New Dog Checklist | Everything You Need to Buy Your New Dog

So you just welcomed a new dog into your home—congratulations! (If you've recently gotten a new puppy, check out our new puppy parent checklist.)

Adopting a dog is a very exciting time. After all, you're at the beginning of a beautiful relationship. But it's also overwhelming. Not only do you have to adjust to living with your newest family member—and waiting for your new dog to adjust to living with you—but you may not know what supplies you need.

Well, we've got your back.

In the following checklist, we have listed everything you need to buy for your new dog.

At the end of the list, we've included a downloadable PDF version of the checklist, so you can print it out and take it to the pet store with you.

Disclosure: some of the links in this blog are affiliate links. We receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. This helps support us and allows us to continue to put out free content to help you and your pup. Thanks for your support!

Basics

☐ Healthy food

Acana, Orijen, Nulo, Zignature, NutriSource

☐ Food and water bowls

☐ 6 ft leash

☐ Collar

☐ Harness

Ruffwear, Balance Harness, Perfect Fit Harness

☐ Poop bags and holder

☐ Bed

Bringing your dog’s bedding with you when you travel can help them feel more at ease.

☐ Crate

Think of your dog's crate as their safe space where they can get away from the chaos of other pets or children.

☐ Basic first aid kit

☐ Collapsible water bowl

For hikes, long car rides, and other adventures

Enrichment

Mental enrichment is as important as physical exercise. Ensuring that your dog has the appropriate mental stimulation will help prevent unwanted behaviors—like excessive barking and chewing—from becoming major problems.

☐ Squeaky toys

Like humans, dogs like new things. Continually rotate out your dog’s toys, so they don’t get bored.

☐ Puzzle or interactive toys

West Paw, Outward Hound, snuffle mat (or make a DIY snuffle mat)

☐ Long leash (13+ ft)

Try taking your dog on “sniffaris." These are walks for the sole purpose of letting your dog sniff (read more about sniffaris). Use a long lead to give them room to roam.

☐ Chews

Digestible (bully sticks, Himalayan cheese chews, No-hide)

Non-digestible (Bonetics, Playology)

☐ Lick mat and spreadable treats

Give your dog a lick mat while you groom them to help make the process go smoothly.

Training Tools

☐ Treat pouch

☐ Training treats (pea-sized)

Lotus, Bixbi, On Cue Training Treats

Focus on rewarding your dog for what they do right to encourage good behavior.

☐ High-value food

West Paw, Ziwi, Vital Essentials

☐ Clicker

Training with a clicker not only helps you teach behaviors faster but is a great way to bond with your new dog!

Grooming

☐ Toothbrush

☐ Toothpaste

☐ Brush

☐ Nail clippers

☐ Shampoo (optional)

Download the PDF New Dog Checklist Here

Conclusion

By taking the guesswork out of what you need to buy for your new dog, we hope you can better enjoy this exciting time. Now, get out of here and go play with your new best friend!