I recently had a puppy family ask me if I had a shopping list on my website so they could order everything they need for their new puppy – and I realized that I ought to have a comprehensive list of all the puppy supplies a new family should have!

(Note: this post contains affiliate links. If you purchase an item through one of these links, I may get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you)

If you have had a dog in the past, you likely will already have some of these items – but it is still nice to buy some personalized items for your new pup.

If this is your first puppy, you will need to load up on all the essentials and will likely want to splurge a little on the “spoiled dog” items for your new fur baby.

I mean, let’s face it – shopping for your new puppy is a great way to help count down the days until your pup finally gets to come home!

So let’s get started on that list!!

#1 – Kennel/Crate

I am a big believer in crate training; your dog’s crate should be their safe place.

If they hear a loud noise that scares them, they run to their crate.

If they know they got into trouble, they hide away in their safe crate.

If they are sleepy, they put themselves to bed in their crate.

Choosing the right size crate is important for your dog so they have enough room to stretch out and move around. I typically go with one size larger than the manufacturer recommends for Mini Schnauzers (15-20 lbs) for more of a “Penthouse Suite” feel for my dogs.

I typically recommend a crate with a removable divider as part of training your puppy to keep their crate clean and avoid accidents. If they have too large of a space, they are more likely to have accidents in their crate (I will add another blog on this later).

If you’re not quite sure how to go about crate training, check out Puppy Training: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crate Training, Potty Training, and Obedience Training

#2 – Harness & Leash

Many people will pick up a cute collar for their puppy, which is totally fine.

However, it takes time and training for a puppy to get used to a collar and I personally find that a padded harness is a gentle way to start their training.

A collar pulls on their neck, which can be quite uncomfortable until they learn to heel while on a walk, AND a panicked puppy can possibly pull against the leash hard enough to slip out of their collar (especially if it is poor fitting).

A harness, on the other hand, distributes any pressure from pulling along their body and is far less likely to allow your puppy to slip out and run into a dangerous intersection.

If you want to go one step above-and-beyond to make sure your dog is safe on walks, you can get a reflective or LED harness for walks after dark.

#3 – Dog ID Tag

Don’t wait until your puppy comes home to get them an ID tag!

This is a big one that a lot of families forget.

What is more important than making sure your puppy is as safe as possible?

If, God forbid, something happened and your puppy was separated from you before you picked up their ID tag – how would you plan to find them?!

While microchips are awesome, your random Good Samaritan isn’t likely to have a chip reader and won’t have to make a trip to the vet’s office to get your contact information if your dog has an ID tag.

This inexpensive investment is just a matter of planning ahead; make sure to include your dog’s name, your name, and phone number. Some people will even choose to add their physical address.

#4 – Dishes

This one is an easy no-brainer!

The question is, do you want to go with the traditional “bowls-on-the-floor,” an upgraded bowl-stand setup or even an automatic water bowl?

There is no right or wrong answer here, in my opinion. It is a matter of your personal preference.

#5 – Snuggle Puppy

If you like sleeping at night, TRUST ME on this one!

Puppies are used to sleeping with their momma and siblings, so their first night in a new home with new smells and new sounds – and sleeping alone for the first time – they likely will cry the first several nights.

I have had amazing feedback from puppy families who invested in a Snuggle Puppy; not only is it a cuddly stuffy, but it also has a heartbeat and heat pack to help simulate sleeping with mom/siblings.

Even years later, some of my puppies drag their Snuggle Puppy everywhere with them! It is like a security blanket or childhood stuffed animal for them.

Check out my Snuggle Puppy review here! – DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!

#6 – Dog Bed

While your pup will have a bed in their crate, you likely will also want to have a comfy spot for them to chill with you in the living room.

The couch may seem like an obvious choice, however Zeus usually ends up back on the floor sooner than later (don’t ask me why; he has a mind of his own!), so a soft doggie bed will be well used & loved!

#7 – Dog Food

You’ll want to talk with your breeder as to what kind of dog food your puppy has been eating before moving on to this step.

My puppies will be eating dry puppy chow by the time they come home and I send a bag of the food their little tummies are used to when they come home with you.

If you want to switch them over to a different brand, it is important to transition them slowly so they don’t get an upset tummy.

It is typically recommended to keep them on puppy chow for the first year because of all the nutrients designed for their growing bodies.

Your vet’s office will have high quality dog food that has less fillers than you would find at a retail store brand and will be specifically geared toward any dietary needs your dog may have, so use your vet as the amazing resource that they are!

You will also want to think about the dog food container you’ll be using; there is something to be said for a tidy, organized way to store their kibbles.

#8 – Shampoo

Just like with their dog food, your puppy will be used to a certain kind of shampoo.

It absolutely breaks my heart to hear of dogs passing away from cancer… We often think about dietary health, but tend to forget that many shampoos have carcinogens and other unhealthy ingredients in them!

All of my dogs & puppies use MONAT Pet Shampoo exclusively for that very reason.

Not only is it a healthy, all-natural option – but it makes my pups smell AMAZING and feel sooo soft!

The MONAT Pet Deodorizer spray is fabulous for a “between baths” freshen-up, as well.

(Call or message me for info on getting 15%-30% off)

Click here to order MONAT Pet Shampoo now!

#9 – Dental Hygiene Items

Starting with good dental hygiene early in your puppy’s life will save you time, money, and headache in the long run.

Regular brushing of their teeth, good chew toys, and dental treats should be a “MUST” on your puppy shopping list!

Check out a few of these options:

#10 – First Aid Kit

While I hope that you never need a first aid kit for anyone in your family, being prepared makes emergencies less stressful!

We live in the country, as many Sasketchewan folks do, so a trip to the city can be a fairly long drive… In a pet emergency, it may be too long of a drive without some primary care before hitting the road!

You will never regret having a first aid kit on hand – so make this one a priority!

#11 – Tick Treatment

Eww! Eww! And eww!!!

I hate ticks soooo much, so if you’re anything like me you want them all dead.

Tick prevention will be an important part of your summer to-do list; you will want a tick removal kit on hand even if you choose to use medication or tick collars.

Very important note: when your puppy comes home at 8 weeks old, you should see your vet for tick medication to make sure you are getting a treatment that is approved for their age.

Okay, enough on that topic. Ticks are gross!

#12 – Pee Pads & Poo Bags

If you plan to train your dog to “go” on pee pads, this is an item you’ll want to stock up on (be warned, you’ll have to keep an eye on your puppy if you use disposable pee pads so they don’t chew their pee pad at first… Teething puppies will chew anything!)

Reusable/washable pee pads are a much better option than the disposable version and will save you money if you plan to use pee pads long term.

The poo bags will help you do your part to be a good neighbour; no one wants to clean up after someone else’s dog when they drop a stink bomb while out for a walk!

Most poo bag systems can be attached to the leash or harness so you have a clean bag handy whenever you need it.

#13 – Training Bell

My dogs all come running when I knock on the font door… It is sooo cold during the winter that I don’t want to open the door to call them in and let the chill into the house anymore than I have to! Summer or winter, they know that’s their cue to come in.

On the flip side, why not train your dog to call you to let them out?!

You can go with an old-school bell (like a real bell) or a fancy modern system.

The point is that your dog learns when they use their bell, they get to go outside to do their business so you don’t have accidents in the house or excessive barking as their way of telling you they need to go out.

#14 – Clippers

If you plan to take your dog to the groomer for all their haircuts, you will not need clippers.

Many families, however, will do a bit of a trim between grooming appointments to keep an updated Schnauzer cut.

Some families even have chosen to learn how to do a proper Schnauzer cut and will take the time to do haircuts every 6 weeks or so! (This takes practice and patience!)

If you plan to try your hand at trims or hair cuts, I strongly suggest that you spend the cash on quality clippers!

I have found that anything less than $150-$200 clippers tend to dull very quickly, which in turn will start pulling the hair rather than cutting well and your poor dog will NOT be a happy camper!

I personally have used the Wahl brand for many years now and have been happy with the quality of their pro-level clippers – plus their customer service has been fabulous if I have questions or concerns.

#15 – Nail Clippers

If you plan to look after your dog’s grooming, nail clippers are another tool you’ll need to have.

Make sure you do your research on how to properly clip your dog’s nails because if you clip them too short it will hurt your dog – and the nail will bleed if clipped too short… Ouch!

#16 – Travel Accessories

If you love to travel like we do, you’ll want to have some great travel accessories for your pup to make the trip comfy and organized.

Here are just a few suggestions:

16.A – Travel Bag

A nice organized travel bag just makes life so much easier by keeping everything you need at your fingertips.

If you keep their travel bag packed with the necessities, heading out for a weekend at the lake can be as simple as “grab & go” – well, at least for your pup! 😉

This can also double as your Pet Emergency Kit (check out my blog on what to pack here).

16.B – Portable doggie dishes

If you get a travel bag these likely will be included, however if you want to trim down to the basics you can buy your travel bowls separately.

Collapsable bowls are great for day trips out hiking!

16.C – Doggie Car Seat

Safety First!

You would NEVER think of putting your child in the car without making sure they are buckled up, so why would your dog be any different?

If you were to get into an accident, the last thing you want is for your dog being injured.

In addition to accident safety, a doggie car seat will make sure they are not becoming a distraction trying to clim onto your lap as you drive or attempting to check out the groceries in the back of your car.

Most doggie car seats are easy to install or remove from your vehicle as needed and will clip onto your dog’s harness.

16.D – Playpen

If you travel a lot and don’t want to tote your pup’s crate with you, a playpen may be a good option.

You may also want to consider a play pen if you do not want to give your pup full run of the house right off the bat.

16.E – Lifejacket

If you spend much time on the water, this one is a MUST!

Even if your puppy learns to swim, if you are in the middle of the lake and they decide to jump into the water I would rather be safe than sorry!

Most life jackets come with a handle on top so it is easy to grab your dog out of the water, if need be.

The reflective design on many of the lifejackets is also great for the added visibility!

16.F – Portable Dog Crate

When air travel picks back up again, this will be something you’ll need!

Even for road trips, portable dog crates can come in handy for hotels or staying with family; it will smell like home and give your pup their “safe place/bedroom.”

If your puppy is still teething, they may try chewing soft-sided crates.

NEVER – I repeat – NEVER rely on that flimsy little handle on a plastic crate to carry your dog (see the red & black crate below as an example).

The plastic handle is meant for transporting an empty crate and is easily removable.

#17 – Training Books

Let’s be honest here…

Training a dog is more about training the human.

What do I mean by that?!

We humans tend to want instant gratification and can get lazy so fast!

While dogs can learn quickly, they need consistent, persistent reinforcement.

If we are inconsistent in rewarding good behaviour or disciplining bad behaviour, it is confusing to Fido!

So why not get a book or two on how to train your dog? Or even check out tutorials on YouTube!

I try to be a resource for my puppy families, but by no means do I have all the answers – so I am more than happy to rely on professional dog trainers for their pro tips!

#18 – Jacket & Booties

Here in Saskatchewan, we get some of the most brutal winters in North America (okay, that may be an exaggeration, but we do get some really harsh winters).

On a January day at -40 C (with a wind chill of -58 C) with drifting snow, a person can get frostbite in somewhere around 10 minutes!

Sooo, as smart people we bundle up when we have to go out.

Did you know that your dog’s paws can get frostbite, too?

If you see your dog shifting from one foot to the other in cold weather, chances are their poor little toe pads are freezing!

Using booties will help protect your dog’s feet (oh, and they walk sooo funny the first time you put them on, so be sure to have your camera ready for the adorable, awkward high-stepping!)

As far as jackets go, when a Schnauzer has a fresh haircut they don’t have the warm, insulating fluff to keep them warm so they will greatly appreciate a cozy jacket to keep them from shivering in the cold.

Plus – there are some pretty cute jacket options to choose from these days!

#19 – Toys

Last, but not least – toys!

I left this one for last because there are just too many fun toys to choose from!

From a classic ball to play fetch to a frisbee or even cool ball launchers, you have so many choices!

Chew toys are a MUST for a teething puppy if you want to save your shoes; you’ll want to look for chew toys with nubs that will feel good on puppy’s gums and maybe a flavoured chew toy to make it more attractive than other non-puppy-friendly options around your house.

And why not just splurge and get a monthly toy subscription box for your pup?! We love our Bark Boxes and your pup will too!

Did I miss anything?

Was anything missing from my list? Drop a comment below!

Looking for a way to help your dog beat the heat this summer? 

This frosty recipe is a great way to reward your loyal pup!

Warning: it does melt fast, but your dog is faster!

Oh! Did I mention that it only takes 3 ingredients?!

And they are ingredients you likely already have in your house; a banana, peanut butter, and plain yogurt.

They are quick and easy to make – the time they take to freeze is the longest part of making these pupsicles.

Begin by mashing one ripe banana, then combine the yogurt and peanut butter so the mixture is a smooth, even consistency.

There are some really cute dog paw or dog bone forms out there, however you can also use an ice cube tray to form the treats if you don’t have anything fancy to use.

Fill the forms to the top, trying to minimize any air bubbles in the batter.

Place in the freezer for 2 hours or until fully frozen.

And let the treat-earning-tricks begin!

The first time my dogs tried this recipe, they took a few slow licks before digging in – and the treats disappeared like magic!

As with all snacks, I don’t recommend giving your dog more than one or two per day because they still will make your pup chubby even though they are homemade.

Recipe

1 ripe banana

2 tablespoons peanut butter

2 cups plain yogurt

Directions

Mash banana well, then mix in yogurt and peanut butter.

Place in ice tray or form of choice.

Freeze for 2 hours or until fully frozen.

Let the pups enjoy!

Here is another favourite homemade dog treat recipe – rated 10/10 by my dogs!

It is so fast and easy to whip up a quick batch, and BOY does it make for some happy pups!

I personally love recipes that have simple ingredients that I typically have on hand, rather than having to make a special trip to the grocery store.

These treats only take banana, peanut butter, yogurt, egg, and raw oatmeal.

Start by mixing the wet ingredients into an even consistency (smoothing any out any lumps in the batter).

The riper the banana is, the easier it is to get a nice creamy consistency without lumps (frozen bananas work well, too)!

Then add the raw oatmeal and mix.

The consistency should be dry enough that it is easy to work into balls with your hands, but not so dry that it crumbles apart.

If you have a cute cookie cutter, you can roll the dough out and cut into shapes.

For a faster option with less clean-up, I usually form the treats into balls by hand (about the size of golf balls).

Bake at 350º for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool fully and let your pup enjoy the tasty treat!

As with any treat, you don’t want to give your dog too many at a time; I don’t give my dogs more than one or two of these a day.

And of course they have to do a trick to earn their treat!

PRO TIP: I feed these treats outside as they tend to crumble while being eaten.

Recipe

1 ripe banana

2 tablespoons peanut butter

1 egg

1/4 cup plain yogurt

2 cups raw oatmeal

Instructions

Combine wet ingredients and mix well until there are no lumps.

Add oatmeal and stir until well blended.

Roll out and cut into cookies or form balls by hand.

Bake in pre-heated oven at 350º for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool fully before feeding to your dog.

What is your dog’s go-to trick to earn their treat? Drop a comment below!