One of the happiest days of your life is when you bring your new puppy home.
However…if you aren’t prepared with the appropriate supplies on hand that excitement can quickly become disaster-esqe. Think quick like a Labrador with a toy. The first 24 hours will determine their sleeping, feeding, potty training habits and sense of security.
The good news?
Packing Up Essentials For Your Dog? It’s Easy.
Preparing everything you need for your new pup doesn’t have to be complicated. This list covers all of the essentials you’ll want to have available day one, especially if you’re the proud owner of a large breed dog.
Let’s jump in!
The breakdown:
- Why That First Day Sets the Tone
- Big Dog Collars and ID Tags
- A Crate That Grows With Your Pup
- Food, Bowls and Mealtime Basics
- Bedding, Toys and Cleaning Must-Haves
Why That First Day Sets the Tone
It’s never been a better time to own a puppy — and never been more crowded either.
The U.S. pet industry has reached an all-time high, with US pet industry spending expected to reach $157 billion and 68 million families owning at least one dog. When so many people are buying the same products, it’s easy to pick up the wrong things or leave essentials behind.
Large breed puppies require certain equipment that other pups don’t. While a Labrador, German Shepherd or Great Dane puppy will be tiny on day one of their life… they won’t stay that way for six months.
That means buying smart from day one saves you:
- Money — fewer replacements as your pup outgrows things
- Time — no last-minute pet store runs at 10pm
- Stress — your puppy settles faster in a prepared home
Pretty important, right?
Now to the gear…
Big Dog Collars and ID Tags
Purchase of large dog collars should be the first thing every new owner takes care of prior to pickup day.
Why? Because safety, ID and basic training starts with a properly fitted collar. This is even more important with bigger breeds. As your puppy grows, their collar needs to withstand more pull, more weight and more wear. You don’t want a cheap collar that snaps on walk #50 when your 70lb adolescent Lab sees a squirrel.
When choosing big dog collars for a puppy, look for:
- Adjustable sizing so it grows with your dog for a few months
- Strong hardware like steel buckles, not flimsy plastic
- Wide bands to spread pressure evenly across the neck
- An engraved ID tag with your phone number attached
Higher quality pet collars made from nylon, biothane or leather will last MUCH longer than the cheap ones. They also look cool, and that’s important when your dog wears it every day for years.
Tip: Prep the collar and have the ID tag on prior to pickup day. More pups are lost in that first week than most new owners realize.
A Crate That Grows With Your Pup
Crates are not punishment — they are a safe den.
You have two choices when it comes to large breeds. Purchase a small crate now and exchange it later when your puppy has outgrown it. Or purchase a large crate with a divider and move the divider as your puppy grows. The second choice is the wiser option for large breeds as you only have to purchase one crate.
Your crate should:
- Be big enough for your dog to stand, turn and lie down
- Have solid construction (no flimsy wire that bends)
- Include a removable tray for accidents
- Sit in a quiet but social area of your home
The best crate will eventually become your pup’s favorite piece of gear in your home. From house training to travel, it offers a place for your dog to relax and call their own.
Food, Bowls and Mealtime Basics
Big breed puppies have unique food needs.
They develop rapidly – and sometimes prematurely- and improper nutrition can lead to serious joint and bone issues later in life. Consult your veterinarian or breeder prior to picking them up so you know the specific brand and formula they suggest.
Here’s what you need:
- A large-breed puppy formula designed for slow, steady growth
- Stainless steel bowls (plastic harbours bacteria)
- A slow-feeder bowl if your pup inhales meals
- A non-slip mat under the bowls
Buy stainless steel even if it costs a couple dollars more. They will last your dogs whole life and clean well in the dishwasher. Plastic bowls scratch and harbor smells and can irritate a puppies chin.
Bedding, Toys and Cleaning Must-Haves
This is where most new owners overspend without thinking it through.
You don’t need thirty toys on day one. You need a few quality toys, a comfy bed and plenty of Lysol. The reality is… your puppy is going to chew stuff and have accidents regardless of how much you prepare.
The essentials look like this:
- A washable bed with a removable cover
- 2-3 chew toys in different textures (rubber, rope, plush)
- A puzzle feeder for mental stimulation
- Enzymatic cleaner for accidents (not just any cleaner)
- Paper towels in bulk
- Poop bags — more than you think
The secret to owning a puppy? Enzymatic cleaner. Non-enzymatic cleaners only cover up odors. Enzymatic cleaners break down urine proteins so your puppy doesn’t feel like he has to go back there.
Disclaimer: Rescuing from a shelter? Approximately 23% of dogs are rescued from shelters – and many of these dogs have additional needs. You may want to purchase calming aids and extra cleaning supplies, just in case.
Closing The Loop
Day one with a new puppy is exciting, exhausting and full of surprises.
Forethought is what will help transition go smoothly rather than panically. Having the proper equipment ready to go prior to pick up can give your puppy the best head start adjusting to life in their new home. Folks who will be getting larger breeds definitely need to think ahead – Your equipment should be able to contain 80, 100 or even 150 pounds of muscle someday.
To quickly recap, before day one you should have:
- A properly fitted, durable collar with ID tag attached
- A crate sized for the future, not just for now
- Large-breed puppy food and stainless steel bowls
- A washable bed and a few smart, well-chosen toys
- Enzymatic cleaner and plenty of poop bags
Cross those off your list, and day one is about bonding. Not sneaking to the pet store at 3am.
That’s where the real fun starts.
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