Dog Essentials List: 13 Necessities for New Dog Owners

More and more people are adopting dogs, but what many people don’t realize is that it takes a lot of preparation before the new puppy comes into your home for the first time. If your furry friend is already with you, don’t worry, even new dog owners can get up to speed quickly.

I am no exception. We recently adopted a pair of 5 year old doggies who needed a new home, and on short notice. I have since taken a crash course in basic dog gear and toys to help keep my pooches happy. If you’ve just welcomed a new furry friend (or two) into your life like me, or are planning to, this guide is for you. Here, I’m going to showcase the items I’ve purchased so far along with the ones I’m seriously tempted to get. We will keep this list updated.

Furhaven Dog Bed

My dogs sleep a lot. And since I don’t want to encourage them to crash on human beds, dog beds are a must. These beds Furhaven use memory foam for extra support, come in multiple colors, and have an L-shaped headrest. My two guys love them and enjoy the comfy surfaces whenever they’re around.

Beds come in multiple sizes, ranging from $30 for small to $160 for jumbo plus.

PupProtector Waterproof Cover

I admit that this product may seem a little frivolous. Spending over $100 for a dog-friendly furniture cover seems extravagant. That said, one of my dogs absolutely like sleeping (and snoring) on ​​the sofa. She also loses her hair like a champ. Although I haven’t tried the $130 PupProtector Throw Blanket personally, the thousands of rave reviews from customers make it a tempting way to pamper a pet. It’s also more visually interesting than the old comforter currently on my couch.

Petmaker Waterproof Pet Blankets

Although not as luxurious as high-end dog beds, this plush, reversible, and stain-resistant pet blanket from Petmaker is much cheaper. And in case of an accident, don’t panic. The cover is also machine washable.

PetSafe Gentle Leader Halter

For a comfortable and safe way to walk my dogs, I opted for the Gentle Leader Headcollar from PetSafe. It’s loved by thousands of Amazon shoppers and available in multiple colors and sizes for $20. It’s designed to discourage jerking, jumping and pulling during walks, all without choking your pet.

Illumiseen LED Dog Leash

Make sure motorists see you and your dog on night drives using this gadget. The Illumiseen LED Dog Leash glows solid or flashes for extra attention grabbing attention. Illumiseen promises five hours of battery life, and you can charge it via USB. It is also available in six color options.

Frisco Dog Poop Refill Bags

Dealing with poop is an integral part of owning a dog. While not a fun chore, there are ways to lessen the yuck factor. One is to use special bags like Frisco’s. Considered leakproof and capable of masking odors, I can confirm that they do the job with less discomfort and beat flimsy plastic grocery bags any day of the week. The $25 kit comes with a box of 900 bags, plus two handy leash dispensers so you’ll never be without them when the time comes.

Eliamo Dog Poop Pickup Stand with LED Flashlight

Here’s an even sleeker dog poop bag holder. This one from Eliamo offers storage space for pickup bags and also sports an LED flashlight. It also connects to standard dog leashes, so you won’t lose sight of piles of poop in the dark.

Folksmate dog bells

Have you ever dreamed of training your dog to know he wants to go outside? Folksmate dog bells allow you to do just that. Forget the translation of mystery barking – over time and with proper training, your dog will ring those bells to tell you he needs to come out.

Wesen No Spill Dog Bowls

To set up feeding zones, I used the Wesen No Spill Dog Bowls. Starting at $20, each set includes three bowls. Two are stainless steel, a 53 oz food bowl and a 27 oz water bowl. The third is a collapsible travel bowl designed to store easily for travel. The final part of the package is a silicone floor mat with fitted toilet bowl receptacles. Everything goes in the dishwasher.

Airtight food container Iris

The croquette is intensely spicy. To keep that dog food smell from getting into every nook and cranny of your home, you’ll need to store it properly. As such, I strongly suggest Airtight food container Iris, available now for $37. The package includes a 33-quart (25-pound) dry food container as well as a 12-quart (10-pound) container for treats. The units are stackable and the main container rests on rotating casters for easy movement and positioning.

Dogwood Petstages

The urge to chew on things is normal for dogs. Instead of using your furniture, socks, or shoes to satisfy this need, give your dog an appropriate chew toy to gnaw on. You have many options, but my dogs love it. Dogwood Petstages, which only costs $10. It’s safer and more durable than a real wooden stick, and it’s also a great fetch toy.

FURminator deshedding brush

In addition to investing in a good vacuum cleaner, another method to control pet hair in your home is to invest in a good brush attachment. The FURminator deShedding brush is a popular choice. It is designed to remove loose hair without damaging your dog’s coat and skin. Its designers also claim that with regular use, you can reduce hair loss by up to 90%.

James Herriot’s dog stories

Enjoy your free time with this endearing collection of dog-centric stories. Written by award-winning British writer James Herriot, who also penned the classic All creatures big and small, Dog Stories lives up to its title. Within its pages are 50 stories of love bonds between people and their dogs.

Learn more: Best Dog Beds of 2022