Best Place To Buy Puppy Supplies [NEW]
Why they're great: The unexpectedly robust selection of pet supplies at The Home Depot makes it an excellent place to shop. Plus, you have the perks of the dedicated customer service team if an issue ever arises *and* brick-and-mortar stores that make returning items easy peasy.
best place to buy puppy supplies
PetSmart also runs frequent deals on best-selling pet favorites, including food, carriers, training supplies, and toys. You can also save 10% on your overall purchase by ordering online and picking up curbside at your local store.
Sadly, some places that seem like great puppy sources may not be, but if you follow our top puppy-buying tips, you'll be far more likely to secure a healthy, well-socialized dog who doesn't drain your emotions or your wallet.
Just like bringing home a new baby, the first night with a new puppy can be rough. Set yourself up for the best night possible for both you and your furry friend by doing a few things before and after you get your puppy home!
Start by introducing your older dog to your new puppy in a more neutral location like a yard or anteroom. Let them sniff and smell each other as this is the best way for them to get an idea of the other one and their intention. Keep your big dog on a leash so you can easily move him away if he starts to pick a fight or get aggressive toward your new puppy.
QUICK UPDATE: We are only recommending one product (our favorite) per category. It was difficult to always pick the best/favorite so please do your own due diligence and find what works best for your puppy
With my most recent pup it was a long time since I'd had a young pup and I couldn't be bothered searching the house for the half chewed toys I'd put away years ago, so I just started from scratch with supplies.My boy is a Newfoundland so obviously I got the bigger version, but this pack was the best value I could find online for crate, collar, toys, etc. The only thing I would say is that the smaller dog version seems to come with a soft bed which I wouldn't use in the crate as it'll probably get chewed, I'd use Vet Bed instead for the first few weeks at least.Bargain shops are usually fine for collars, etc for smaller dogs, but I'm always wary of toys, treats and anything that might be ingested (accidentally or on purpose!)
Food and water bowls don't need to be fancy, but they should definitely be functional. Many puppies will be confused or intrigued when they first encounter bowls, so rubber bottoms will help keep them in place while your new puppy gets acquainted to them.
Depending on the size and breed of your puppy, you might want to opt for a harness instead of a collar. Harnesses are a great alternative for dogs with sensitive tracheas, like pugs and Boston terriers. This harness from Puppia is both breathable and weather resistant. Read more about it in our guide to the best dog harnesses.
Once puppies are old enough to consume dry food, they should be eating a formula designed for growth like Purina Pro Plan. Depending on the breed of your dog, they should consume puppy formula until anywhere from 9 months to 24 months old. Check out our guide to the best dog food for more suggestions.
A puppy's coat can be finer and more delicate than when they're full grown. The type of hair or fur your puppy has also greatly depends on the breed of dog they are, so short-haired dogs like pugs will need a bristle brush while long-haired dogs like golden retrievers will need a pin brush. Read more about the best dog brushes.
When brushing your puppy's teeth, you should use toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs. Human toothpaste can contain ingredients that might be harmful to your pet if they accidentally ingest it. Plus, the toothpaste is often flavored like beef or chicken, which is far more enticing than mint. Check out our buying guide to the best dog toothpaste, toothbrushes, and chews for more products.
Some dogs love having their own 'four-poster beds'. Many dog owners find these useful for containing their puppy and keeping them safe and out of trouble when they are alone, rather like putting a baby in a cot or play pen.When ordering a crate for your puppy, buy one big enough so that it can stretch out and stand up in when they are fully grown. Make sure that the mesh is not too big, as puppies may get their mouths caught. Put some bedding inside and tie some toys in the far end of the crate so the puppy has to go in there to play with them. Gently place your puppy in there whenever they fall asleep. You can gradually increase the time the puppy stays in the crate, and initially this should be while you are still in the room with them.Make sure your puppy has recently emptied their bladder and bowels before they settle in their crate and do not leave your puppy in the crate for more than a couple of hours during the daytime. Never use the crate as a sin-bin or you will teach your puppy to resent it. Always remove the puppy's collar when in the crate in case it gets caught up on it.A full range of crates including Crufts-branded crates can be ordered from Croft Online. You can also choose from a range of pens and crates in our online shop.
Short-coated dogs need to be groomed regularly, especially when they are moulting as their short hairs get can get stuck on everything! Use a rubber-toothed brush or a short-bristled brush, which massages the skin and works out the loose hair.Breeds with medium to long coats or thick undercoats need gentle de-tangling every day to keep them knot free. The main problem areas that need the most attention tend to be behind the ears, between the toes, under the feet, in the armpits, the backs of the legs and around the tail. Some dogs will need to have their beards or hair around their eyes cleaned regularly.If you intend to exhibit your puppy in the show ring, they may need to have their coat trimmed into a special shape, or need hand-stripping or clipping. Your breeder, groomer, ringcraft class or breed club can advise you on the best way to achieve this. Find contact details for your breed club.Always brush your puppy slowly and gently. Gradually introduce the concept of grooming in very short sessions. If your puppy tries to bite the brush, put some taste deterrent on the brush so they learn not to bother.Some dogs will need to have their nails trimmed if they get too long. If your dog has dew-claws (like little thumbs on the inside of its 'wrists') they should be checked frequently as these do not get worn down naturally and can grow in a circle and cut into the flesh. You can learn to trim the nails yourself or have a vet or groomer do it for you.In particular, dogs with white or sparse coats can be susceptible to sunburn, so use a high-factor sun cream on their ears and other exposed areas in hot sunny weather.
Throwing puppy showers hasn't quite caught on yet, so new pet parents need their own checklist of puppy supplies to ensure their new best friend has what he needs to grow up healthy. The following puppy supplies are sure to prepare anyone for all the fun (and commitment) that comes with being a new dog parent.
Start gathering the basic puppy supplies every new pet parent needs: food, collar, leash, and cleaning supplies. You should have an adjustable collar and short leash ready to keep your little guy close to you at all times. These two items hardly break the bank, but it's important to remember that as your dog grows, you may be replacing these things several times to keep up with him.
Before you introduce your new best friend to his new home, be sure to have some puppy food on hand! Your puppy's previous parents may have suggestions on what he prefers, but you should always check in with your vet to ensure he's getting the nutritional value he needs. If your vet recommends a different food, be sure to work out a transition schedule to help ease your pup into his new dog food. Too much change too quickly can upset his young tummy!
Although training a young dog can take a few months until you truly see results, there are a few puppy supplies that can help you form consistent habits in your four-legged companion. Toys, treats, gates, and bedding are items that need to be on your puppy checklist if you're going to train him correctly.
Bringing a new Labrador puppy home is both exciting and terrifying. Puppies are so cute; you cannot help but fall in love with them immediately. Then you get them home and realize just how much work they are! Like human babies, Lab puppies require 24-hour care for those first few weeks. And, also like human babies, there are numerous supplies and essentials you will need to raise your puppy into a loving, responsible dog. So, what do you need to buy for your new Lab puppy?
Puppy crates can be found online, in big-box stores or pet stores. Plastic crates are best for puppies since they contain any messes and are easy to wash out. I do not recommend metal or fence crates because they do not allow dogs privacy and a place to escape that plastic ones do. Your goal should be to teach you puppy that his/her crate is a good, safe place for them to sleep or get away. Learn how to do that here.
As you notice that your puppy is getting harder to control, is pulling you around or dragging you down the street, you need to move to a chain or prong collar. Actually, it would be best if you changed to a chain or prong collar long before this becomes an issue. Remember, it is always easier to fix problems when they are small rather than waiting for them to become huge problems.
Never shut a puppy in a crate against their will. Instead, make it a happy place by hiding treats inside. When your puppy sniffs out the goodies, praise them. Feed your puppy inside the crate, so they link it to good things.
QUICK RECOMMENDATION: Our friends at Puppy In Training have an extensive new puppy checklist including all the products and supplies they buy for their service dog puppies in training. 041b061a72