🐶 What We Actually Used: Puppy Essentials That Worked (And What Didn’t)

The real-life puppy essentials guide: what you actually need, what to skip, and how to avoid overspending when bringing home a new dog.

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. I remember Googling “puppy starter kit” and adding a dozen things to my cart I wasn’t even sure we needed.

Now that we’ve had our puppy Molly for a while, I can tell you: some products were must-haves, others were a total waste of money, and a few are things I wish I’d waited to buy.

💤 Sleep & Crate Training

✅ What Worked:

Full-size crate with adjustable divider - Don’t make the mistake I did and buy two crates! Just get the size your dog will grow into and use the divider to start small. It’s more cost-effective and more practical long-term.

Foam crate pad with removable, waterproof covers - Accidents happen..a lot. I bought a multipack so I didn’t have to panic wash each time.

White noise machine - This helped Molly settle for naps and sleep through nighttime noises. Great for crate training and anxious pups.

🍽 Feeding Supplies

✅ What Worked:

Elevated feeder - We didn’t use the stand at first, but I wish we had just bought this from the beginning instead of two sets of bowls.

Collapsible travel bowls - Perfect for car rides, trips, or park outings.

❌ What Didn’t:

“Puppy-sized” bowls and feeders - If your dog will be medium or large breed, just buy the regular size. You can always use without the stand at first.

🚽 Potty Training

✅ What Worked:

Enzyme cleaner - A must. It breaks down the scent so they don’t keep going in the same spot. Worth every penny and there is an Amazon Basics brand.

Shark carpet cleaner - You already know this is one of my top cleaning essentials from a previous post. It's fast, easy, and gets everything out vs blotting with paper towels.

Potty schedule + Alexa alarms - We skipped puppy pads and went straight to outside potty training. Alarms kept us consistent with every 30 minutes at first (yes, really!). We involved the kids too, which helped with responsibility.

🛁 Grooming Basics

✅ What Worked:

Baby shampoo - Way cheaper than dog shampoo and worked great for us. With a pup who loves mud and digging, we bathe her often. The kids help—but let's just say the "quarter-size amount" rule didn’t exactly stick!

Deshedding brush - We didn’t need this early on, but as her coat grew in, it became essential. If your dog will have long fur, add this dog brush to your must-have list.

❌ What Didn’t:

Nail grinder - Our pup was scared of the sound, and I wasn’t confident using clippers. We now have our vet do trims instead (shout out to Petfolk!). Just yet another item I wish we’d waited before buying.

🐾 Walking Gear

✅ What Worked:

Harness instead of collar - We bought several cute collars before realizing Molly hated wearing one. She preferred a harness for walks—and by the time she was okay with collars, none of them fit.

Standard-size leash - Skip the retractable or mini leashes. Puppies grow FAST. A full-size leash is safer and more practical.

Waste bags + holder - Most leashes come with a starter set. We now order Amazon Basics refills in bulk—they’re the cheapest I’ve found. I stash them in the car, on the patio, and in coat pockets. Don’t be that neighbor unless you're trying to get featured on your neighborhood Nextdoor page

❌ What I Regret:

Stocking up on cute collars early - Try a couple styles first. Your dog may hate collars, or outgrow them quickly like ours did.

🦴 Play & Chew

✅ What Worked:

Start with a few toys - Wait to see what your puppy likes before buying a ton. Ours ignored anything rubber or nylon, so those were a waste. Lamb Chop is her favorite!

🚧 Health & Safety

✅ What Worked:

Baby gates -  (Facebook Marketplace FTW!) We still use them at 8 months to block off stairs and tween bedrooms full of “puppy traps.”

Car seat belt tether - Clips to the headrest and keeps her secure—no jumping out the window!

❌ What Didn’t:

Car seat cover (too small) - I bought a single-seat cover thinking she’d ride up front. That didn't last. She rides in the back now, so we had to buy a second, full-size cover. Wait until you know where your dog will sit before buying one.

🐕 Final Thoughts

You don’t need to buy everything at once. Stick with the puppy essentials, skip the fluff, and don’t feel guilty if you wait to see what works.

A lot depends on your puppy’s preferences and personality—and you’ll figure it out as you go. Hopefully, this list saves you a little money, time, and frustration.

And one last tip: save your receipts. 😉

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