Things to Buy for Puppy

NEW PUPPY SHOPPING LIST

SUPPLIES FOR PUPPY

PREPARING FOR YOUR PUPPY

Below are items to buy, the what and why, and also links to Amazon to see the product and purchase. You can also use our Amazon Storefront, but you will miss out on the why part if you don't read through the below page = https://www.amazon.com/shop/rivervalleydoodles
and click on "Puppy Shopping List"

Many new puppy owners ask us what they should get before (and after) they get their puppy.

Below you will find a quick checklist, and also a Shopping List of specific products and links to Amazon.

Food
Your puppy will be eating puppy food (AKA kibble) - and we will post this info via an informational email, and you will receive a ziplock bag of some to get you started. Links to the food are below.

QUICK CHECKLIST with Amazon links:
Crate or several crates for different rooms (the options range from ugly and $150 to really nice for $350/400; or check out your local craigslist for a used one - https://amzn.to/4cc7HfP
Exercise pen (lots of options inc ones with tops to help with climbers) - https://amzn.to/4a9tCm7
Fleece blankets or old towels (do not buy a dog bed yet) - https://amzn.to/4ccFFAW
Leash, basic 6' puppy leash until big enough for adult size - https://amzn.to/4ceaTYe
Walking harness - we mostly use Easy Walk but there are lots of brands - https://amzn.to/3wT3i1n
Collar (puppy comes with one)
Dog food - most of our puppies are on Hills Puppy Science Diet - https://amzn.to/3TKeSF3
ID Tags
Toys & training treats (see further below for options/descriptions)
Teething toys
Puppy Shampoo - https://amzn.to/4csKaaP
Nail trimmers or file (or plan on visiting the vet or groomer often)
Ear Wash with a drying agent in it (floppy eared dogs get infections easily!) - https://amzn.to/3Vjluve
Dog Toothbrush & Toothpaste - https://amzn.to/4aa5boA
Pooper Scooper if you have a yard - https://amzn.to/3TgoA0m
Food bowls
Car seat dog cover or hammock
Cleanup spray, paper towels
Poop bags - https://amzn.to/4a9vWJN
Flea & tick preventatives, we only use collars no oral products! - Seresto: https://amzn.to/43kDZkA
Canned pumpkin, plain greek yogurt, and plain peanut butter - for crate training and boredom buster with Kongs!

Things to avoid:
~ Rawhide (only under close supervision).
~ Some puppies are infamous for eating socks and other small undergarments - be careful! Squeakers and stuffing and rope toys should all be carefully monitored.
~ Grapes, chocolate, alcohol, and cannabis

Do not buy a dog bed; wait until the puppy is done teething and house trained - save the $ ;-) and buy the fleece blankets below or use old towels. Some have ignored my advice and they love to send me pics of their destroyed dog bed with the caption, "we should've listened to you." ;-) Buy what we use for the pups, the fleece blankies in the below links, easy to just stick in the washer when necessary with a capful of bleach. - https://amzn.to/4ccFFAW

Puppy Products - the what and why

We do receive an affiliate fee direct from Amazon (it is not charged to you, you don't see it, your cost of the product doesn't change whether you use our links or not), if items are purchased within 24 hours of being put into your cart. If you put it in your cart, and wait after a day or more to order it, we do not receive an affiliate fee for it. It doesn't add up to much, but we appreciate it if you use them and checkout within 24 hours of putting items in your cart. But, please don't hesitate to check around on pricing - the small items are not much differences I'm sure, but the crates might matter / add up. Take a look at Chewy.com, as they are often price competitive.

FOOD

You should keep your new pup on the same kind of food that is provided by the breeder, for at least a couple of months so that they don't get an upset tummy from being switched. Do not switch food on your puppy dog without doing so very slowly, gradually. We are happy to answer any questions on this. If you have a mini sized dog, your puppy can be switched to adult food around 8 months to a year of age. If you have a medium or standard sized, you will want to switch earlier, around 6 months.

Hills Science Diet Small Bites Puppy - https://amzn.to/48PVf2l

As of 2018, we have changed our adults' food to RAW instead of kibble due to recalls and vet suggestions that grain free is not good for the heart. We are now feeding our adults the raw Stella & Chewy brand, and we add white or brown rice and/or oats for grains. We also put Missing Link Skin and Coat supplement on their food (especially in the winter), as well as Purina fortiflora (both products are below on the list). In the winter, we sometimes add a little coconut oil. If there are changes going on, like some travel, we like to add some canned pumpkin as not only a treat but to help keep poop firm in case they get nervous / soft poo for some reason.

For puppies, keep it simple until potty trained consistently. Any changes to puppy's food or treats could cause a tummy ache.

This is the PUPPY one - https://amzn.to/3VcNlgt

This is the adult one - https://amzn.to/48UwUbC
we feed the beef

SUPPLEMENTS

We put Purina fortiflora supplement on the puppies' food to help digestion and keep firm stool. In the winter, we add Missing Link Skin and Coat to our adults' food to help them with the winter itches. Coconut oil is another favorite to add. Pumpkin is a great stomach settler and adds fiber. I recommend it on your puppy's food the first couple of weeks of coming to you to help keep stool firm. Like us, when they are anxious, their tummy might be off. You can use it whenever though - you can also pack it into a Kong for a treat. Plain greek yogurt is also a safe, beneficial additive.

Purina fortiflora - https://amzn.to/3TAhODL

Missing Link - https://amzn.to/43gcKb6

CRATES and EX PENS

Petmate Navigators have the divider.... - UPDATE 2023: it is almost impossible to find Navigators now- so check out the COMPASS MODELS (all made by Petmate) - or any brand that is not cheap, bendable metal.

Crates on Chewy.com, Amazon, your local pet storer - or, try Marketplace or local Craigslist

PETMATE COMPASS IS OUR FAVORITE - link: https://amzn.to/3TD04I9

You will find crates on Amazon or Chewy. We like the Petmate Compass brand the best. Why these? -- The door opens both ways and comes off easily (this is really, really handy when training and using a pen with crate inside). They are also the best looking in a field of uglies. If you call the company direct, they will send you an appropriate sized 'grow with me' divider.

NOTE: We have heard from owners using metal crates that legs and teeth have been broken! We prefer the hard plastic kennel crates over the metal wire ones that puppies can get their legs and teeth stuck in. There are some occasions that we will use a metal crate if we feel a pup is better off (more comfortable) in one for when we do extended training, but we would not put an anxious or upset pup in a metal one, ever.

If you are interested in more about the how and why of crate training, take a look at our Crate Training page (you might also want to get an exercise pen as is shown on this page): http://www.rivervalleydoodles.com/crate-training-your-puppy.html

Depending on size of your dog - Large (medium to standards), Intermediate (minis and petites), or Medium (petites)

PLEASE NOTE: some crates come with a 'grow with me' divider and some do not- check descriptions! The Petmate Compass = its depends on the 'store', if it comes with a divider. The door always opens both ways and comes off - that is why we like them.

An exercise pen to put your puppy in - keep your sanity and get one or two or three. You can use them indoors but also outdoors and they are very portable. They come in different heights - try not to get one too tall that you can't hop over it and not too short that the puppy will jump out in just a few weeks of growth. I use the 24" and 32" and 36" ones (prefer the 24" and 32" best for small puppies, but bigger ones or climbers might need higher). These are not ideal solutions as they can also trap legs and teeth, but not as much as the metal crates can. I have yet to find a reasonably priced safer alternative to these though. There is a company, Clearly Loved Pets, that sells beautiful, plexiglass pens, but they are quite pricey (like, think $400+). It is about impossible for a pup to climb out of though (Clearly Loved Pets) if right sized.

There are some ex pen options and links further down on this page.

FLOOR PROTECTION - To help protect our wood floors, we buy from Home Depot or Lowe's linoleum (vinyl? - whatever the material is called, you know what I mean - see the below pics) remnants (6' x 8') that are about $30. We put the pen/puppy setup on top of this.

AKA, Puppy apartment, puppy jail....;-)

Puppy pen on top of linoleum piece - put the crate and puppy stuff in the pen and it becomes the "puppy apartment" (or aka puppy jail, as one of my friends with human kids likes to call her "kid jail" that is a playpen). This below picture is my living room on picking day. Please also notice that the guests are sitting on the floor. We do require that when handling the puppies. New owners that hold their little puppy on the couch, have ended up with broken legs, and several have had to be amputated because puppies have no fear and jump off whatever heights.

There are all sorts of gates - here are a few. Measure and try to find one tall enough that your dood won't jump over it.

Babelio brand gate:
https://amzn.to/3vdlTo6

Midwest less costly gate but they might be able to climb: https://amzn.to/4clcDPt

Exercise pens and playpens I'd say are in the top of "things to buy" for new puppy owners. 24" is not that tall, so this would be for a small puppy. In regards to the "square" set up - I have seen some puppies use the corners to climb up and out of these. Some pups are climbers and some are not. I can't guess which will turn into climbers for you ;-) The square edging gives them stable leverage to climb like a ladder, whereas the circular ex pen above is harder to get leverage on to climb.

Exercise pen / playpen lower end version - https://amzn.to/49OTILk

Playpen with mesh top - https://amzn.to/4ciX2jn

BEST BUY pen: These are very nifty - if your puppy is a "climber" the ex pens without a top are not very helpful, but the manufacturers heard feedback and made pens with tops AND bottoms - for a bit more of course. These can be used inside or outside. - https://amzn.to/3x41rXf

We do not use dog beds for the puppies. Puppies will destroy these while they are teething and also they like to pee on cushy things (so don't let them on your couch until you are 100% sure they are potty trained - and that they won't jump off and break a leg). We use these fleece blankies in the crates and on the floor. They are easy to toss in the wash; much easier than jamming in a dog bed. Trust us - don't buy a bed until your puppy is older! We will give you a blanket that has littermate smell on it to go home with. Some of the ones listed on Amazon are tiny - we like anything larger than 40".

Here is a link to some puppy blankets that come in different sizes: https://amzn.to/4ccFFAW

If you are flying in and need a basic carrier that is airline approved.... -- if you buy from the airline, you'll spend more $$.

Basic airline approved carrier - https://amzn.to/3PnwXGm

These Kurgo dog car seats and harness/seat belt we heard about from one of our owners - who mentioned it on the private Facebook group we have, and next thing we know, "everyone" is getting them. My mom uses it for her training puppies to teach them to sit and enjoy the ride and they LOVE it. They can see out the window.

Kurgo dog seat - https://amzn.to/3VjsHuY

Also here is a backseat dog cover that is very handy - https://amzn.to/48W7GJZ

A cheap seatbelt that goes in the current seatbelt receptacle you would have....these are okay for emergencies and easy carry, but no idea how well they work in an accident. At the least, it'll keep your dog from wandering all over the car and being distracting.

Standard seatbelt/dog - https://amzn.to/3PpG2y9

Please keep in mind that no solid studies have been done on dogs and dog seat belts or restraints of any kind. Some people say the safest is to strap down a crate and put your dog in that for the trip. I don't know the best options so we all do what we must, but most importantly, be very careful, extra vigilant, driving while you dog is in the car with you! At the very least, get a dog seat belt strap.

TREATS and fav TOYS

Best high reward treat? Boil chicken or steak, and cut into little pieces. Cheese is an option that a lot of trainers like as well.

What makes a good training treat? Well, preferable something small, that they can eat fast so you don't have to wait for them to chew to go on to the next training command. Also, something that isn't messy on your hands (no idea why people use hot dogs besides pups do like them and they are smelly aka high reward to them).

These Pupford ones are small, easy/quick to eat for training time, and not messy. The pups all seem to like them too. Part of training includes good timing and you need something that is quick for them to chew up and swallow or you'll be waiting forever for them to finish chomping on one treat and it slows training down. These are dry, usually through a freeze dried or jerky style process.

Pupford training treats check all the boxes, not messy, quick to eat - https://amzn.to/4clsQ7x

Bully sticks are loved by all the dogs. You should always supervise the chewing of these - and start with allowing only a few minutes at a time to not disrupt puppy's belly. They also take some time for them to chew on so it helps keep your pup occupied while you try to live a life.

Bully sticks - https://amzn.to/3wYGXPW

Bully stick holder - https://amzn.to/3TzWNsW

We also take the caps and labels off empty water bottles and give the pups the bottles – talk about a cheap toy that they go bonkers for! Careful though to make sure little pieces are not chewed off. Some people also like to give paper towel rolls (empty) to chew/entertain themselves with but obviously this is something you'll have to clean up.

Snuggle Pet Puppy - has a heartbeat and has been invaluable for the first couple of weeks of bring your puppy to new home - helps them sleep at night so they don't feel 'alone'. THIS MIGHT BE A LIFESAVER TOY FOR YOUR SANITY - it might be the only thing that helps your puppy sleep at night (some puppies don't care for it, but most love it).

Snuggle Puppy - https://amzn.to/3IEAaNW

These Busy Buddy toys are puzzles that are great to keep your pup busy and clean teeth! Get the refills too!
Busy Buddy (might have to soak it in warm water first time for puppy to realize it is delicious) - https://amzn.to/3TDnFbx
Refills - https://amzn.to/4ciY7rx

Kongs - don't buy Kongs that are too small because your puppy could swallow it - Large is good for most! Use these to feed your puppy their kibble (ie, their puppy food), and or fill with peanut butter or plain greek yogurt (freeze to last longer) - great reward or time buster in the crate!

I suggest ordering 3 to 4. Feed your puppy her kibble in it, put peanut butter in another when you leave, and have one in the freezer full of pumpkin or plain yogurt for backup. They wash in the dishwasher. Usually dogs love these, but if you have one that does it, try soaking the kibble until it is soft and then packing it into one of these. Toss in the crate every time you leave or feed them.

Kong / large - https://amzn.to/3VmYgEi
2 pack Kong medium - https://amzn.to/3VkVteN

SNUFFLE MAT! Okay, these are SUPER FUN for the pups. They also serve multiple purposes. The game is to hide the puppy food kibble in the interactive pieces on the Snuffle Mat - similar to putting the food in the Kong to keep them occupied. This will also help those that eat their food too fast. Really, a blast! It is also a great way to bond with your puppy - you will show him where to start to find the kibble hidden and help him 'snuffle'. Lastly, when you get into Intermediate and Advanced training, you will need a "mat" to tell the dog "go to your mat" whenever company is coming or just for fun, or just to get some space. These are positively associated with food and so it won't feel like punishment for you to tell them "go to your mat".

There are tons, but here is one with different kinds of challenges - https://amzn.to/3PpPzoZ

This is a treat 'puzzle toy'. Puppies LOVE it! You put some delicious high reward treats in it, shake it a bit, and give to your pup to roll around until the treats start to drop out. It will keep your pup busy for a little bit. Give to him before you leave the house! You must manage your puppy's time and energy or they will drive you nuts and possibly even keep you up all night.

Basic ball treat toy / puzzle- https://amzn.to/3VjXBTZ

You can use kibble or even put peanut butter or pumpkin in this one - https://amzn.to/4aeBimX

We have these Himalayan Dog Chew "bones" (really yak cheese) on monthly subscription - the adult dogs love them! You can put peanut butter on them, or store them in your dog food container to get a good smell on them.

Himalayan - https://amzn.to/4axQwnx

Your vet will tell you to get these Greenies, which supposedly help clean your dog's teeth. We have one dog that likes to swallow these whole, and luckily the formula is easily digestible. As with all hard things, watch your dog when they are chewing on these and take it away if it looks like they are going to swallow large pieces.

Greenies - https://amzn.to/48Vly7p

They also love things that make crinkle noises....here is a long cow toy with crinkly in it that they will love! You probably won't remember this, but don't put it in the dryer after washing. I have learned that it ruins the crinkle.

Cow crinkle toy - https://amzn.to/3v3mpFr

A puppy loses over 20 baby teeth & grows in over 40 adult teeth from the ages of 4 months to 9 months. That's a lot of movement in the mouth! This teething bundle will help. They like things hard that make noise when it bops on the floor, and these are it. They especially like to do it while you are trying to take a nap. Bang, bang, bang.

Nylabones. These are favorites, especially the brown one - https://amzn.to/3TlCdLt

Teach fetch to your little puppy by sitting down on the floor....as your pup grows up, you'll want a ChuckIt thrower to help your arm.... and a ton of tennis balls, of course.
Remember to start by throwing at eye level to the dog - get it close to the ground to encourage their interest, until they learn fully what 'fetch' is all about.
Chuck It - https://amzn.to/3TmOdfQ

It is hard to get puppies to not eat sticks, so this helps (it is fake stick, AKA faux stick)...

Fake stick - https://amzn.to/3TbwUyk

LEASHES and COLLARS

There are a ton of fun options, so we will include some basics here. Use basic for puppyhood and then spend on the fun fancy stuff once they are done teething!

Basic 6' leash to get started with. This is the same brand of puppy collars that we use and has a lifetime guarantee, even on chewed up items! Lupine is a great brand - and the collar brand your puppy will go home with. Start with a lightweight leash- not a full size 1" one. This is 1/2". If you buy the 1" one and you are getting a puppy that is under 12 weeks old, it will be too heavy/big for them.

Lupine 1/2", 6' leash to start puppy with - https://amzn.to/4aaJGUt

Easy Walk harness - hands down our favorite way to walk the dogs. Safe, clips in the front, and helps with pulling. Read the directions - the grey goes on the belly. THESE ARE WHAT WE USE!

Easy Walk (start with petite/small sizing for pups) - https://amzn.to/3TEuLMQ

Training leash long - 30' for teaching "off leash" and having fun at the park while you are on a blanket

30' Long training leash - https://amzn.to/48RskLu

Booties for hot sidewalks and salted walkies.... I suggest the rubber Pawz first as they are inexpensive and easy. These are more hardy for hiking. You will notice that all dog boots on Amazon are not rated high - they all have faults, some fall off too easy, some are not durable. I have found that Pawz are hard to put on, but work! And if lost in deep snow, no big deal - just use the pack of 12 they send to easily replace. They are not perfect but better than other options for this reason. If you have sidewalks with salt in the winter... boots are absolutely necessary to protect paws from being burnt/shredded. If you live in the city and don't have boots on your dog in the winter, you most certainly will get a well meaning lecture from some neighbor or passerby.

Pawz - https://amzn.to/3TDRoBl

FLEA TICK PREVENTATIVE

Depending on where you live, and how many fleas or ticks there are, you might want to do either the collar or the topical...and some people need to do both if they live in a high tick area. Please be careful with the topical as it can sometimes burn - most dogs, it doesn't bother, but some do not like it at all on their skin. If you end up with a flea or tick problem, bathe your pup in Dawn dish soap as it is stunning to them (paralyzes them so you can pick them off) and deterrent (not a 100% guarantee but it does help get them off and also deter the beasties).

Seresto flea collar - Large - they are usually the same price (sizes), so buy the Large and just use the adjusting aspect and trim it - that way if you have a growing puppy, you don't end up having to buy two when the pup grows out of a small.

Seresto - https://amzn.to/4afwSMJ

Lastly on this topic, I think ORAL options are terrible and causing many dogs to have seizures and who knows what else - cancer? I have no idea why any good minded vet would recommend these products. It is having your dog swallow poison. Literally. We have considered making our guarantee null and void to any that have ever given these products to our doodles. I truly believe they are the cause for health issues.

There are no perfect solutions to ticks and fleas - really. The all natural stuff just isn't strong enough. Lavender or lemon or whatever.... no one can prove it works. All of the options that do work are chemical based. I'd rather the collar than having my dogs ingest chemicals. If I could get on a soap box about something it is this! SIMPATICO, BRAVECTO, TRIFECTA, ANY OF THEM! Just terrible ideas really. There are many of Facebook groups and even the FDA as noted that these oral flea tick products are causing seizures and deaths. Please stop giving your dogs this stuff!

BATHING and GROOMING SUPPLIES

Goldendoodle and Sheepadoodle coats are high maintenance and need visits to a groomer (in our opinion), they are also what we call “magic coats” – if they get muddy and you let it dry, it’ll come right off. But they still need to visit a groomer to get matts combed or shaved out and sometimes a doodle likes a short coat because they can get hot.

Nature's Miracle - great shampoo! - https://amzn.to/3VrgK6u

Ear Cleanser with drying agent - it is important to use the kind that has a drying agent in it. Some of the all natural stuff just makes the pups' ears smell good but doesn't keep it dry. Wetness creates bacteria and yeast, which cause ear infections. Always use this after swimming or a bath! I cannot stress the importance of reading this part - most floppy eared dogs will suffer from an ear infection (or many) throughout their lives. Using this product will save you $$ at the vet because every time you go they charge an exam and the meds.

Ear cleaner - https://amzn.to/49Vtff7

Many new owners are surprised that their groomer needs to shave their doodle down because they did not get to the bottom of the coat and the dog is one big matt. Not good and very uncomfortable. MATS – The most common mistake made when grooming a Doodle or Poodle is to brush over the top but not get in underneath and close to the skin. It can be quite shocking to discover that although your dog looks beautiful ‘on top,’ underneath there is a whole nest of matting you haven’t even noticed or you think isn’t that bad then you take them into the groomers for the first time and the groomer says… “Sorry, we had no choice but to shave them to the skin because they had mats“. Yep, so Goodbye cute Teddy Bear look for at least the next 2 months. Groomers already spend a good 2-4 hours on a regular groom and they will refuse to comb out mats by hand…. this is a huge job. So give your groomer a break and help them out. If you want a longer fluff coat, you HAVE to keep on top of it yourself by using a dematting comb. You can comb out their ears, tails, hips, bodies and feet etc…once a week and save them from being shaved totally pink naked. All of the below have been recommended by our owners - but it is also a personal preference. Start with one kind, and before spending money on another, see if you like it and if it is effective on your doodle's type of coat. P.S. it is easier to brush your puppy if he is sleeping!

Basic Slicker Brush - https://amzn.to/43gXR8t

A "poodle comb" for long hair - so if you need to get some mats out, you'll need this kind of metal rotating pin comb for Poodles. https://amzn.to/49SxYhP

Dematting tool - https://amzn.to/48YrjBo

The famous "best" brush for doodles is pricey but works really well - https://amzn.to/492EW2d

Cowboy Magic is amazing to work out mats - smells good too! Many of our doodle owners have said this product has saved their dood from being naked shaved. I used to use it on my horse's tail, but discovered it was good on the doodles as well! You can even put it in your kids' hair for gnarls.

Cowboy Magic - https://amzn.to/3IFTryA

Instead of the cone of shame, our owners say these spay/neuter recovery suits are sooo much nicer, and more manageable than a big stupid cone banging against everything, including the backs of your legs.

I don't know why vets give out those dumb big plastic cones - no one likes them. The dogs hate them and they jam them into the back of your legs. These inflatable ones are huge hits and you should have it on hand in case something happens and it is needed asap.

SURGERY COVERING - Suitical - https://amzn.to/3TgVBcJ

CLEANING

Nature's Miracle Cleaner Spray - sorry but you will need this! https://amzn.to/3wWfeiV

Buy in Giant Size ;-) - Paper Towels! -- my family makes fun of me because I will only use Bounty, the "good" paper towels - and I have a standing subscription order through Target for them to be delivered to my door. The worst is using cheap paper towels and well, getting literal crap under your nails ;-)

BOOKS

Here is our webpage that has links to some books that we love: RVD's Book List

MISCELLANEOUS

MUD - will drive you crazy!

These mats are a saver - we line our patio and garage doors with these to get most of it off before they come in. We also use them in our vehicles. You can also put it in your dog's crate. These things are GREAT! The poofy fabric helps rub off dirt, and the fabric is holds a ton of water.

Medium size is not that big but handy. Large Size is normal doormat size (...this is the size I get).

Mud mats - https://amzn.to/48TToJX

Doggy paw wiper is great for wet paws before coming into the house - also get some of the mud towels to wipe up the belly which gets quite dirty on walks too. Keep it at the door! Doodle coats are fun, but messy!

Paw dipper cleaner mug thingy -
https://amzn.to/3ThVxtd

POOP

Because poop happens! Never be caught without bags if you want to avoid a neighbor lecture lol

You will need lots of poop bags - and if you have a yard, a garbage can and a Poop Scooper is way easier than bending over all the time!
Poop bags - https://amzn.to/3TExMNa

IMPORTANT~
PINE OR PAPER LITTER PELLETS - some of the puppies are litter trained. Paper or Pine/soft wood pellets is what they will use. If you have allergy concerns, and you're allergic to hay, you might want to skip using the Pine. There are also PAPER pellets available to use. The pro to pine/softwood is they easily transfer the smell of outdoor grass for outdoor potty training. The con is some don't like the dust and some are allergic to it. Forget what you traditionally think about litter training. I used to be against it, thinking then the pups have to learn outside and it would be harder. But it is not. Puppies can potty every 10 minutes (feel like it anyway). Are you going to run your puppy out that often? They are a dream come true - especially for apartment dwellers or those that are being really careful and keeping their puppy off the sidewalks for the first month or so. This will also help you potty train outside - take the box outside when you're ready, or a pile of pellets. -- You can also use an 'under bed storage' that is about 4"-5 1/2" tall - don't get one too tall or little pupper can't jump into it. Let them pee in it for a couple of days, and scoop out poop - and then toss it and put in fresh.

PAPER Pellets ! - not on Amazon but at Chewy - https://www.chewy.com/frisco-paper-pellet-dog-litter/dp/752422

The litter pan is just an under the bed plastic thing, about 4" in height. You should look around for good pricing as this item on Amazon keeps changing. Or you can buy a litter box made for dogs. The below is the kind we use!

LITTER PAN TRAY - https://amzn.to/3Tmy2iy

Wee Wee Pads - depending on how far potty trained your puppy is, you may or may not need this. Some of our puppies are LITTER trained and not used to potty pads. Some puppies love to shred potty pads as a game. But others, these work well. https://amzn.to/3VCJR7l

Indoor Dog Potty Tray - owners, especially those in urban areas, have told us that these trays are great for training and also emergencies. You can also put the Wee Wee Pads in them so that the puppy doesn't chew up/play with the wee wee pad - which they love to do! We have used this with the puppies until a certain age so they know what a potty tray is for. But, sometimes poop is a little hard to clean off of it - if it gets mushed. Personally, I'd do the litter before this, but if you are worried about severe allergies, then this type of pan/tray over the litter.

https://amzn.to/3ICm5R5

A lot of people are doing the "faux grass" types for potty training. I think it will work fine for one puppy, but when I tried it, it was with a litter and they thought it was a fun game to shred, just like they do potty pads when together. Nothing like a good game of tug of war or tearing up. - https://amzn.to/3wO3vmb

Potty training bell to hang on your door - take your puppy's paw and tap it on the bells every time you go out - very quickly, your puppy will understand to tap the bells to let you know he has to go out. Be careful though - the puppy might start dinging the bell just for the fun of it. It's a good way to get started!

Bells - https://amzn.to/4agMEqy

We love to hike, so we take these bowls for the dogs and they are hardly any added weight or inconvenience to bring along. - travel bowls including water - https://amzn.to/3PjXPXF

While we like to use the Kongs to put the puppy kibble food in, so the pups have something to do, to "hunt" for their food - you might always want to get food bowls. There is some science that says elevated bowls are best and another set of science that says they are not. Buy what you like.... or no bowls at all and just spread the kibble around their pen and crate! Having food in their area will help with potty training as they don't like to potty where they eat. We prefer stainless steel bowls - not plastic or rubber, and not porcelain (some dogs are allergic to rubber and some pups will break porcelain playing). Stainless steel is the easiest to sanitize!

Bowls - https://amzn.to/49U3Pi4

It is NYS Ag law, for us, that we keep our food in closed bins - we don't open a bag and leave it that way - this keeps critters out and the food fresher! Here are several options. Pick one that is at least 30lb food bin because most dog food bags that you will buy will be around 18 to 42 lbs. In addition to the dog food kibble being in the bin, I put the opened bags of treats in the bin as well!

Dog food bins for kibble - https://amzn.to/491YWlI

This is what we use to take along on walks and outdoors to "treat" reward the pups. It's a great pouch and perfect for training and carrying extras, without being too bulky.

Treat pouch - https://amzn.to/43iq9iW

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