Congratulations on becoming a dog mom! It’s an admirable feat that comes with lots of puppy snuggles, puppy breath and possibly sleepless nights in the first few weeks. But don’t worry, it all gets better. Plus, it goes without saying that your puppy’s cute little face is totally worth it! We want to help you be the best new dog mom you can be, so we’ve compiled our top 9 must have items you need before getting a puppy so you can start your new fur-mom life off on the right foot.

1. Folding Metal Dog Crate For Any Sized Dog

First and foremost, your new little fur-baby will need a safe space to call their own. This is especially important in the early weeks while they’re still being potty-trained and dealing with the separation from their parents. Learning how not to use a crate when training your puppy is an important step for new dog moms. Crating your dog inappropriately will make your puppy feel less comfortable and safe being in it. Using it in this way will make it difficult for you to train your puppy to not break out in a full-on howl or whining the entire time they’re in it. 

This Folding Metal Crate sold by Amazon is perfect for crate-training your puppy. It allows them to have fully visibility to their surroundings, which helps with anxiety in the beginning stages. It’s safe and secure with a slide-bolt latch that will keep your puppy safely inside their crate. It also comes with a divider panel that allows you to adjust the size of the inner crate so it can expand as your puppy grow. Not only is it a great crate for your puppy, it’s great for you as a dog mom because it’s foldable and easily portable for when you need to travel! 

2. Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack Chew Toys

Something you need to purchase before getting a puppy are definitely chew toys. Your little fur-pal will likely be teething and ready to gnaw on your shoes, coffee table, that new bed you bought for him/her to sleep on and basically, anything that crosses their path. These puppy teething bones are a must have for your new puppy. They help to ease your puppy’s pain during the teething process and helps to teach them good chewing habits. This puppy chew toy starter pack has different levels of chew stages so your puppy can have the right chew toy as their teeth begin to strengthen. Not only are these treats durable and great for chew training, they’re natural, long-lastinghighly digestible to support your growing puppy’s health!

3. Blueberry Puppy Collar | Regular & Personalized Collars in a Variety of Colors

One of the first things you’ve probably already thought about getting for your new pup is a cute, stylish collar. We absolutely love these Blueberry Puppy Collars that you can personalize with your pup’s name and your contact information in case your lovable little pooch happens to get away. They’re made of nylon fabric with high density webbing to add durability and the buckle is made with eco-friendly plastic. With 32 different color options and sizes ranging from X-Small to Large, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect fit for your new family member. 

4. Puppy Potty Training Pads

One of the first things you’ll probably be teaching your lovable pup is potty training. Puppy pads are must have for potty training because you’ll quickly find out that new puppies can’t hold their bladder for very long. It’s important to familiarize your puppy with the pads by placing him/her on the pad various times throughout the day. This will help them to remember where it’s located and if they use it successfully, make sure you reward them right away. These puppy pads have a 5-layer leak proof design and offer maximum absorption. The Puppy Potty Training Pads come in various package sizes from 50-150 so you can choose the amount appropriate for your dog. 

5. Stainless Steel Dog Bowls with No Spill Non-Skid Silicone Mat

This stainless steel dog bowl set makes for the perfect dish set for a new puppy who is just learning to eat this way. The bowls are set within a non-skidno-slip silicone mat which helps prevent the bowls from tipping or slipping, which can easily happen with a clumsy puppy. The raised edge surrounding the mat catches any spills that may happen and helps prevent accidents that might cover your floor in water or dog food. These bowls will help keep your puppies food in place and gives you peace of mind knowing you won’t have to worry about having a huge mess to clean up!

6. Adjustable Puppy Harness With Leash Lead

Chances are, your new fur-BFF is going to need a lot of exercise. A bored puppy is a destructive puppy, so it’s best for them to stay active. With this Adjustable Puppy Harness and Leash Lead, you can start early with training your lovable pup how to walk appropriately on a leash (while they’re still small and not strong enough to pull you!) This harness is made of strongscratch resistant nylon and a breathable mesh lining with soft sponge padding for extra comfort when your pup is wearing it. With sizes from small to large, you can find the right size for your dog that can expand and adjust with them as they grow. Don’t wait to train your puppy to walk on a leash until they’re older, the sooner you can start the better!