Category: Training & Puppies

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, and a little overwhelming. Pet stores are full of products, and it is easy to overspend on things you do not need while forgetting the essentials. This checklist covers what most new puppy owners need on day one, what can wait and what you can skip.

This article is general information about supplies. For food choices, vaccinations, parasite prevention and health questions, follow your veterinarian’s advice.

Before You Shop

• Know your puppy’s expected adult size. This affects crate, bed and harness choices.
• Ask the breeder or shelter what food the puppy currently eats.
• Puppy-proof your home before shopping so you know which gates or storage you need.
• Set a budget. Puppies grow quickly, so do not overspend on items they will outgrow.

The Essentials Checklist

Containment and Rest

• [ ] Crate with a divider panel so it grows with your puppy. See the best dog crates.
• [ ] Crate pad or durable bed. Puppies may chew bedding, so start simple. See dog beds for big dogs.
• [ ] Baby gates or exercise pen to block off rooms and create a safe play area.

Walking Gear

• [ ] Adjustable collar with an ID tag including your phone number.
• [ ] Harness sized for your puppy. See our no-pull harness guide.
• [ ] Standard 6-foot leash. See our guide to choosing a dog leash.
• [ ] Poop bags and dispenser.

Feeding Supplies

• [ ] Food recommended by your veterinarian or the food the puppy is already eating, to avoid sudden changes.
• [ ] Food and water bowls, stainless steel or ceramic are easy to clean.
• [ ] Measuring cup for accurate portions.
• [ ] Training treats, small and soft for frequent rewards.
• [ ] Airtight food storage container.

Chew Toys and Enrichment

• [ ] Puppy-appropriate chew toys in a few textures.
• [ ] Food puzzle or stuffable toy. See slow and puzzle feeders.
• [ ] Soft toy for comfort, supervised if your puppy shreds.

Grooming

• [ ] Brush or comb suited to the coat type. See at-home dog grooming tools.
• [ ] Nail clippers or grinder.
• [ ] Dog shampoo.
• [ ] Toothbrush and dog toothpaste.

Cleaning Supplies

• [ ] Enzymatic cleaner for accidents, which breaks down odor compounds.
• [ ] Paper towels and old towels.
• [ ] Lint roller.
• [ ] Puppy pads only if you plan to use them; some trainers prefer going straight to outdoor potty training.

Travel and Safety

• [ ] Car restraint such as a crash-tested crate or harness. See dog car safety gear.
• [ ] First aid kit for pets.
• [ ] Emergency contact list including your veterinarian and nearest emergency clinic.

Nice to Have but Not Urgent

• Pet camera to check in while you are out. See best pet cameras.
• GPS tracker for escape-prone dogs as they get older. See dog GPS trackers compared.
• Bigger or orthopedic bed once your puppy is past the chewing stage.
• Long line for recall training in open areas.

What You Can Skip

• Expensive beds before your puppy stops chewing.
• Lots of clothing unless your dog needs warmth in cold weather.
• Retractable leashes during training, since they can encourage pulling.
• Large quantities of treats or food before you know what your puppy likes and tolerates.
• Novelty gadgets that duplicate basic items.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

Before your puppy arrives:

• Secure electrical cords or block access.
• Store cleaning products, medications and chemicals out of reach.
• Remove small objects like socks, kids’ toys and hair ties.
• Check houseplants and garden plants for toxicity using a reputable source such as the ASPCA’s plant list.
• Secure trash cans with lids.
• Check fences and gates for gaps.

The First Week Plan

• Day 1: Introduce the home calmly. Start a routine for potty breaks, meals and rest.
• Days 2 to 3: Begin crate training gradually. See our crate training schedule.
• Days 3 to 7: Start short training sessions with treats. Introduce collar, harness and leash.
• Schedule a veterinary visit early, following your veterinarian’s guidance on vaccines and care.
• Look into puppy classes taught by positive reinforcement trainers.

Budgeting for a Puppy

Costs vary widely by location and choices. Plan for:

• Initial supplies.
• Veterinary visits, vaccinations and preventive care.
• Food and treats.
• Training classes.
• Pet insurance, if you choose it.
• Grooming, depending on the breed.
• Boarding or pet sitting.

Choosing Quality Over Quantity

It is tempting to buy a cart full of cute items, but a few well-made essentials usually serve you better. Some tips:

• Read return policies before buying bigger items like crates and beds in case the size is wrong.
• Buy adjustable gear such as collars and harnesses that can grow with your puppy.
• Check for recalls on toys and treats through manufacturer or government websites.
• Ask friends with dogs what they actually used in the first months.
• Borrow or buy used items like crates and exercise pens, and clean them thoroughly.

Setting Up a Puppy Zone

Before your puppy arrives, set up a small, safe area with the crate, a bed, water, a few chew toys and an easy-to-clean floor. An exercise pen or baby gates can define the space. A dedicated zone makes supervision easier and helps your puppy learn routines quickly.

Keeping Supplies Organized

A basket near the door with the leash, poop bags, treats and a towel makes walks easier. Store food in a sealed container away from where your puppy can reach it, and keep cleaning supplies handy for the inevitable accidents.

Making a Family Plan

If several people share the home, agree on house rules before the puppy arrives: where the puppy sleeps, which furniture is allowed, which cue words everyone will use and who handles each potty break or meal. Consistency helps puppies learn faster, and a shared schedule on the fridge keeps everyone on the same page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size crate should I buy for a puppy?

Buy a crate sized for your dog’s expected adult size, with a divider to adjust space while your puppy grows.

Should I buy a collar or a harness?

Many owners use both: a collar for ID tags and a harness for walks.

What toys are safe for puppies?

Choose toys sized appropriately for your puppy, with no small parts that could be swallowed. Supervise play with new toys.

Do I need puppy pads?

Not necessarily. Many trainers recommend outdoor potty training from the start, but pads can help in some living situations.

How much should I spend on puppy supplies?

It depends on your choices and dog size. Focus on essentials first and add other items as needed.

The Bottom Line

A puppy does not need everything in the store. Focus on a crate, basic bedding, collar and harness, leash, food and bowls, chew toys, grooming basics and cleaning supplies. Puppy-proof your home, set a routine and save extras like trackers and cameras for later. Most importantly, plan for training, veterinary care and plenty of time with your new companion.

---

Editorial note: Woof Wisely is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.

A crate can become your dog’s favorite safe spot, a cozy den for naps, a calm place during busy moments and a useful tool for house training and travel. But crate training only works when it is introduced gradually and positively. Rushing it, or using the crate as punishment, can make dogs anxious about it.

This guide explains how to choose and set up a crate, provides a step-by-step training plan and offers a sample daily schedule for puppies.

This article is general information, not veterinary or behavioral advice. If your dog shows signs of distress, panic or separation anxiety in the crate, stop and consult your veterinarian or a qualified behavior professional.

Why Crate Train?

• House training: Many dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, which helps with potty training.
• Safety: Prevents chewing hazards and accidents when you cannot supervise.
• Travel: Familiarity with a crate makes car rides, vet visits and travel easier.
• Rest: Gives dogs, especially puppies, a quiet place to settle and sleep.

A crate should never be a place for punishment or for leaving a dog for excessively long periods.

Choosing the Right Crate

Size

Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. For puppies, a crate with a divider panel lets you adjust the space as they grow. Too much space early on may allow a puppy to use one end as a bathroom.

Types

• Wire crates: Good ventilation and visibility, often foldable and come with dividers.
• Plastic crates: More enclosed and den-like, and often used for travel.
• Soft-sided crates: Lightweight and portable, best for dogs already calm in crates.
• Heavy-duty crates: For dogs that escape or chew through standard crates.

See our guide to the best dog crates for more detail.

Setting Up the Crate

• Location: Place the crate in a part of the home where people spend time, such as the living room, so your dog does not feel isolated. Some owners move it to the bedroom at night, especially for puppies.
• Bedding: Add a comfortable bed or blanket. For puppies that chew bedding, start with something durable or a crate mat. See dog beds for big dogs.
• Cover: Some dogs like a partially covered crate that feels den-like.
• Comfort: Keep it away from direct sun, drafts and heaters.

Step-by-Step Crate Training Plan

Move at your dog’s pace. Some dogs progress in days, others take weeks.

Step 1: Introduce the Crate

• Leave the door open and let your dog explore.
• Toss treats near and then inside the crate.
• Praise calm interest. Do not force your dog inside.

Step 2: Feed Meals in the Crate

• Place food bowls near the crate, then gradually move them inside.
• Once your dog eats comfortably inside, close the door briefly during meals and open it as soon as they finish.
• Gradually extend the time the door stays closed after meals.

Step 3: Practice Short Sessions

• Use a cue like “crate” or “bed,” toss a treat inside and praise when your dog enters.
• Close the door, sit nearby for a few minutes, then let your dog out calmly.
• Gradually increase time, then begin leaving the room for short periods.

Step 4: Leave the House Briefly

• Once your dog is calm in the crate for longer periods with you nearby, practice short departures.
• Keep departures and arrivals low-key.
• Provide a safe chew or food puzzle to keep your dog occupied. See slow and puzzle feeders.

Step 5: Use the Crate Overnight

• For puppies, many owners keep the crate near the bed at first so they can hear when the puppy needs to go out.
• Gradually move the crate to its permanent spot if needed.

How Long Can a Dog Stay in a Crate?

Puppies have limited bladder control. A rule of thumb often shared by trainers is that puppies can hold it roughly one hour for each month of age, up to a limit, but every puppy is different. Adult dogs also need regular breaks, exercise and social time.

Avoid crating any dog for so long that they cannot meet their needs for bathroom breaks, exercise, play and companionship. If you work long hours, consider a dog walker, daycare or a midday visit.

Sample Daily Schedule for a Young Puppy

Adjust this to your puppy’s age, needs and your routine.

Time	Activity
6:30 a.m.	Wake up; potty break outside
6:45 a.m.	Breakfast (in crate or near it); potty break
7:15 a.m.	Play and short training session
8:00 a.m.	Potty break; nap in crate
10:00 a.m.	Potty break; play and exploration
11:00 a.m.	Nap in crate
12:30 p.m.	Potty break; lunch if fed three meals; play
1:30 p.m.	Nap in crate
3:30 p.m.	Potty break; walk or play; short training
5:00 p.m.	Dinner; potty break
5:30 p.m.	Family time, chew toy, calm play
7:00 p.m.	Potty break; nap
9:00 p.m.	Potty break; quiet time
10:30 p.m.	Final potty break; bedtime in crate
Overnight	Potty breaks as needed for young puppies

Puppies also usually need to go out after waking, eating, drinking and playing.

Crate Training Adult Dogs

Adult dogs can learn to love a crate, too, but some may have past negative experiences. Go slowly:

• Start with the door open for longer.
• Use high-value treats and meals inside the crate.
• Keep early closed-door sessions very short.
• Watch for signs of stress such as heavy panting, drooling or attempts to escape.

Common Mistakes

• Using the crate as punishment.
• Moving too fast.
• Letting a puppy out when it whines without considering whether it needs a potty break. If you suspect a potty need, take your puppy outside calmly and return it to the crate afterward.
• Crating for too long.
• Leaving collars or tags on that could catch in crate wire. Many owners remove collars in the crate.
• Not providing enough exercise and mental stimulation outside the crate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I put water in the crate?

For short periods, many owners skip water. For longer periods, or in warm weather, a spill-resistant bowl or attachable water bottle may be appropriate. Ask your veterinarian about your dog’s needs.

What if my puppy cries at night?

Some crying is normal at first. Keep the crate close, take the puppy out if it needs to potty and keep nighttime trips quiet and boring. If crying is intense or persistent, consult a trainer or veterinarian.

Can I crate train an older dog?

Yes. Many adult dogs adapt well with a slow, positive approach.

Should I cover the crate?

Many dogs find a partially covered crate calming. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation.

When can my dog stop using the crate?

Many owners keep the crate as a safe space, door open, for life. Others gradually give dogs more freedom once they are reliable in the house.

The Bottom Line

Successful crate training is gradual, positive and consistent. Choose the right size crate, make it comfortable, introduce it slowly with treats and meals and keep sessions short at first. Follow a predictable schedule with plenty of potty breaks, exercise and attention, and your dog may come to see the crate as a favorite resting place.

---

Editorial note: Woof Wisely is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.