Puppy Training Program

Recommended Gear And Supplies

Our curated list of must-buy supplies for you and your puppy

By Puppy Training Team

Good Dog is on a mission to educate the public and make it simple for people to get dogs from good sources and for reputable breeders, shelters and rescues to put their dogs in good homes.

Good Dog is on a mission to educate the public and make it simple for people to get dogs from good sources and for reputable breeders, shelters and rescues to put their dogs in good homes.

Good Dog is on a mission to educate the public and make it simple for people to get dogs from good sources and for reputable breeders, shelters and rescues to put their dogs in good homes.

  • Gear – the gear and equipment that you’ll need for your pup, from collars and bowls to car crates
  • Supplies – the consumable items you’ll need with your pup
  • First Aid Items – if your pup hurts itself, these health and first-aid times items will enable you to start treatment at home or on the road
  • Over-the-counter meds – these are the OTC meds to have on hand for use under the direction of your veterinarian. 
  • Parasite control – products for protecting your pup from fleas and ticks. 

Collar or harness and leash

  • It is important to have the correct equipment when you get your puppy to keep them safe and to facilitate training. See our article on things to consider when choosing a collar or harness and leash. 

Collar identification

  • At a minimum, pups need to have your cell phone number on their collar. Collar tags can get caught and can fall off so we recommend use of a slide tag (e.g. Road ID or Boomerang Tags) or an embroidered collar.

Crate 

  • Crates can be helpful in raising a well-trained puppy! 

Crate mat/bed

  • Purchase inexpensive faux-sheepskin mats now. Wait to buy an expensive dog bed until your pup is out of the chewing stage, which can be as late as 2 years of age.

Dark or opaque bedsheets

  • Find or purchase inexpensive, dark-colored bed sheets to cover your pup's crate to help them feel safe and to assist with crate training.

Exercise pen (Ex-pen)

  • An ex-pen will be your puppy's playpen to hang out in when he's not in the crate or being directly supervised. Ex-pens are portable so you can take them with you when you travel with your pup.

Baby gates

  • Helpful in controlling your pup's access to various parts of your house. Strong children's baby gates are fine for dogs. Many dogs will move or knock over the gates that aren't attached to the wall either with pressure or fixtures.

Car Crate 

  • By far the safest way for your pup to travel in your car is in a crate that is securely attached to the vehicle.

Car harness

  • If you don't use a crate in the car, use a crash-tested harness. Most harnesses don’t provide enough protection in case of an accident.

Food and water bowls

  • We recommend stainless steel, non-slip food and water bowls. Consider skipping the bowl and feeding meals from a puzzle feeder such as Kong. It's a great way to provide enrichment and for those pups that eat too fast it will slow them down.  

Dry Dog Food Storage

  • If you feed kibble, get a food-safe, air-tight, dog-proof storage container. The best we know is Vittle Vaults. It comes in different sizes and can be stacked if you are feeding different foods to different animals.

Snuggle Puppy

  • We cannot recommend these toys more highly. They come with a "heartbeat" and warming packet so they replace mom and littermates. Many pups find them comforting.

Nail care 

  • It is important to keep your dog's nails trimmed to avoid injury. Some dogs prefer dremels to nail clippers. It is important to introduce nail trimming in a positive manner that doesn’t scare the puppy. Start by watching this video on low stress nail trimming. Consider having some Kwick Stop on hand to stop bleeding nails in case you cut one too short. 

Grooming gear

  • Breeds differ in the grooming tools needed to keep your pup healthy and beautiful. Talk to your breeder, groomer or veterinarian for tools that work best for your dog’s  coat type.

Dog Food

  • Initially, feed your pup what the breeder or shelter was feeding. This will aid in your pup's transition into your home. Then we recommend  feeding either an AAFCO approved All-Life Stages or Puppy food. More information about nutrition can be found here.

Treats

  • You'll need a variety of delicious treats for training. Try several different textures and flavors to see what your pup’s favorite is!

Probiotic

  • Probiotics may help improve your pup's immune and digestive health. Human probiotics are not as effective in dogs and many dogs are lactose intolerant so yogurt is often not an effective option. We recommend Proviable and Fortiflora

Chew items 

Enzymatic urine/feces cleaner

Poop bags

  • For clean-up while on walks. Bag dispensers that clip the leash or crate can be helpful on walks or while traveling. Consider a biodegradable or eco-friendly option.

Adaptil Collar, Spray and Diffuser

  • These products are infused with a calming pheromone that naturally reduces a pup's or dog's stress. They have been shown to help pups transition to new homes, as well as other challenges. Adaptil requires warmth to work so the collar and diffuser are ideal. The spray can be used on mats or toys that will be warmed by the pup's body heat. We have found that Adaptil products work better than other brands. 

Optional Gear

Clicker 

  • Some people use a clicker as a marker to tell their dogs when they are making progress in their learning

Muzzle, basket- An animal in pain or distress may bite, even if they are normally gentle under other circumstances. Having a good basket muzzle that your dog has been trained to wear will protect you or others while you apply first aid. Learn more about how to fit a muzzle and train your dog to wear one in Muzzle training: It's a good thing!

Life Jacket 

  • Dog life jackets are essential for dogs on boats/kayaks/canoes, as well as breeds that don't float well and pups just starting out. Outward Hound jackets have a strong handle for helping or lifting your dog.

GPS Collar 

  • Not an essential item but can be a comfort to be able to locate your pup with your phone and it's fun to be able to track its steps each day. Fi collar or Whistle are good options.

Litter/Potty Box 

  • If you are going to put a potty box in your pup's ex-pen because you cannot be available to the puppy for 3-4 hour periods during the day. For all but the smallest pups, you will need a substantial potty box so it doesn't tip over or bend. We prefer Puppy Go Here boxes

Premium Wood Pellets 

  • Use in a potty box if you are using one. We find that Second Nature works best but you can use equine bedding or wood stove pellets

Bowl, collapsible

  • Silicone bowls are great for giving your dog water when traveling or hiking

Kennel lead

  • For controlling a dog and can be used as a muzzle. These light slip leads are perfect for emergencies and your first aid kit. You can get one at local pet supply stores.

Black light/urine detector 

  • Aids on complete clean-up after accidents. Even tiny drops of urine or feces will glow under the blacklight so you'll know where to focus your cleaning efforts. Particularly useful if your pup or other pets have had many accidents in your home.

Wild fish oil 

  • Fish oil contains important Omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, that contribute to brain, immune system, skin, and joint health and may also have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. DHA or EPA are often included in puppy food so be sure to check the label of the food that you feed and include that amount in your calculations. Dosing is dependent on the therapeutic benefit you are seeking so be sure to consult your veterinarian to calculate an appropriate, safe dose for your puppy, adjusting accordingly as they grow.  A few products we recommend: Grizzly salmon,  Grizzly pollock, Nordic Naturals, Carlson's DHA Super Gems.

First aid items 

We recommend putting together a first aid kit to care for minor issues at home or until you can get to a veterinarian for more urgent illnesses or injuries. Work with your veterinarian to develop a plan in the event of an emergency. 

  • A digital thermometer for rectal or axillary readings or an ear thermometer. Normal canine temperature is 100°- 102.6°F.  We recommend teaching your dog to accept temperature talking using low stress handling techniques. Learn how to take your dog's temperature here. Don’t forget the KY Jelly to lubricate the thermometer for rectal temperatures.
  • Alcohol, 70% isopropyl to disinfect thermometers, bottle or wipes.
  • Antibiotic ointment for treating wounds and sores.
  • Betadine solution can be used for disinfecting wounds. Be sure to get the solution.
  • Chlorhexidine solution for disinfecting wounds. Be sure to get the solution not scrub
  • Pharmaseb Flush for ear and skin infections
  • EMT Gel for closing and healing wounds. Reduces bleeding, pain and infections
  • Eye Wash, saline for flushing wounds or rinsing foreign bodies from your dog’s eye
  • Hydrogen peroxide 3% can be used to induce vomiting, but always check with a veterinarian or animal poison control expert before giving it to your pet. Inducing vomiting is not recommended for all toxins and may make things much worse. Once the bottle is opened it starts to break down quickly and lasts for a much shorter period of time. 
  • Applicator bottle with a nozzle is a very helpful tool for mixing topical medications for wound cleaning.
  • Syringe for flushing wounds and giving liquid medications. Get one that has both milliliter and teaspoon measurements. (1-10 ml)
  • Assorted bandage material for minor cuts or until you can see your veterinarian.
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  • Q-tips or other cotton-tipped swabs for ear injuries and foreign bodies. 
  • Bandage shears for cutting bandages, trimming away hair, and more. 
  • Tick-removal tool- This is the preferable way rather than with your fingers or tweezers.
  • Tweezers for removing splinters and other foreign bodies
  • Cold pack, instant- For swelling and other injuries. You can use ice from the freezer at home but when your dog is hurt away from home, emergency cold packs are very useful.
  • Mylar emergency blanket can be used for warming or dragging an injured dog

Over-The-Counter Meds

We recommend having these items on hand in case of an emergency. Always consult your veterinarian before administering any over the counter medications to be sure they are safe for your dog, will adequately address the immediate concern, and for proper dosing.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) unflavored liquid or tablets for allergic reactions (facial swelling, puffiness) bee stings, spider bites, etc. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the correct dose for your dog and keep that handy in case you need it.

Consult your veterinarian before starting any medications for diarrhea. Diarrhea can be an indication of a serious medical disorder and if left untreated puppies can quickly become dehydrated.

  1. herding breeds or any dog that has the MDR-1 mutation
  2. dogs that have diarrhea from an infection like clostridium
  3. may have eaten something toxic like mushrooms, or
  4. have any health condition or trauma. 
  • Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can be given to dogs however, we do not recommend it. The salicylates can cause gastric bleeding and the bismuth can turn the stool black making it hard to determine if there is blood in the stool.
    It should never be given to dogs with:
  1. bleeding disorders or
  2. dogs that are on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Rimadyl.

    Additionally, Pepto-bismol can cause abnormalities in abdominal x-rays and urinalysis making diagnosis of the underlying problem difficult. 

Parasite control

There are many approved products (this is not a comprehensive list) for the control and prevention of parasites including fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites that come in topical, oral or in a collar. Frequency of dosing will depend on the product. Work with your veterinarian to choose a product that works best for your puppy and lifestyle.

Topical 

  • Advantage II is a waterproof (after 24 hours) flea protection in dogs 7 weeks or older, administered monthly
  • Advantage Multi for heartworm prevention, treatment of fleas and mange, as well as treatment of hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm in dogs 7 weeks or older, administered monthly, waterproof
  • Bravecto for flea and tick control and prevention. Approved for dogs 6+ months of age and at least 4.4 pounds. Protects for 3 month, waterproof (after 72 hours)
  • Effipro Plus is a topical flea and tick preventative in dogs 8 weeks or older and at least 5 pounds, administered monthly, waterproof
  • Effitix for control of fleas, ticks, biting flies, and mosquitos in dogs 8 weeks or older and at least 5 pounds, administered monthly, waterproof
  • Frontline Plus/Frontline Gold are waterproof flea and tick preventatives in dogs 8 weeks or older and at least 5 pounds, administered monthly
  • K9 Advantix II  is a waterproof (after 24 hours) topical flea,tick, biting fly, and mosquito preventative in dogs 7 weeks or older and at least 4 pounds, administered monthly
  • Revolution for flea and heartworm prevention and tick control in dogs 6 weeks or older, administered monthly, waterproof (after 2 hours)
  • Vectra 3D- waterproof flea, tick, mosquito, and fly topical preventative in dogs 7 weeks or older and at least 3.3 pounds, administered monthly

Oral

  • Bravecto is a flea and tick preventative, available in monthly chews (approved for dogs 8 weeks or older and at least 4.4 pounds), or chews that are effective for 3 months (approved for dogs 6 months or older)
  • Capstar is a pill for immediate flea treatment (starts working within 30 minutes) in dogs 4 weeks or older and at least 2 pounds, not for ongoing prevention
  • Comfortis for flea treatment (starts working within 30 minutes) in dogs 14 weeks or older and at least 5 pounds, administered monthly
  • Credelio for flea and tick prevention in dogs 8 weeks or older and at least 4.4 pounds, administered monthly
  • Heartgard Plus prevents heartworms, treats and controls hookworms and roundworms in dogs 6 weeks or older, administered monthly
  • Interceptor Plus prevents heartworm,  treatment and control of adult roundworms, tapeworms, hookworm, and whipworms in dogs 6 weeks or older and at least 2 pounds, administered monthly
  • Iverhart Max treatment and control of heartworm, roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms in dogs 8 weeks or older and at least 6 pounds, administered monthly
  • NexGard for flea and tick prevention in dogs 8 weeks or older and at least 4 pounds, administered monthly
  • Sentinel for heartworm prevention, flea prevention and control, treatment and control of adult roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms in dogs 4 weeks or older and at least 2 pounds, administered monthly
  • Sentinel Spectrum for heartworm prevention, flea prevention and control, treatment and control of adult roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms in dogs 6 weeks or older and at least 2 pounds, administered monthly
  • Simparica Trio prevents heartworm, kills fleas and ticks, controls and treats roundworms and hookworms in dogs 8 weeks or older and at least 2.8 pounds, administered monthly
  • Trifexis kills fleas, prevents heartworm, controls and treats roundworms, hookworms and whipworms in dogs 8 weeks or older and at least 5 pounds, administered monthly
  • Tri Heart plus prevents heartworm, controls and treats roundworms and hookworms in dogs 6 weeks or older, administered monthly  

Collar

In order to be effective, the collar must fit snugly against the neck while you are able to fit fingers underneath.

  • Preventic tick collar is a tick preventative collar for dogs older than 12 weeks of age, effective for 3 months, efficacy affected by exposure to water
  • Seresto collar is a water resistant flea and tick collar preventative in dogs older than 7 weeks of age, effective for 8 months, efficacy affected by exposure to water

Use caution with products that contain essential oils.

  • Wondercide is an all-natural flea, tick, and mosquito repellant.
  • Cedarcide is an all-natural flea, tick, and mosquito repellant
Next: Puppy Planning Checklist

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