Welcoming a new dog or puppy into your home is one of life’s biggest joys — and biggest responsibilities. Whether you’re bringing home a wriggly puppy, an older rescue, or a four-legged sidekick with bags of personality, those first few days are full of excitement, cuddles, and a steep learning curve.
There’ll be tail wags, muddy pawprints, chewed slippers (probably), and moments where you wonder if you’ve done everything right. But the truth is: being well-prepared before your dog even walks through the door can make all the difference. The right setup helps them feel safe, settle faster, and begin building trust with you from day one.
This guide covers everything you need — from cosy beds and safe toys to feeding gear, grooming tools, and clever cleaning tips. Whether you’re a first-time dog parent or just need a checklist refresher, consider this your go-to toolkit for starting strong and bonding beautifully.
Quick Answer: What Are The Must Haves?
When bringing home a dog or puppy, essentials include a cosy bed, food and water bowls, high-quality dog food, a collar with ID tag, training treats, safe toys, grooming tools, and cleaning supplies. A crate can be a helpful bonus — but it’s not a must for every dog.
🏠 Preparing Your Home for a New Dog or Puppy
Before your new companion arrives, it’s important to create a safe, welcoming environment that supports their confidence and comfort.
Quick Tip
Keep soft lighting on at night for the first few days — especially near where your dog sleeps — to help them feel safe as they adjust.
🛏️ Comfort Essentials
Dog Bed
A soft, supportive bed is one of the first things your dog will come to rely on. It offers comfort, joint support, and a sense of safety — a spot that’s all theirs. Look for the right size for your dog’s breed, with washable covers for easy cleaning (you’ll be grateful sooner than you think).
Recommended Beds:
- 👉 Affordable: Amazon Basics Foam Living Room Couch Dog Bed – Raised edges and a removable cover for easy washing.
- 👉 Luxury: Topology Dog Bed (Omlet) – Stylish, ultra-durable, and machine washable with customisable toppers. A long-term investment.
Crate (Optional but Useful)
Not every dog needs one, but crates can be incredibly useful for toilet training, travel, or giving nervous pups a secure den of their own. Just remember: it should never be used as a punishment. Some dogs love them, others don’t — and that’s okay.
Recommended Crates:
- 👉 Affordable: Amazon Basics Medium Metal Dog Crate – Foldable, durable, and includes a removable tray.
- 👉 Luxury: Fido Nook – Omlet – A stylish 2-in-1 dog bed and furniture-style crate that blends into your home beautifully.
🍽️ Feeding Essentials
Feeding time is more than just a routine — it’s a moment of comfort, habit, and care. The right bowls and a nutritious diet set your dog up for good health from day one.
Food and Water Bowls
Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are the top choice for hygiene and durability. Unlike plastic, they won’t absorb smells or scratch easily, and they’re usually dishwasher-safe too. Look for options with non-slip bases to help prevent messy spills.
Recommended Food Bowls:
- 👉 Affordable: Yoka Dog Bowls Non-Slip Stainless Steel Double Bowl – One for food, one for water, with a silicone mat to keep it all in place.
- 👉 Luxury: Fluff Trough Set – Raised and ergonomic, perfect for flat-faced breeds or dogs with sensitive digestion.
Recommended Water Bowls:
- 👉 Affordable: Amazon Basics Water Feeder – Gravity-fed for easy, mess-free access to water.
- 👉 Luxury: Fluff Trough Stainless Steel Water Hole – Stylish and ergonomic, built to match the food trough.
High-Quality Dog Food
Diet matters — a lot. Choose a complete, balanced dog food that suits your dog’s age, size, and activity level. Puppies need formulas rich in calories and nutrients for healthy development. Adult dogs benefit from food tailored to their lifestyle — whether they’re active or prefer the sofa.
If you’re welcoming a rescue dog, try to continue their existing food for a few days, then transition gradually to your preferred brand. Ask your vet or rescue centre for guidance if you’re unsure.
Recommended Adult Food:
- 👉 AATU Free Run Chicken Dry Dog Food – Grain-free with single-source protein and added botanicals. A premium dry food that supports digestion and overall wellbeing.
- 👉 Pooch & Mutt Complete Dry Dog Food – A gentle, grain-free option designed to support sensitive stomachs, healthy digestion, and firmer poos. Includes prebiotics, charcoal, and natural supplements.
Recommended Puppy Food:
- 👉 AATU Salmon Dry Food for Puppies – High-quality dry puppy food made with salmon and formulated for healthy growth, joints, and brain development.
- 👉 Forthglade Complete Puppy Meal – Chicken & Lamb Variety Pack – A soft, grain-free wet food made with 75% meat and added vitamins and minerals. Perfect for weaning or mixing with dry food.
🐾 Identification and Safety
Collar and Lead
A comfortable, adjustable collar and a strong lead are musts from day one. Reflective stitching is a bonus for night-time walks, and a training lead can give you more control during early walks.
Recommended Leads:
- 👉 HALTI Training Lead – Double-Ended Dog Leash – Soft, lightweight, and great for training
- 👉 Flexi Classic Tape Lead (5m) – Extendable with strong control for different sizes
Identification Tag
Legally required in the UK — your dog must wear a tag with your name and address when in public. Microchipping is also a legal requirement and should be kept up to date.
Recommended Tags:
- 👉 Rogz Resin ID Tag – Lightweight, fun design
- 👉 Engraved Stainless Steel Bone Tag – Durable, customisable, and comes in multiple colours
🧼 Grooming and Hygiene
Grooming Kit
Keeping your dog well-groomed isn’t just about looks — it supports skin health, comfort, and bonding. Even short-haired dogs benefit from regular brushing, bathing, and nail care.
Recommended Grooming Tools:
- 👉 Brush: FURminator Dual Grooming Brush – A great all-rounder for most coat types. FURminator also offers specialist tools for shedding, thick coats, and sensitive skin.
- 👉 Shampoo: Bugalugs Oatmeal Shampoo – Gentle, dog-safe, and soothing for itchy or dry skin.
- 👉 Nail Care: Nail Grinder for Cats & Dogs – A safe, quiet alternative to traditional clippers. Ideal for nervous pups or thick nails.
Regular grooming helps you spot issues early, from lumps and bumps to fleas or sore spots — and most dogs learn to love the routine with a bit of patience and praise.
Cleaning Supplies
Toilet training means accidents — so it pays to be prepared. Stock up on reliable, practical cleaning gear that makes life easier while your dog learns the ropes.
Recommended Cleaning Supplies:
- 👉 Cleaner: Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odour Remover – Breaks down urine proteins so your pup won’t return to the same spot.
- 👉 Cloths: Amazon Basics Microfibre Cleaning Cloths – Machine-washable and way more effective than paper towels.
- 👉 Puppy Pads: Amazon’s Puppy Trainer Pads – Great value, solid absorbency. Ideal for crates or overnight.
Optional Upgrade:
- 🌬️ Smell Away® Specialist Air Purifier – Tackles pet smells, allergens, and airborne bacteria. A lifesaver for open-plan homes or carpeted spaces.
🧸 Toys and Enrichment
Toys aren’t just for fun — they help reduce boredom, ease anxiety, support training, and keep those clever canine brains active. Puppies chew for teething. Adult dogs chew to cope, relax, and engage. Choose durable toys suited to your dog’s age and size.
Recommended Chew Toys:
- 👉 KONG Classic – Perfect for treat-filling and long-lasting fun
- 👉 KONG Safestix – Great for chewing and safe carry
- 👉 Chuckit! Ultra Ball – Tough, long-lasting tennis balls
- 👉 KONG Wild Knots Bears – Cuddly with strong internal rope for rougher play
Recommended Puzzle Toys:
Mental stimulation is just as important as exercise. These toys encourage dogs to use their brains — especially helpful when home alone.
- 👉 Trixie Activity Sniffer Carpet – A soft, scent-based enrichment mat that encourages natural foraging behaviour.
🚶♂️ Walking and Outdoor Gear
Harnesses (Optional but Helpful)
Some dogs walk better in a harness — especially if they’re prone to pulling or still learning. Look for breathable materials, adjustable fit, and reflective stitching.
Recommended Harnesses:
- 👉 HALTI No Pull Harness – Designed for training and control
- 👉 TrueLove Reflective Dog Harness – Secure, padded, and great for daily walks
Poo Bags
An obvious one — but easily forgotten in the excitement. Keep biodegradable bags in coat pockets, treat pouches, and your car just in case.
Recommended Poo Bags:
- 👉 Tuff Pets Biodegradable Poo Bags – Super strong and reliable. Thank us later!
🩺 Health and Wellness
Vet Visit & Essentials
Your dog’s long-term wellbeing starts with early care. One of the best things you can do in the first few days is book a check-up with your vet. This helps establish a baseline for your dog’s health, gives you expert guidance tailored to their age and breed, and ensures you’re up to date with anything urgent.
Whether you’re welcoming a brand new puppy or adopting a rescue, your vet can help you create a personalised care plan — and answer all those questions you’ll inevitably have in the first few weeks.
It’s also worth asking about behaviour, toilet training, food portions, and any breed-specific health quirks — especially if you’re a first-time owner. A good vet will be happy to talk through it all.
Think of this first visit as setting the foundations for a healthy, happy life together. Even if your dog seems perfectly fine, a proactive check-in gives you peace of mind — and a support system to rely on as your pup grows.
Recap: Must-Have Items for New Dogs & Puppies
|
Category |
Essentials |
|---|---|
|
Comfort |
Bed, crate (optional), blanket |
|
Feeding |
Bowls, quality food, treats |
|
Safety |
Collar, lead, ID tag, microchip |
|
Grooming |
Brush, shampoo, nail clippers |
|
Clean-up |
Enzymatic cleaner, puppy pads, poo bags |
|
Enrichment |
Chew toys, puzzle toys |
|
Health |
Vet check, parasite control, dental care |
|
Walking |
Harness (recommended), lead, bags |
Final Thoughts
Bringing a dog or puppy home is joyful, life-changing, and yes — a little bit messy. But with the right essentials in place, you’ll be prepared to tackle everything from toilet training mishaps to zoomies in the living room. Every item on this list plays a role in keeping your dog safe, comfortable, and mentally happy. Some bits may be optional (like crates or harnesses), and others will become daily go-tos. Start simple, learn what works for your dog, and build from there.
Remember — this isn’t about buying everything at once. It’s about choosing what supports your dog’s wellbeing and helps you build a strong bond from day one. You can always add items as you go, especially as your dog’s personality and preferences become clearer.
It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at first. There’s a lot to think about — feeding, sleeping, vet care, toilet training, socialisation. But the good news is: you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be consistent, kind, and willing to learn together. Give yourself (and your pup) permission to make mistakes. It’s all part of the journey. Every mishap is a learning opportunity, and every success — no matter how small — builds trust.
You’ll laugh, you’ll get muddy, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. The most important thing your dog needs isn’t a gadget or a bed — it’s you. Your time, your patience, your love. And with these must-haves by your side, you’ll be off to the best possible start.
