Ultimate Puppy Starter Kit - What Do You Actually Need?
Nov 18, 2025
When you get a new puppy, it's easy to become overwhelmed by all of the toys, gear, and STUFF people say you need. But what do you ACTUALLY need? Based on our experience training hundreds of puppies, here are our ten essentials:
- Food
Feeding high quality food is critical to your puppy's growth and development. Without knowing your puppy's breed and nutritional needs, it's hard to make a specific recommendation, but your vet may be able to make a recommendation to start with. Ideally you will use your puppy's kibble for their training, so it's important that they are eager and motivated to work for it. It may take some trial and error to find proteins that they digest well and that they enjoy. Start with smaller bags of kibble so that you can pivot if the food you try is not a good fit. Feeding raw is also a great option if this is feasible for your lifestyle - just harder to train with (we recommend using dried liver for training if you will be raw feeding your dog). - Treat Pouch
Since your puppy's meals will be used for training, having a treat pouch on hand will make food delivery much easier, especially when training outside of your home. Whether you use a designated treat pouch, fanny pack, or a reusable bag that can be slipped into any pocket or purse, ease of slipping your hand in and out for quick rewards is key. Here are a few options: - Clicker
We use both clickers and verbal markers, but lean towards clickers when starting training with young puppies. The main reason for this is that clickers are consistent. If multiple people are working with your puppy (you, your partner, your trainer, etc.), the click they hear will be consistent across every situation. As you progress through training, this consistency won't be necessary, but for early stages of training it will help solidify concepts for your puppy. Here are a few options: - Crate
Crating during the night and for rest periods throughout the day is a critical part of establishing structure, routine, and a safe space for your puppy. The crate also plays a critical role in potty training and helping your puppy develop appropriate potty habits. There are many different types available, but we generally recommend a standard wire crate. If you plan to get a large crate to start with versus sizing up as your puppy grows, make sure to get one with a divider like this one. If you have a working breed dog or traveling in the car with your dog, we do recommend a higher quality kennel for your dog's protection. - X-pen
An X-pen is a great tool for allowing your puppy more space to move about than their crate while still closely controlling their environment. If you can't give your puppy 100% of your attention, the x-pen is a great option because you can ensure they only have access to things that they can safely interact with (a place cot, bully stick, etc.). Choosing one with a door like this one will make it easier to get your puppy in and out of the x-pen. - Harness
Harnesses are a great tool to use on young pups because they allow for pulling and exploration, while keeping their neck free of pressure. We want to preserve their sensitivity to pressure around their neck so that we can introduce leash communication with the lightest amount of pressure possible when they're older and ready for -R. V-shaped harnesses are, in our opinion, the best for the development since they not inhibit their natural mobility and range of motion. Here are a few options: - Retractable Leash
Retractable leashes are a controversial subject, but we are adamant in our belief that they can be an essential training tool when used correctly. Retractable leashes allow for puppies to move freely and naturally. They can explore, move at their own pace, and put space (if they're uncomfortable) between themselves and new stimuli. Retractable leashes should always be used responsibly - don't allow your puppy to approach unknown dogs, shorten up and lock the leash when moving in a tight environment, don't allow your puppy to chase wildlife, etc. The Flexi brand is the gold standard of retractable leashes; this is one of our favorites. - Toys
A sheepskin is one of our favorite toys for introducing the game of tug. This is an important game for teaching puppies rules and boundaries for playing together. We like to use a sheepskin that can be attached to a leash allowing for greater distance while maintaining control. Many puppies will try to run away when they win a toy; our goal is to allow them to possess the toy then re-engage so the game can continue. This one from K9 Tactical Gear is our favorite.
Our other favorite puppy toy is the Hartz Dura Play Bacon Ball. - Place Cot
An elevated bed fills a special role in training - not only is it a comfy spot to lay, but teaching a place command creates a unique opportunity to foster the calm behaviors that you want your puppy to exhibit inside your home. An elevated bed is also safer than a stuffing-filled cushion for puppies who are prone to chewing. There are many brands and types of place cots available, but the Coolaroo is a popular, well-liked option. - Bully Sticks
There are many long-lasting chew options out there, but bully sticks continue to be our favorite. They are a good option for occupying puppies and giving them an outlet for their natural desire to chew. Make sure to get odor-free ones like these because they can be pretty stinky.
So now you have everything you need to welcome home your puppy. What's next? Training of course! Check out our in-person puppy training programs and our online courses. No matter your lifestyle or locale, we've got a puppy program for you!
