Guide: new puppy supplies
New Puppy Supplies: The Checklist You Actually Need
New puppy supplies do not need to cost a fortune. You need a correctly sized crate, a collar or harness with an ID tag, a leash, washable bowls, the food your puppy already eats, a few safe toys and basic grooming tools. Buy those before pickup day, and then add the rest once you know your puppy.
New puppy supplies: the essentials
| Item | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Crate | Room to stand, turn around and lie down, but no bigger. A divider lets one crate grow with the puppy. |
| Collar and ID tag | Snug enough that two fingers fit underneath. Check the fit often, because puppies grow fast. |
| Harness | A soft, well-fitted harness is kind to a small puppy’s neck. |
| Leash | A plain fixed-length leash. Skip retractable ones. |
| Bowls | Washable and hard to tip |
| Food | A puppy food labeled for growth or all life stages, ideally the one the breeder uses |
| Bed | Cheap and washable, because it may be chewed |
| Toys | A few safe chews, a soft toy and a puzzle toy |
These points follow checklists from VCA Animal Hospitals and the American Kennel Club (VCA, AKC).
Housetraining and cleanup
- Enzymatic cleaner, which removes the scent that draws a puppy back to the same spot
- Potty pads, if you plan to use them
- Waste bags
- A baby gate or playpen
- Paper towels, and plenty of them
See potty training a small breed puppy for how to use them.
Grooming tools
Poodle mixes need grooming from day one, so start with the basics: a soft brush, a metal comb, nail clippers or a grinder, puppy shampoo, and a dog toothbrush with dog toothpaste. VCA also suggests cotton or gauze for cleaning ears.
Use each tool for a few seconds a day at first, with treats. Then grooming becomes normal long before the coat needs real work. See our Havapoo grooming guide and Goldendoodle grooming guide.
What comes with our puppies
Every puppy from us goes home with a comfort blanket that carries its mother’s scent, a starter bag of the food it eats now, a written care guide and its vet records. It is also microchipped.
So you do not need to buy food before pickup. Instead, note the brand, and buy the same one when the starter bag runs low. Our puppy feeding schedule covers how much and how often.
New puppy supplies you can skip or delay
- An expensive bed. Wait until the chewing stage has passed.
- An adult-size crate with no divider. Too much room slows housetraining.
- A big bag of a different food. A sudden change upsets young stomachs.
- A retractable leash. It teaches pulling and gives little control.
- A wardrobe of outfits. One warm coat for a tiny dog in a Utah winter is enough.
Sizing new puppy supplies for a small breed
Small puppies slip out of loose collars and get lost in large crates. Therefore, ask your breeder for the puppy’s current weight and expected adult size before you shop. We are happy to tell you both.
Then finish your preparation with puppy proofing, our new puppy checklist for the first 48 hours, and a plan for the first night with a new puppy.
Related guides
- Introducing a Puppy to an Older Dog: Step by Step
- How Much Do Puppies Sleep? Hours by Age and a Nap Routine
- Introducing a Puppy to a Cat: A Calm Five-Step Plan
- Puppies and Children: Safety Rules for a Happy Home
See all our puppy guides, or meet our Havapoo puppies for sale and Goldendoodle puppies for sale.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals. New Puppy Checklist. vcahospitals.com
- American Kennel Club. New Puppy Checklist: Gear You’ll Need for Your New Dog. akc.org
Sources were checked on October 7, 2026.
Ready to meet your puppy?
Our puppies are born and raised inside our family home in Eagle Mountain, Utah, from health-tested parents. See who is available now, or ask us a question.