The Essentials Every New Puppy Parent Actually Needs

Introduction

I had been thinking about getting a dog for a long time. My son and I had even picked the name before we got a dog. We decided to call our new companion Luna, or Bailey if it were a boy. Never say never to another addition...

When I went to visit Luna, I was not supposed to pick her up that day. I even told my son that we were not bringing her home and that it was just a visit. That all changed the second we saw her happy little face and wagging tail. I looked at her and thought, 'mine.' It was a complete whirlwind.

Minutes later, we were sitting in my car with a tiny puppy and absolutely nothing to support her. I had no food, no bed, no crate, no bowls and no plan. I am nothing but impulsive.

So began my very steep learning curve. I typed a well-known pet shop into the sat nav and drove there, hoping for the best. I had limited time before the store closed, so I conducted a quick online search for puppy essentials. The information was everywhere and overwhelming. I wanted to bring everything together in one simple place for you. Something easy to read, especially if you ever find yourself doing what I did and bringing home a puppy with zero preparation. This will help.

1. Creating a Safe and Comfortable Home Setup

We chose to crate train Luna. She was a nervous little pup when we got her in the car, and crates can quickly become a safe, den-like space for dogs. I am glad we did it because the moment we brought her home, she ran under the sofa and curled up against the wall. We coaxed her out and set up the crate straight away.

If you choose to crate train, you will need a comfortable bed or mat inside the crate. You do not need to close the door immediately. Let the crate simply be a safe space at first. Buy some training treats and reward your puppy every time they go inside so they associate it with comfort and good things. Never use the crate as punishment. I will share more about this in a future blog.

When preparing your home, think of it the same way you would if you had a toddler visiting. Look low. Anything within reach is fair game. I had a coffee table with books on the bottom shelf, and they were the first things to go. Puppies are naturally curious and will explore everything.

Move shoes higher. Put fragile ornaments away. Protect any furniture you care about. Small adjustments now save a lot of stress later.

Most importantly, aim for a calm, predictable environment. Your puppy needs to feel safe overall, not just in their crate.

2. Everyday Walking Essentials

I knew I wanted to buy a harness once we started doing proper outdoor walks, so at first I bought a simple puppy collar and lead. I wanted Luna to feel comfortable wearing something before we went outdoors, so every time we took her into the garden, we clipped her lead on. She learned to accept it quickly.

When she grew a little, I bought an extra small harness so she could get used to that, too. I did not realise until later that Luna disliked overhead harnesses. We discovered this only after buying one. Now we know, and that is one reason we chose a step in design for the first Twine and Co. harness release. It creates a simpler, calmer experience for puppies. I will talk more about harness types in another blog to help you choose the right one.

For those first official walks, I recommend using a harness rather than just a collar. Puppies often pull when they experience new sights and sounds. A harness helps distribute pressure evenly and protects their delicate neck.

You will need waste bags, too. Eco-friendly or biodegradable ones are the better choice. With the sustainable options available today, there is no reason to rely on alternatives that are not kind to the environment. This is something we believe in strongly at Twine and Co.

Treats are also essential. You may need to try a few different types because puppies vary in what they enjoy. Luna loved chicken with salmon oil, but yours may prefer something entirely different. Experiment safely and learn what their high-value treats are. These are the ones you save for important skills like toilet training and, later, recall. High-value treats help reinforce learning quickly and build trust.

3. Toilet Training Basics

To puppy pad or not to puppy pad. If you have carpet, be prepared. Puppies often prefer soft surfaces, so they may head straight for it. In the early stages, limit their access to your home. Start with a smaller space and gradually increase it as they learn. Some people use puppy pens, which can help prevent wandering and protect your home, too.

Reward your puppy every time they go to the toilet outside. Make a fuss of them. Puppies learn quickly when something earns them praise and treats.

Puppy pads can be useful, especially if you need to leave them for longer periods, but they can also teach your puppy that going indoors is acceptable. Use them wisely. Ideally, take your puppy outside every one and a half to two hours and thirty to forty minutes after drinking. Puppy pads should protect your floors, not replace outdoor habits.

If they have an accident indoors, stay calm. Clean it quietly and move on. Puppies learn through consistency and repetition, not punishment.

4. Mealtime Essentials

You will need a water bowl and a food bowl. If you want to protect your floor, an easy clean mat can help, but it is not essential at the start.

Choose bowl sizes that suit your puppy. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are durable and easy to clean. Keep fresh water available at all times.

Always check what food your puppy has been eating before coming home. Puppies have sensitive stomachs and need a gradual transition if you plan to change their food. Do not serve an entire sachet of new food straight away. Instead, divide it into quarters or thirds and mix a small amount into their existing food. Increase the new food gradually over several days until they are fully transitioned.

If you skip this step, do not say I did not warn you. Puppies can get very upset stomachs, and if they are not toilet-trained yet, the cleanup can be intense.

5. Grooming and Wellness Basics

You do not need an elaborate grooming kit at first. Start simple. A soft brush and a gentle puppy shampoo are enough for the early days.

Make sure you buy nail clippers designed for puppies or small dogs. Inside every claw is a vein called the quick. If you cut too far, it can cause pain and bleeding. If you are unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you how to trim nails safely.

Register with a vet as soon as possible. Vaccinations, flea and worming treatments and general health checks are important. Your vet will also tell you when it is safe for your puppy to go to public places.

If your puppy has longer fur, introduce brushing early so they get used to the sensation. Short, gentle and positive experiences help them enjoy grooming throughout their life.

Get something safe for teething, too. Puppies need to chew. Choose puppy safe teething toys, but avoid overbuying. Start with one or two and see what they actually use.

6. Legal Requirements Every New Puppy Parent Should Know

There are a few legal responsibilities that come with owning a dog in the UK, and they are easy to overlook in the excitement of bringing a new companion home.

Microchipping and Updating Ownership Details

All dogs in the UK must be microchipped by 8 weeks old. Most breeders and rescue centres arrange this before your puppy comes home. What many new owners forget is that you must update the microchip registration with your details.
You will usually find the microchip number on the paperwork provided. You can then update your information through the relevant database online.

ID Tag for Outdoor Walks

Once your puppy starts going outside, the law requires them to wear a collar with an ID tag. The tag should include your surname and address, and ideally a phone number.
You do not need to include your puppy’s name if you prefer not to.

Even if you walk your puppy in a harness, an ID tag must be attached to a collar when outside.

Keeping Details Updated

If you move house or change your number, remember to update the microchip database and the ID tag. Keeping information current makes all the difference if your puppy ever gets lost.

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Checklist 1: Essentials You Need

Home and Comfort

• Crate or puppy pen

• Comfortable bed or crate mat

• Soft blanket

Walking Essentials

• Puppy collar

• Lead

• Step in or well fitting harness

• Biodegradable waste bags

• High-value training treats

Mealtime

• Water bowl

• Food bowl

• Starter food

• New puppy food for gradual transition

Grooming and Wellness

• Soft puppy brush

• Gentle puppy shampoo

• Puppy safe nail clippers

• Puppy safe teething toy

Toys

• One or two starter toys

• Soft comfort toy

Checklist 2: Optional Extras That Make Life Easier

Home and Comfort

• Safety gate or baby gate to block open spaces

• Spare blankets

• Travel carrier

• Easy clean floor mat

Walking and Training

• Treat pouch

• Longer training lead

Grooming

• Puppy wipes

• Soft grooming mitt

Enrichment

• Chew safe puzzle toy

• Lick mat

Checklist 3: Actions To Take When Your Puppy Comes Home

Home Setup

• Puppy proof rooms by removing low or fragile items

• Create a safe space or crate area

• Keep the environment calm and predictable

• Use a safety gate if you have open spaces

Walking Prep

• Introduce the collar and lead indoors

• Let your puppy wear their harness gradually

• Carry high-value treats on all early walks

Toilet Training

• Take your puppy out every 1.5 to 2 hours

• Take them out 30 to 40 minutes after drinking

• Reward outdoor toilet success immediately

• Stay calm during accidents

• Use puppy pads only when necessary

Mealtime Transition

• Confirm what food they have been eating previously

• Mix new food in slowly, using quarters or thirds

• Increase new food gradually over several days

Grooming and Health

• Register with a vet

• Book vaccinations and health checks

• Begin gentle brushing early

• Ask a vet or groomer to show you safe nail clipping

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide brings a little calm and clarity to your early days with a new companion. We are building Twine and Co with thought, intention and real experience, creating accessories that support the everyday moments you share together. If you would like to follow our journey as we grow, we would love to have you with us.