort. Establishing a routine for your dog and sticking to it is one of the most important steps in getting your dog acclimated, and this is very important if you intend to start potty training a puppy.
You should also make sure that your dog has a space of their own to retreat to when they feel anxious or scared, allowing them to self-soothe and get comfortable. Make sure not to overwhelm your dog with meeting lots of new people or other dogs immediately, and always make introductions between your new dog and old dog as safely as possible.
Providing Your Pup a Happy Home
Adopting a new dog is a thrill, especially when you get to bring your beloved furry friend home for the first time. Once you have all of the items you need, including a pet carrier, leashes, toys, and food items, you and your dog are set to start adjusting to your new routine together. We recommend taking the time to really think about which items you need for your dog and checking our recommendations to ensure you are prepared to give your dog a happy and safe home starting from day one.