Here are a few of my favorite and useful things I've comprised over the years. I hope it's helpful.
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Getting Ready for your new puppy.
1. Crates: I recommend crate training puppies. Dogs are den animals, a crate gives them their own safe space. Crates should be their "happy place". I always toss in a few kibbles to entice a new puppy to use their crate. The wire crate that I have linked is great because it's large enough to be used even as the puppy grows. It also has two doors and a removeable tray.
2. Puppy Pads: Absorbent puppy pads are nice to line crates with and also puppy play pens. They are washable and very sturdy. I don't waste my money on the disposable paper type. Puppies will shred them and the plastic could be a choking hazard.
3. Collars: You don't need to spend a lot of $ on your puppy's first collar. They grow so fast you will be replacing it soon. I like something that is easy on easy off. You will want to remove puppy's collar every time they are in their crate because collars can be a choking hazard! The collar that I have linked is a nice starter and comes in multiple colors.
When your dog is older these are my favorite collars and they last forever. They have an "O" ring to fasten leash or turnout line. I hate searching for the other type rings when I'm trying to attach my leash!
4. Leashes: I do prefer a nice leather leash. Leather lasts forever if you take care of it. It also provides a nice gripping surface. We don't want our dogs getting loose. Leather is just classy. Here are a couple of nice ones. Purchase a 6ft length and at least 3/4 width. I try to get a soft, supple leather.
If you decide to go with a nylon leash, make sure it has a leather or rope handle.
5. Bowls: You DO want a quality stainless steel bowl! You DO NOT want plastic or even ceramic. Plastic and ceramic bowls can harbor bacteria in cracks and some ceramic bowls are treated with a toxic sealer. Good old stainless steel is healthier, and dogs can't chew them. Look for a bowl wider at the base and has a slip resistant bottom so that your dog won't be able to tip it over.
6. Nail Trimmers: Most dogs do not like their nails trimmed. (tip - start trimming nails early on to get them use to it.) I recently started using a Dremel. It takes a little longer but my dogs are so much happier. (and so am I)
7. Play Pen: These pens are so great for puppies or small dogs. (even kids ha ha) They are made of wire panels that fold up to store. I have several heights for different stages of puppies. I strongly suggest that you get at least 36" or higher! You can attach two together to make a larger play area too. I even take them outside for them to play in. Please never leave your dog unattended in these outside or inside! I just hose them off to clean.
The "tent type" dog play pen is nice for traveling, camping and dog shows.
