It’s a big event filled with excitement and anticipation – the arrival of a dog. In this guide, you’ll find a checklist of all the products that are essential for your dog’s starter kit.
Why a Starter Kit is Important
The arrival of a dog is an adventure – for you, but also for your furry friend.
He leaves his mother, his siblings, and his familiar surroundings. After an exciting car ride, he suddenly finds himself in a new home. That’s exciting, and above all, stressful.
With a good starter kit, you help your dog adjust to his new territory more quickly.
Surely, he’ll enjoy exploring the soft dog bed that’s already waiting for him. He’ll engage with the interesting toys and can be comforted by some treats.
But it’s also a good feeling for you to be properly prepared. You no longer have to worry about collars, food bowls, and brushes. Instead, you have plenty of time to spend with your little darling.
The 10 Most Important Products
Over time, you’ll buy many more dog items. However, for starters, some basic products will suffice for your dog’s needs.
Depending on age, breed, and type, the basic equipment will look different for everyone. However, these items should be present for all.
1. Water and Food Bowl
One of the most important things for dogs is to have enough food and water. Bowls should therefore be purchased before the dog arrives.
The size of the bowls depends on how big your dog is and how much food he should get daily.
For large dogs, adjustable food bowls are recommended. These “grow” with them and have many advantages for posture.
Your dog should have access to water at all times. Therefore, it’s best to buy several water bowls. Then he has the opportunity to drink in different rooms.
2. Dog Food
For starters, you should give your dog the same food he was getting from the previous owner. Then he won’t have additional stress from a food change.
So, consult with the breeder or shelter staff beforehand.
After a few weeks, you can consider trying a different food.
There are many different providers. They offer different dog foods for every age, breed, and need.
If you’re still unsure which one is right for your dog, feel free to check out our dog food test.
3. Collar, Leash, Dog Harness
From the start, your furry friend needs a lot of exercise. He wants to explore his new environment and burn off energy. To enable him to do this, both a collar and a leash are important.
The collar should be tried on beforehand to ensure it’s not too loose or chafing. For puppies, an adjustable collar is useful. It grows with them, and you don’t have to constantly buy a new one.
If you buy a regular leash (1.5-2 meters), consider getting a retractable leash as well.
It’s usually more than 5 meters long and offers your dog plenty of freedom during his explorations.
Instead of a collar, a dog harness is also possible. On the one hand, it spares the neck and is therefore particularly suitable for puppies.
On the other hand, you have more power if your dog is very boisterous and initially pulls a lot on the leash.
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4. Toys
Whether for cuddling, chewing, or burning off energy, or to put his intelligence to the test: Every dog loves toys. It’s important that your dog has access to toys on the day he moves in.
Engaging with toys distracts him from stress and helps him settle in much faster.
Toys promote your relationship when you play together. But even when you don’t have time, your dog can occupy himself with them. The right toy for him depends on his age and type.
It’s important that it doesn’t break easily or have small parts that can be swallowed.
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5. Treats
The unfamiliar environment will surely make your dog nervous at first. But what could be better than being pampered with treats by his owner?
On the one hand, it calms your puppy down, and on the other hand, it helps him get used to you. Treats are also essential for dog training, which should start early.
For safe storage, a treat box for home and a treat bag for on the go are suitable. Make sure your dog can’t open them. Otherwise, he’ll soon help himself to the treats.
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6. Dog Bed
After such a tiring day, your little friend will quickly become tired. One moment he’s romping around the apartment, the next he’s fast asleep.
So it’s even better if he has his own soft sleeping place as a dog bed.
From the start, your dog should have a dog house or a dog basket. Choose a quiet place for the sleeping area so he can retreat there in peace.
It gets particularly cozy if you put lots of blankets and pillows in the dog bed.
In the first few nights, the puppy will miss his mother. It’s best to ask the breeder if he can give you a blanket from the mother.
When your darling notices the scent, he will be able to sleep much more peacefully.
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7. Poop Bags
Everyone wants clean paths. Therefore, you should take poop bags with you on every walk to be able to clean up immediately.
This product isn’t the first thing you think of, but it’s still important. So don’t forget to buy it on time.
Otherwise, it can quickly cause trouble with the neighbors or even a fine.
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8. Transport Box
This product is needed for the transport to the new home.
Depending on the dog and car type, either a transport box, a partition for the car, and/or a special safety belt are necessary. So it’s best to plan the car ride beforehand.
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9. Fur Brush and Dog Shampoo
These products are particularly important for dogs with long and demanding fur.
To keep your furry friend’s coat well-groomed, you should regularly brush or comb it and wash it with special dog shampoo. Many dogs even enjoy this.
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10. Flea and Tick Treatment
In the warmer months, fleas and ticks are just waiting to infest your dog.
These parasites are not only annoying, they can also transmit serious diseases. So protect your dog from the start with flea and tick repellents.
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First Equipment Checklist
Here are the most important products at a glance. Feel free to print out the list and check off what you already have.
Also, please note that you should already have an adequate dog first aid kit.
First Equipment Checklist:
| Article | Note |
|---|---|
| Water bowl | possibly several |
| Food bowl | possibly anti-gulp bowl |
| Collar | adjustable |
| Leash | possibly additional retractable leash |
| Dog harness | |
| Treats | Treat box or treat bag for storage |
| Dog food | |
| Poop bags | |
| Toys | should not break easily |
| Dog bed & blanket | Ask to include mother’s blanket |
| Fur brush | or comb |
| Dog shampoo | |
| Transport box | |
| Flea and tick treatment |
What to Consider with Puppies
The first equipment for puppies is exactly the same as for adult dogs. You just need to consider that they are still more playful, active, and inexperienced.
So make sure your puppy has particularly versatile toys available. Many treats for dog training are also important.
Puppies chew on everything they can find. Therefore, toys, collar, and leash should be able to withstand the little one’s teeth.
Eliminate possible hazards beforehand, such as exposed electrical cables, household cleaners, plants, and fragile objects. This applies to puppies as well as adult dogs.
Remember that your dog won’t stay small forever. Adjustable collars, a larger dog bed, and height-adjustable food bowls are ideal for accommodating your dog’s growth.
A Few Tips to Conclude
Even though buying equipment is much more fun, you still need to take care of the dog tax.
For this, you have to register your dog with the local authorities and in return, you will receive a dog tag.
Certain dogs also need to be registered with the regulatory office. Find out in advance if this applies to you.
A dog liability insurance is also highly recommended. It covers damages caused by your dog up to a certain amount. In some federal states, this insurance is even mandatory.
You should also consider getting dog health insurance.
My Conclusion
The arrival of a new dog is an exciting event.
But don’t forget, amidst all the excitement, to buy the most important items beforehand.
Then you can focus solely on your new friend in the first few days.
If you don’t have much experience with dogs, feel free to use our checklist. Once you’ve checked everything off, you’ll be well prepared.
Of course, more items that your dog needs will be added over time. But they can wait and are not as important as the products presented here.
The most important thing when welcoming your new dog is to spend a lot of time together and make sure you both feel comfortable. I wish you lots of fun! 😊
