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Home & Garden

20 must-have products for new dog owners

Behold: Your one-stop shopping list for dog ownership

Stock up on everything you need to welcome your new family member. Credit: Reviewed / Camryn Rabideau

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You’re probably going to experience a big jumble of emotions when bringing home your new dog or puppy. On one hand, you’re unbelievably excited for your adorable new pet, but chances are you’ll also be a bit worried about how they’ll fit into your family and whether you’re prepared to take care of them. I felt all these emotions—and more—when I brought home my dog, Addy!

I’m willing to bet you’re more prepared than you think (especially if you’re reading this article), but just to assuage your concerns, here’s my list of must-have dog products, based on my own personal experience. With these items on hand, you’ll be fully prepared for anything dog ownership throws at you, so you can relax and enjoy every moment with your new pooch.

1. An appropriately sized dog collar

This collar is sturdy and stylish, and it comes in several sizes.
Credit: Chewy

This collar is sturdy and stylish, and it comes in several sizes.

First thing’s first, your pup is going to need a collar! If you adopt from a rescue or a breeder, they may give you a collar, but chances are you’re going to want one that suits your personal tastes. When shopping for a dog collar, it’s best to select one that’s the right size for your dog, has a quick-release clasp for safety, and has a sturdy D-ring where you can attach a leash. Additionally, collars like this one from Blueberry Pet include an extra loop where you can attach dog tags, so they won’t get in the way of your leash.

Get the Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Spring Pastel Dog Collar from Chewy for $18.99

2. A crate for mandatory naptime

Crates ensure your dog doesn't get into trouble while you're away.
Credit: Chewy

Crates ensure your dog doesn't get into trouble while you're away.

Whether or not you decide to crate train your dog is up to you, but many pet owners and professional trainers recommend the practice. Personally, I crated Addy until she was around 6 months old, just to ensure she didn’t destroy anything while I was away or have accidents during the night.

If you do decide to crate train, a product like the Frisco Wire Dog Crate is a great option, as it includes a divider panel for growing dogs and folds up for easy transport. It also has two doors and an easy-to-clean plastic base—because accidents happen!

Get the Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate, 42-inch from Chewy for $46.99

3. A cool, comfy bed that’s ideal for chewy-happy dogs

This is one of the best dog beds for chewers!
Credit: Chewy

This is one of the best dog beds for chewers!

Many pet owners want to get their dogs plush, cushy beds, but if you’re not sure if your new dog is a chewer, you might want to err on the side of caution and get one of these elevated dog beds instead. These beds have a steel frame covered in durable, PVC-coated fabric, and their elevated design will keep your dog cooler on hot days. Reviewers say that dogs love this bed, and many note that you can put a blanket or towel over it if you want to give your dog extra cushion.

Get the Frisco Steel-Framed Elevated Dog Bed from Chewy for $21.77

4. This ingenious product that makes bathtime a breeze

This silicone mat sticks to the wall of your shower.
Credit: Chewy

This silicone mat sticks to the wall of your shower.

Most dogs don’t love getting baths, but you can convince them it’s not so bad with the Aquapaw Slow Treater Dispensing Mat. This silicone mat has a nubby surface, and you simply smear peanut butter over the bumps, then stick the mat to the wall of your bathtub. Your dog can go to town licking the peanut butter, and they’ll barely even notice as you wash them. I own one of these, and it’s the sole reason my dog likes bathtime!

Get the Aquapaw Slow Treater Dispensing Mat from Chewy for $10.95

5. An airtight storage container for food

These stacking dog food containers have thousands of positive reviews.
Credit: Chewy

These stacking dog food containers have thousands of positive reviews.

It’s important to store dog food in an airtight container—otherwise mice, bugs, and other unwelcome critters may break into your supply. These stackable pet food containers are an extremely popular option for dog food, as they can hold up to 40 or 60 pounds of kibble and have convenient spin-off lids. They’re made from heavy-duty, BPA-free food-grade plastic, and their airtight seal keeps pests out and odors in.

Get the Gamma2 Vittles Vault Stackable Pet Food Storage, 40-lb from Chewy for $34.95

6. A baby gate to block off certain rooms

You can use this gate to block off rooms where your dog isn't allowed.
Credit: Chewy

You can use this gate to block off rooms where your dog isn't allowed.

Whether you want to keep your dog out of the kitchen, away from the cat litter box, or from going upstairs, a “baby” gate will be your best friend. This extra-wide gate from Carlson Pet Products works in doors 29 to 36.5 inches, and it has a convenient walk-through design that you can easily lock. Plus, there’s a smaller door on the bottom of the gate, just in case you have a cat or small pup who might need to pass through.

Get the Carlson Pet Products Extra Wide Walk-Thru Gate with Pet Door from Chewy for $38.99

7. A sturdy leash for your daily walks

A leash with a second handle comes in handy when walking your dog.
Credit: Chewy

A leash with a second handle comes in handy when walking your dog.

A leash is another essential product for dog owners, and not all leashes are created equal. Personally, I like leashes that have double handles—in addition to the loop at the end of the leash, there’s another loop mid-way down for those instances when you want to keep your dog close to you. This particular double handle leash is 6-feet long and made of heavy-duty nylon, and it even has reflective stitching for when you’re walking at night.

Get the Max and Neo Dog Gear Double Handle Reflective Dog Leash from Chewy for $17.99

8. A set of washable dog bowls

These stainless steel bowls can go in the dishwasher.
Credit: Chewy

These stainless steel bowls can go in the dishwasher.

Your new dog is going to need food and water bowls, and these affordable stainless steel bowls are a great option. They have a 4-¾ cup capacity, so they’re best for medium to large dogs, and they have a rubber base to prevent skidding and protect your floors. Plus, when the bowls get dirty, you can just toss them in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

Get the Frisco Stainless Steel Bowl from Chewy for $8.99

9. A food mat to minimize dinnertime messes

A food mat will keep your dog from making a huge mess at mealtime.
Credit: Chewy

A food mat will keep your dog from making a huge mess at mealtime.

It’s also a good idea to invest in a food mat, which will keep your dog’s food bowl from damaging your floor. I ended up getting one of these when my dog started playing in her water dish—it kept the mess contained and prevented my hardwood floors from getting wet. The silicone mat has a raised lip to keep spills contained, and it’s stain-resistant, making it a breeze to clean.

Get the BarksBar Original Silicone Pet Feeding Mat from Chewy for $14.90

10. A Kong toy (or two) to keep your pup busy

I don't think we would have survived puppyhood with a Kong toy.
Credit: Reviewed / Camryn Rabideau

I don't think we would have survived puppyhood with a Kong toy.

When Addy was little, she used to get a Kong stuffed with peanut butter and fruit every night at bedtime—it was the only way she would settle into her crate without a fuss. Now that she’s grown, I still use our Kong toy to keep her occupied when I’m busy working or when we’re going to be gone all day. In fact, we own four of them!

As you might be able to tell, I’m a huge fan of the Kong, which is essentially just a rubber toy with a hollow interior. You can stuff it with all kinds of treats or food, and your pooch will be occupied for hours trying to get the goodies out. You can even freeze them to keep your dog occupied for longer.

Get the KONG Classic Dog Toy from Chewy for $12.99

11. A special doggie water bottle for hot days

This water bottle and doggie bowl combo is handy for summer outings.
Credit: Chewy

This water bottle and doggie bowl combo is handy for summer outings.

If you’ve ever gone hiking with your pooch, you know it’s important to bring enough water for both of you, and if you don’t want to share your own water bottle, you’ll love this product. This portable water bottle and bowl in one is incredibly handy, as you can squeeze water up into the bowl for your dog to lap up. When your pooch is finished drinking, simply release the bottle to let the remaining water trickle back down into the interior—no water wasted!

Get the Highwave AutoDogMug Portable Dog Water Bottle & Bowl from Chewy for $17.19

12. A medication to repel fleas and ticks

Puppy with K9 Advantix medication
Credit: K9 Advantix

This topical flea and tick medication should be applied once a month.

Flea and tick medication is a must-have, especially for those living near wooded areas. One popular choice is the K9 Advantix II topical medication, which comes veterinarian-recommended and lasts up to four weeks between each dose. It's also a good alternative to the Seresto collar, which has been found to have risks associated with it.

Get the K9 Advantix II Flea & Tick Spot Treatment for Dogs, 21-55 lbs from Chewy for $15.98

13. This guide to help you train your new pooch

I used this training guide with my own dog, and we loved it.
Credit: Reviewed / Camryn Rabideau

I used this training guide with my own dog, and we loved it.

Whenever anyone asks how I trained Addy, I recommend two things: puppy school, and this book. I used the five-week program outlined in Training the Best Dog Ever—written by Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz, who has trained the dogs of several presidents—to teach Addy all her basic commands, and we had great results with the positive reinforcement system. Plus, it doesn’t have to be used with puppies—the program can also be used with adult dogs, which is great if you’re bringing home a rescue.

Get Training the Best Dog Ever from Chewy for $11.29

14. A top-rated ear treatment for infections

No dog is ever this calm when having their ears cleaned. Just FYI.
Credit: Chewy

No dog is ever this calm when having their ears cleaned. Just FYI.

There comes a time in every dog’s life when their ears get dirty, itchy, and smelly, and you’ll be glad you have this product on hand. The Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment is an over-the-counter treatment for bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections, cleaning and treating your dog’s ear issues with a once-daily treatment. It also contains hydrocortisone to minimize itching and inflammation.

Get the Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment from Chewy for $21.99

15. This dog brush with a cult following

Dog owners swear by this brush, which removes loose undercoat fur.
Credit: FURminator

Dog owners swear by this brush, which removes loose undercoat fur.

A good dog brush will save you a lot of time and effort vacuuming pet hair off your carpets and furniture, and many pet parents swear by the FURminator. The brush comes in two different designs for long- and short-hair dogs, and it’s incredibly effective at removing loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the topcoat. The FURminator is more expensive than other brushes, but reviewers swear it’s worth it if your dog sheds a lot.

Get the FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool from Chewy for $29.95

16. Nail clippers for at-home grooming

Nail clippers
Credit: Chewy

Keep your dog's nails a safe length with these clippers.

If your dog’s nails get too long, it can be uncomfortable for them, so it’s important to trim your pooch’s nails at home if they don’t go to the groomer regularly. These popular dog nail clippers deliver clean cuts every time, allowing you to make quick work of this grooming task, and there’s even a built-in safety stop that will prevent you from cutting the nail too short.

Get the Safari Professional Nail Trimmer for Dogs from Chewy for $8.69

17. All-in-1 dog shampoo and conditioner that smells amazing

Your dog will be oh-so-soft after a bath with this shampoo.
Credit: Chewy

Your dog will be oh-so-soft after a bath with this shampoo.

After a long day of swimming or playing in the dirt, your dog will probably be quite stinky! When this happens, it’s time to break out the licking mat listed above and give them a good bath. The Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is a top-rated product among pet parents, who say it will leave your dog super soft and smelling fresh. Plus, it’s gentle enough for pups with sensitive skin.

Get the Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner from Chewy for $5.39

18. These durable rubber toy balls

These orange balls are incredibly durable.
Credit: Chewy

These orange balls are incredibly durable.

Toy shopping for your dog is always fun, and I’d definitely recommend adding some Chuckit! Balls to the list. These rubber balls are incredibly durable, even for dogs who love to destroy toys, and they’re easy to spot in your yard thanks to the bright orange color. Plus, you can also get a special Chuckit! Launcher to go along with them, which allows you to send the balls flying for some seriously intense games of fetch.

Get the Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Dog Toy, Small, 2 Pack from Chewy for $5.72

19. A big box of treats for your good boy or girl

Dogs love Milk-Bones, and you'll love their reasonable price.
Credit: Milk-Bone

Dogs love Milk-Bones, and you'll love their reasonable price.

Milk-Bone is arguably one of the most popular dog treats out there, as they’re loved by dogs and affordable, too. This 10-pound box of medium-sized treats costs just $12, and it will last you for months! Milk-Bones are fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals, and their crunchy texture helps to remove plaque and tartar, keeping your dog’s teeth nice and clean.

Get the Milk-Bone Original Medium Biscuit Dog Treats from Chewy for $12.29

20. A long-lasting supply of poop bags

Poop bags
Credit: Chewy

Don't forget the poop bags!

While not the most glamorous purchase you’ll make for your dog, poop bags are a necessity, especially if you don’t have your own yard. Luckily, many retailers offer multi-packs of poop bags, ensuring you’ll have enough to last several months.

Get the Earth Rated PoopBags Refill Pack from Chewy for $6.99

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