Suggested Puppy Items
I like the Midwest brand, you can get them at most pet stores or online. I particularly like the one with double doors as it allows for easier access, better for travel access options and finding just the right spot in your house with having two door options.
Dog Crate
If you want a good mess free (or at least less of a mess) food dish, I really like the silicone kind that hold the bowls snug.
Dog Food Dishes & Mat
I use a dog collar for everyday use and a harness for taking my small dogs on walks. I prefer the Top Paw® Mesh Comfort Dog Harness for comfort, security and durability. As a puppy they will need size XX-Small and as they get bigger they might need a size X-Small.
Harness
For those without a fenced-in yard, or even if you have a fenced yard, but the slats are too far apart…we have loved this wireless fence option. The base unit puts off a radio wave that makes a circular boundary up to ¾ of an acre. No digging or burying wires. Your dog just simply wears a rechargeable waterproof collar and gets a warning signal as they approach the boundary. If they continue and pass the boundary they get a little zap (there are 5 different levels of correction). The charged collar will last a few weeks before needing to be recharged. It is also portable, so you can take it on vacation or camping too!
PetSafe Stay & Play
Wireless Dog Fence
Additional Items
Crate Mat
I am not particular about a specific crate mat, I usually go with what is on sale, but I suggest getting a mat half the size of the crate and then putting a puppy pee pad on the other half.
Puppy Pee Pad
I am sending you home with 4 of the “Glad for Pets Black Charcoal Puppy Pads”. But I switched to washable pee pads with my last litter and those do better as they don’t shred them like they sometimes do the disposable ones.
Leash
I prefer just a standard nylon leash. I have tried the retractable ones and have found them more of a hassle, but maybe just my preference.
Chew Toys
As your puppy is teething, you will want to make sure to have some good chew toys for them. My labradoodles have not been too fond of rawhides, but if you can get your hands on a deer antler those are great and have great vitamins and minerals for them too.
Poop Bags
Please be a responsible pet owner and carry poop bags. Whether it is used grocery bags or the rolls you can buy at pet stores or Amazon with the little holder. The holders are nice because they clip right on to your leash.
Training Treats
There are lots of great options out there, I don’t really have a preference, just remember that chicken and lamb are better than beef for our labradoodles. I started off with some actual training treats with the puppies, but when those ran out I just started using their kibble and they seemed just as excited about that!
Dog Bed
Your new fluff ball might want a comfy dog bed. They love human contact, so being curled up on your lap or next to you on the couch would be a perfect spot too!
Car Seat Belt
To some this may sound silly, but I have found with my Piper that she is so quick, springy, and small that she has been out of the car before I even know it! So I got a seat belt to ensure she doesn’t come out of the car until I want her too! This also works best when they have their harness on so it does not choke them.