The Ultimate New Puppy Starter Kit

Why We Picked These

Here's the thing about puppies: they don't need half the stuff pet stores try to sell you. I spent five years as a vet tech in Portland, and I watched hundreds of owners waste money on fluffy beds that immediately get shredded. What you actually need is a survival kit. The MidWest iCrate is exactly that. It isn't the prettiest piece of furniture, but it holds up. I use one at the Multnomah County Animal Shelter for our hardest arrivals. The included divider panel means you only buy it once. Then there's the KONG Classic. Maple destroyed three cheap chew toys before I finally learned my lesson (she's an Aussie with a serious jaw). Stuff a KONG, freeze it, and enjoy thirty minutes of peace. I included the PetSafe Easy Walk harness, too. I'd skip this if you're raising a giant breed that pulls like a freight train. For most puppies learning leash manners, what sealed it for me was how quickly it corrects pulling without choking. The honest downside to this kit? Blue Buffalo is decent kibble, but you'll probably want a specialized formula once they hit a year old. I also threw in Virbac enzymatic toothpaste. I saw too many horrible dental extractions at the clinic, so start brushing now. Still, for surviving the inevitable accidents (Nature's Miracle is basically a household utility) and the sleepless nights, this setup is absolutely worth it. Estimate your puppy's first-year costs with our free [Puppy Cost Calculator](https://www.petsblueprint.com/tools/puppy-cost).