So you’re getting ready to welcome a furry bundle of joy into your home. Before you pick up your new best friend you’re going to need to make a few essential purchases to make them feel right at home.

With the number of products for dogs and puppies on sale, it can be daunting knowing what you need to get – that’s why we’ve put together this handy list:

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• A crate and/or a comfy dog bed (Top tip: Many puppies love having a crate to go to when they need to sleep or relax, especially if you have children in the family or other pets – make it an inviting, comfortable space for them and make sure they aren’t disturbed whilst in there.)
• Food and water bowls
• Puppy Food (Top tip: Talk to your breeder to find out what they have been fed so far and take recommendations from your vet. If you decide to change their food, do so gradually.)
• PitPat Treats (Top tip: PitPat Treats are high in protein and have no added grain and no artificial colours or preservatives. They’re rich in Omega 3 to help support your puppy’s joints through its early stages and are pawfect for training.)
• Collar with a tag (Top tip: It is a legal requirement in the UK to have a dog tag with your name and address engraved. We also recommend including your telephone number. Think carefully about whether you include your dog’s name, as this could inadvertently help thieves.)
• Harness and Lead (Top tip: There is a huge range of leads and harnesses on the market – choose something strong and sturdy, and consider getting a long training lead as well)
• Poo bags
• Puppy house training pads
• Selection of puppy toys (Top tip: Choose a range of toys – balls, squeakers, soft toys, tug toys, puzzle toys and teething toys)
• Grooming tools, like a brush and shedding comb (Top tip: Different breeds have different grooming needs. Where some will need regular visits to your local groomers, along with daily grooming sessions, others will be very low maintenance. Have a chat with your breeder and your vet for specific advice on the breed)
• Dog toothpaste and toothbrush
• Dog shampoo
• PitPat Dog GPS Tracker (Top tip: It’s important not to over-exercise your puppy when they’re young. The best way to keep track of their activity and location is by using a made-for-dogs GPS Tracker like PitPat.)
• Flea and worming treatments (Top tip: It’s almost always better to get recommendations from your vet during your puppy’s first check-up, as they can advise on dosage and brand)
• Blankets (Top tip: A couple of soft blankets specifically for your doggy can be used in their crate or bed, and to cover your furniture where you let them sit.)
• Towels (Top tip: Have a few of your old towels set aside especially for your dog, so you can dry them off when wet or towel them down when they’re coming in after a muddy walk!)

Once you’ve got all the items on your shopping list, it’s time to think about the other things you need to organise in preparation for your puppy. 

• Find a local, reputable veterinary surgery and get them booked in for vaccinations and a general check-up.
• Take out pet insurance, paying close attention to the small print so you know exactly what types of expenses are covered (such as ongoing condition).
• Arrange to have your puppy microchipped at your local vets (or make sure you update the microchip if the breeder has already sorted it.)
• Sign up for local puppy socialisation classes. The best ones are often run in veterinary surgeries and are managed by a qualified behaviourist or veterinary professional, ensuring your puppy gets a pawsitive start.
• Research the breed (if you hadn’t already) so you know what to expect as your puppy grows up – especially in terms of their exercise levels, size and weight. 
• Puppy-proof the home – move anything harmful out of their reach (such as cables and household chemicals) and any items that they might damage (such as your favourite pair of slippers!) Consider installing wire gates if there are areas of the home that you don’t want your puppy to venture into.
• Prepare the family – explain to young children that they need to be calm and gentle with the puppy and when to leave the puppy alone. 
• Secure the garden – check the fences for any puppy-sized holes that they might slip out of and remove any poisonous plants.
• If you rent your home, make sure your landlord is aware that you will have a dog, and ensure that you have their permission in writing.
• Arrange for some pawternity leave –  take some time off work to help your puppy settle in and arrange dog sitting or day care for them if you’re going to be out of the house for long periods of time.

Once you’ve ticked off all the items on your list, you’ll be fully prepared to bring your new puppy home.

Get your puppy off to a flying start with PitPat – track their location, exercise, weight and more with the PitPat Dog GPS Tracker. It’s designed to take the guesswork out of puppy parenting so all you need to do is bring the love. How easy is that?

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