Bring your new dog home – 5 must-have items

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Bringing a new dog home is exciting and daunting. Instead of giving a long list of supplies you need, we prioritise essentials that you must have beforehand, and separate those less urgent you can get later after your dog settles in. After all, not everyone has the time or is able to pick the dog supplies they want among hundreds of items available in one go, nor is it necessary to stress out over this.

Let’s get yourself prepared at ease and wisely.

1. Pee pads

Place a pad onto a place where you want your dog to relieve himself e.g. kitchen/ at the corner of a room, not where your dog wants it to be. Once you pick a spot, try your best not to change it to prevent your dog from getting confused about where his bathroom is.

If you new companion is a puppy, don’t be surprised he might go potty 8-10 times a day. Nor expect him to know where to eliminate because he just doesn’t know. He will gradually learn to know with your guidance. Guide him to it a while after a meal and give him treats if he does it successfully as a positive reinforcement training.

Related reading: Why and how to stop your dog from chewing your stuff or peeing everywhere? 

2. A dog bed or an appropriate-sized crate

Many experts say your new dog should sleep in your bedroom at first where he would feel a bit more secure in a new environment by being close to you, whether in his own bed or a crate. If you use a crate, use it only for sleeping, housebreaking and travels with the door open. Some dogs see the crate as a safe place and find comfort in being able to go in and out at his will.

Related reading: How to incorporate a dog bed into your stylish home

3. Bowls for food and water

Separate stainless steel or hard plastic non-slip bowls for food and water. If your puppy is going to grow up to be a medium to large dog, then consider buying the bowls in a bigger size to start with. Of course, fresh water should always be available.

4. Chew toys

Toys should be size-appropriate. Toys of too tiny size compared to the size of your dog should be avoided if they can easily be swallowed.

5. Leash and collar

If your new dog is a small-sized puppy, you might hand carry him the first day. If not, keeping a leash on your pet is an effective way to prevent him from running around and being exposed to possible injuries in accidents.

Related reading: what’s the big deal about on leash or not?

The less urgent supplies you can go buy later include:


– An identification tag with your dog’s name and your contact number on it to increase the chance of uniting in case your dog is lost.
– Stain remover and dog-friendly cleaning fluids
– A good brush suited to your dog’s coat
– Shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste
– Puppy size dog treats for training

It’s okay to admit that your shopping list will only grow over time, as we do sometimes like to shower our furry friends and children with love.

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