Bringing a puppy home is still one of my favorite memories — that tiny little body, the nervous wiggles, and the feeling that everything in my life just got a whole lot sweeter. I remember standing in the pet aisle feeling completely overwhelmed, convinced I needed every single thing on the shelf. Spoiler: I didn’t.

When it came down to it, there were a few items I reached for every single day. These were the things that made puppy life easier, cozier, and honestly… a lot less chaotic. If you’re preparing for your own new furry family member, here’s what actually helped us the most. Everything I share here comes from my personal experience and what worked for me. Your journey is uniquely yours, so feel free to adapt these ideas in whatever way fits your life best. Disclaimer: Always keep an eye on your pup while they’re enjoying their toys—especially new ones. Every dog plays differently, and supervision helps you notice any loose pieces, rough chewing, or signs that the toy isn’t holding up. A little monitoring goes a long way in keeping playtime fun, safe, and stress-free for both you and your furry friend.

1. A Cozy, Safe Crate Setup

The crate became my puppy’s little “home base.” I added a soft washable bed, a comfy blanket, and kept the space simple so it felt safe. That’s honestly what made our nighttime routine and potty training way smoother. One of my favorite ways to start crate training is by placing the crate right next to your bed during those first few nights. Your puppy can hear you breathing, smell you nearby, and feel reassured that they’re not alone in this brand-new world. It makes nighttime less scary for them and helps both of you get more rest. Plus, those little sleepy snuffles from the crate are honestly the cutest thing ever. Crate training is honestly one of the sweetest gifts you can give your puppy. It creates a little “den” where they feel safe, cozy, and protected — almost like their own tiny bedroom. It also helps with potty training, builds independence, and gives them a calm place to relax when the world feels big and overwhelming. A well-introduced crate becomes a comfort, not a punishment, and it sets your puppy up for confidence and success as they grow.

2. A Tiny Harness + Leash That Actually Fits + Name Tag

I forgot how little puppies are — like, impossibly tiny. A lightweight, soft harness and a simple leash were perfect for those first wobbly walks and middle-of-the-night potty trips.

For our medium and large breed dogs I LOVE the Black Rhino collars and leashes. They come in a variety of colors and have extra padding on the collar and the leash to make walking more comfortable for both you and puppy.

3. Easy-to-Clean Food & Water Bowls

Puppies are messy in the cutest way. Stainless-steel or easy-clean bowls saved me so much time. They don’t tip, they don’t stain, and they survive those enthusiastic puppy paws.

4. A Few Good Teething Toys

If I could give puppy parents one piece of advice: stock up on chew toys early. They saved my shoes, furniture, and honestly my sanity. A little rotation of soft teething toys kept my puppy busy and happy. I really love these Nylabone teething toys. I prefer to stay away from very hard teething toys as I worry about them being too hard on those baby teeth. That being said, with softer toys you want to make sure you monitor your pet when they have them. You don't want them chewing off a large piece and swallowing it.

5. Training Treats You Can Keep in Your Pocket

Treats were everything in those early days — potty training, crate training, name recognition, you name it. I used small soft treats that didn’t crumble everywhere (a small blessing). I really liked these training treats. However, there are A TON of varieties out there on the market, pick whatever brand or flavor that sounds good to you and that you puppy likes!

6. A Snuggle Puppy

A Snuggle Puppy is honestly one of the best comfort items for those first few nights home. It has a soft heartbeat and a warm little body that helps your puppy feel like they’re snuggled up with a littermate. It eases separation anxiety, reduces whining, and helps your pup settle into their crate so much faster. It’s like giving them a tiny, snuggly friend to help them feel safe in their new world. If possible, bring this when you pick up your puppy and ask if you can allow littermates to rub up on or play with this toy for a few minutes. Doing so will transfer some of their scent onto the snuggle puppy and then when you puppy snuggles with it they will smell like them and they won't feel so alone.

7. A Playpen or Gated Area

This was a game changer for those moments when I needed to get things done. It gave my puppy a safe space to relax and explore without getting into everything. It also helped a ton with independence training.

8. A Soft Puppy Brush + Puppy Nail Trimmer

Even if your pup won’t shed much, having a gentle brush early on helps them get used to grooming. Plus, it’s such a sweet bonding moment. Get started early with trimming your puppies toe nails! This will be such a blessing in the years to come when you need to trim their nails. If you start early and praise them for handling it so well, you will have less anxiety and difficulties in the future! Yes, this is a cat nail trimmer, but this is the perfect size for puppies!

Final Thoughts

If you’re getting ready to bring your puppy home… soak up every moment. It goes by so fast. These essentials made those early weeks smoother and sweeter for both of us, and they’re things I’d recommend to any new puppy parent.

If you want links to my favorites, I’ve added them throughout — and yes, this post includes affiliate links which help support my blog at no extra cost to you. ❤️

You’ve got this — and your new little friend is already so lucky to have you.

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