So, you did it. You fell for the little face, the toe beans, the head tilts. And now? You’ve got a new roommate who doesn’t understand personal space, cries at 3 a.m., and thinks your socks are a full-course meal.
Welcome to the land of tiny puddles, oversized yawns, and zero chill. Your life just got way cuter — and way messier. But don’t worry. We’ve raised our fair share of puppies here at The Pets Table, and we promise the mayhem does turn into routine eventually. Probably. Maybe.
But first, let’s talk survival mode. In this article, we’re breaking down everything you’ll actually need for your new pup.
So, if you’re wondering what to buy, what to skip, and how to make those first few days a little less “what have I done?” keep reading.
What Age Counts as a Puppy, Anyway?
Great question. Because while your eight-week-old furball feels like a baby (and definitely acts like one), “puppy” doesn’t just mean “small and full of chaos.”
Technically, most dogs are considered puppies from birth until about 12 months. But that can totally vary depending on their breed and size.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Small breeds: Puppyhood usually lasts up to 9-12 months
- Medium breeds: Around 12-14 months
- Large and giant breeds: These late bloomers might not be “adult” until 18-24 months
Yep, your Great Dane might still be a puppy even when they’re the size of a small horse.
Why does it matter? Because puppy needs are different from adult needs. From nutrition to training to how often they pee (spoiler: it’s a lot), knowing what stage they’re in helps you make better decisions — and survive the growing pains with slightly fewer slipper casualties.
What Do I Need for a New Puppy?
You’ve got the scoop on what counts as a puppy, so let’s talk gear. Whether you’re about to pick up your new roommate or your tiny toe-biter is already wrecking your throw pillows, here’s what you’ll need to survive (and maybe even thrive) in the early days of pup parenthood.
1. Food & Water Bowls
Start with two bowls — one for food, one for water, and both ideally not made of plastic. Stainless steel and ceramic are better bets: they’re durable, dishwasher-safe, and way less likely to turn into bacteria buffets if your pup drools like a faucet (which, fair warning, they probably will).
Look for something heavy or non-slip unless you’re cool with your puppy nose-bumping their dinner across the kitchen like a Roomba. And don’t go too big too fast — a puppy-sized bowl helps with portion control, especially for dogs who think every meal is an eating contest.
Pro tip: Place the water bowl somewhere easily accessible but out of high-splash zones (unless you’re into ankle-deep mystery puddles). Refill it often. Puppies drink a lot, and dehydration = cranky gremlin energy.
2. Puppy Food
Here’s the deal: puppies need food made for growing dogs. That means more protein, fat, and essential nutrients than adult dog food. It’s like the dog version of getting extra chicken nuggets just for being young.
Stick with a brand that’s formulated for puppies and ideally recommended by your vet. If you’re switching foods from whatever the breeder or rescue used, do it gradually over a week to avoid tummy blowouts that will haunt your flooring forever.
Look for real ingredients, a named protein source (like chicken or beef, not “animal meal mystery surprise”), and bonus points if it’s human-grade. If your dog food sounds like it was made in a lab, maybe skip it.
All recipes from The Pets Table are formulated with a board-certified nutritionist to be complete and balanced for all life stages— including puppies. This means you can feel at ease making the switch, even if your current food is labeled a ‘puppy formula.’ Just be sure to regularly update your pet’s profile as they grow.
Heads up: Puppies need to eat multiple times a day, so plan for breakfast, lunch, and dinner until your vet gives the green light to switch to two meals. And yes, they will try to convince you they need snacks in between. Stay strong.
3. A Crate (Yep, Really)
Crates get a bad rap, but hear us out — they’re one of the most useful tools for raising a pup without losing your mind. When introduced properly, crates become your dog’s safe space — a place to chill, nap, and decompress when the world (or the vacuum) gets too loud.
They also make potty training 100x easier. Dogs naturally avoid going potty where they sleep, so a crate that’s the right size (just big enough to stand, turn, and lie down) helps teach them bladder control. Go too big, and they’ll just pick a corner to poop in.
Quick tips:
- Use treats and praise to make it a positive place. No forcing!
- Cover it with a blanket to make it feel den-like (bonus: less visual chaos).
- Don’t use it as punishment — this is their chill zone, not dog jail.
Also, crates give you a break. Because sometimes you need to shower, eat, or cry in peace, and knowing your feral snuggle bug is safely contained is a game-changer.
4. A Comfy Bed
Your puppy needs a place to crash after a long day of terrorizing your shoelaces and questioning ceiling fans. That’s where the bed comes in. It gives them a cozy, defined sleep zone that’s not your face at 2 a.m.
Start with something simple: soft, washable, and not too pricey. Puppies are cute, but they’re also messy little monsters who may chew, pee, or throw a tantrum mid-nap. This is not the moment to splurge on a luxury orthopedic memory foam throne — they’re not ready for that kind of responsibility.
Tips to help your pup love their bed:
- Place it in their crate or a quiet corner so they can chill undisturbed.
- Avoid beds with tempting zippers, buttons, or extra fluff if your dog’s a shredder.
- If they chew it anyway? Congrats, you’ve got a pillow de-stuffer. Welcome to the club.
And yes, eventually, you’ll upgrade to a big-kid bed. For now? Just get one that survives the teething years.
5. Collar, Leash, and ID Tag
Even if walks aren’t part of your daily routine yet, your pup still needs a well-fitted collar and ID tag from day one. Puppies are sneaky little escape artists — one open door or wobbly gate and boom: they’re halfway down the block like it’s the Daytona 500.
A simple adjustable collar (not too tight, not too loose — two fingers should fit underneath) works best to start. Skip the fancy stuff for now — this collar is going to see drool, mud, and probably some chewing.
Your checklist for this category:
- ID tag with your phone number (extra credit if it’s engraved and not a sticker)
- A four to six-foot leash for controlled walks (retractables = too much freedom too soon)
- Harness for later if your pup’s a puller or has a squishy face (like a Frenchie)
Microchipping is also a great backup move — because if your pup dashes out during a thunderstorm or sneaks past a pet sitter, having ID and a chip gives you way better odds of getting them home safe.
6. Potty Supplies (You’ll Need More Than You Think)
You think you know. You do not know.
Puppies pee a lot. Like, Olympic-level amounts. So, whether you’re training indoors, heading out every 20 minutes, or doing a little of both, you’ll want to stock up on potty gear like you’re prepping for a small flood.
What you’ll need:
- Puppy pads (even if you’re going outside — accidents happen)
- Poop bags (get the big roll, trust us)
- Enzyme cleaner (because regular spray just masks the smell, and your dog will sniff out that pee spot like it’s a crime scene)
- Paper towels. So many paper towels.
- Optional: bell by the door (yes, some pups learn to ring it when they gotta go. Others ring it for vibes. Be warned.)
And a pro tip from the “we’ve-been-there” files: keep a stash of supplies in more than one place — when the middle of the night whimper-pee hits (which it will…), you do not want to be rummaging through a cabinet with one eye open and a half-asleep beastie at your feet.
7. Toys (for Chewing, Sniffing, and Sanity)
Here’s the thing: your puppy will chew. That’s not a warning — it’s a universal truth. The trick is giving them toys they’re allowed to destroy instead of letting them freestyle on your furniture.
Start with a variety: soft plush toys for cuddling and playing tug, rubber toys for chewing, and puzzle toys to tire out their brains (a tired puppy = a peaceful home). Puppies are like toddlers with teeth — they need stuff to do, or they’ll find their own entertainment (think: shredding your favorite hoodie like it’s a delicacy on Top Pup Chef).
Toy tips:
- Make sure anything you buy is labeled puppy-safe (softer material for those baby teeth)
- No small parts that can be chewed off and swallowed
- Rotate toys every few days to keep things exciting
- Supervise during play — especially with anything squeaky. One minute, it’s fun, and the next, you’re extracting a plastic squeaker from their mouth like it’s an emergency game of Operation
And yes, some toys will get destroyed in 10 minutes. That’s okay. It’s called enrichment. Or therapy. Or both.
8. Grooming Basics
Even if your puppy looks low-maintenance, they still need the grooming basics. Starting early helps them get used to being handled — and prevents future “guess I’m wrestling my dog in the bathtub again” situations.
Here’s your starter kit:
- Puppy shampoo (formulated for their sensitive skin)
- Brush or comb based on coat type
- Nail clippers or grinder (slow intros here — treats required)
- Dog-friendly toothbrush & toothpaste (yes, dental care starts now)
- A towel you don’t care about because bath zoomies are real
Pro tip: Even if they don’t need a full bath yet, start brushing and playing with their paws regularly. It’ll make nail trims and vet visits so much easier later on. And yes, they’ll act like brushing their tail is a personal attack. You’re doing great.
9. Training Treats
Your puppy doesn’t know what “sit” means. Or “no.” Or why stealing underwear is not a rewardable behavior. That’s where treats come in.
Training treats are your best friend. Tiny, tasty, and quick to eat, they help your dog learn faster without turning every session into a calorie bomb. Think: soft bites the size of a pencil eraser—not half a biscuit per trick.
Tips for treat training success:
- Keep them on you at all times (jacket pockets, treat pouches, wherever)
- Use a happy tone and give the treat immediately after good behavior
- Be consistent—reward every potty success, every “sit,” and every time they don’t bark at their reflection
Also? Praise matters, too. So, go ahead and become the hype person you were born to be. “GOOD PEE OUTSIDE!!” — you, at 6 a.m., rocking bedhead and hope, no regrets.
The Bottom Line
And there you have it — nine essentials to help you survive the early days of raising a little tornado. The learning curve is real, but so is the tail-wagging payoff.
Once you’ve got the gear, let us help with the food part. At The Pets Table, we make personalized meals for dogs of all ages, crafted with real ingredients and developed with vet nutritionists. Choose Fresh, Air-Dried, or a mix of both — delivered straight to your door.
Take our quiz, pick your plan, and let the good bowls roll.
Sources:
HSNT | When is a Puppy Considered an Adult Dog? | Humane Society of North Texas
When Does My Puppy Finish Growing? How Long Do Puppies Grow? | AKC
How To Crate Train Your Dog | PAWS
How to Potty Train Puppies: A Comprehensive Guide for Success | American Kennel Club