Top 12 Essentials Every New Dog Owner Needs (According to Vets)

Top 12 Essentials Every New Dog Owner Needs (According to Vets)

Bringing a new dog into your life is equal parts joy and responsibility. Those first days set the tone for a lifetime together. While there isn't a precise global statistics which tracks new dog owners every year, according to PDSA's 2024 PAW Report, 14% of dog owners in the UK had acquired their pet within the past year as of 2024 and while this percentage has remained stable since 2023, it represents a significant increase from the pre-pandemic years.

Dog looking happily at camera

Preparation matters: The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) emphasizes the importance of ensuring your home is a safe and adequate environment before considering getting a new dog. Starting with the right essentials reduces stress for both you and your pup.

Below you'll find a compassionate, research-backed guide to the 12 things every new dog owner should consider. Each section includes practical advice and a short list of recommended products you can check out for convenience.

 

Table of Contents

 

Key Takeaways For New Dog Owners

  • Preparation matters: Research from AVMA and PDSA highlights the importance of creating a safe, structured environment before bringing a new dog home
  • Nutrition is foundational: High-quality, life-stage-appropriate food reduces obesity risk and supports long-term health
  • Comfort and security: Beds and crates provide safe, predictable spaces that lower anxiety and aid housetraining
  • Identification saves lives: Microchips and ID tags greatly increase the chances of lost dogs being reunited with families
  • Play and training: Toys, training tools, and enrichment activities reduce stress, prevent boredom, and build strong bonds
  • Daily walks matter: Proper leashes and harnesses ensure safe exercise, reduce anxiety, and improve behavior
  • Grooming is preventive care: Regular brushing, bathing, and dental hygiene detect problems early and improve comfort
  • Veterinary care and safety: Vaccinations, parasite control, and first aid kits are essential to your dog's health and household safety
  • Plan financially: Pet insurance or an emergency fund protects against costly, unexpected veterinary expenses
  • Socialisation is an investment: Early, positive exposure builds confidence and prevents fear-based behaviors

 

1. Quality Dog Food and Feeding Supplies

Food isn't just fuel; it shapes growth, energy, mood, and long-term health. Choosing the right diet for your dog's age, size and medical needs is one of the kindest things you can do as a new owner.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends matching food to life stage and body condition, while clinical resources such as VCA Animal Hospitals call attention to how overfeeding and low-quality diets drive obesity and related health problems.

Dog eating from a bowl

If you're unsure, start with your veterinarian's recommendation and choose recognizable ingredient lists, then monitor weight, coat condition, and energy as your dog settles in.

Consider getting some basic recommended food supplies, such as dog food bowls or dispensers, to start with, or slow feeders to reduce the risk of obesity from the beginning.

Recommended feeding supplies for new dog owners

 

2. A Comfortable Dog Bed

Dogs need a safe, cosy place to decompress, especially in the early days when the world can feel overwhelming.

The RSPCA and veterinary sources recommend choosing a bed sized to your dog, easy to clean, and appropriate for their support needs (orthopedic for large/bony dogs).

Comfortable dog bed

A consistent sleeping spot helps with housetraining, lowers anxiety and gives your dog a predictable retreat when life gets busy.

Recommended dog beds for new dog owners

 

3. Crate or Safe Space

A cozy dog crate or house done well is a calm, secure den, not punishment. Humane crate training gives pups a predictable spot to rest and helps with housetraining and short-term management. The Humane Society describes crate training as a tool for safety and confidence building when introduced using positive reinforcement.

Dog crate

Choose a crate the right size so your dog can stand and turn around. Introduce it with treats and bedding, and gradually increase the time inside while never using it as punishment.

Recommended crates & dog houses for new dog owners

 

4. Leash, Collar & ID Tags

Identification and safe control go hand-in-hand. The AVMA reminds owners that microchipping plus a clear ID tag dramatically increases the chances of a lost dog being returned and reunites families with their furry friends.

Dog collar with ID tag

A comfortable dog collar (or harness) and a strong leash are the basics you'll use every day, for walks, for vet visits and for peace of mind. Early leash training with positive reinforcement reduces pulling and helps walks become enjoyable for both of you.

Recommended leashes, collars and tracking options for new dog owners

 

5. Training & Chew Toys

Some owners underestimate the effectiveness of toys. Dog toys are essential tools for learning and well-being. Play reduces stress, channels chewing impulses away from your shoes and furniture, and creates training opportunities.

Dog playing with toys

Organizations such as PetMD recommend a mix of chew toys, interactive toys, and fetch items so your dog can work mentally and physically. Look for toys matched to your dog's chewing strength and rotate them to keep interest high.

Recommended training & chew toys for new dog owners

 

6. Leash & Harness (Walks and Control)

Walks are more than exercise; they're enrichment, exposure, and training opportunities rolled into one.

The VCA Hospitals describe how daily walks reduce anxiety, help with weight control, and lower problem behaviours. Choosing the right leash and harness for your dog's size and temperament makes outings safer and more enjoyable.

Dog wearing a harness

Harnesses that distribute pressure across the chest are kinder for pulling dogs, and reflective/LED options help night-time visibility.

Recommended harnesses & leashes for new dog owners

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7. Grooming Supplies

Grooming is preventive healthcare. Regular brushing, ear checks and dental care keep your dog comfortable and can spot problems early.

The AKC recommends having your dog groomed professionally, or try to find tools tailored to coat type (slicker brushes, deshedding tools), safe dog shampoo and gentle tooth brushing to avoid dental disease (one of the most common issues veterinarians treat).

Grooming is also a relationship builder: short, positive sessions (with treats and calm handling) teach your dog that being touched and handled is safe.

Recommended grooming supplies for new dog owners

 

8. Training Tools

Starting training early helps a new dog feel confident and clear about what you expect. Research at institutions like Tufts University and behaviour science reviews highlight that reward-based, consistent training reduces stress and improves retention versus aversive methods.

Dog training session

Keep tools simple: a treat pouch, small high-value treats, and a clicker or marker can transform even short sessions into effective lessons. Regular, short sessions (15-20 minutes) in different environments boost generalization and resilience.

Recommended training tools for new dog owners

Related article:

Top 5 Dog Training Gear Must-Haves (Backed by Science)

 

 

9. Health & Safety Essentials

Preventive healthcare is the single best investment for a long, happy life together.

Vaccination schedules, parasite control (flea/tick/heartworm), and routine vet checks protect your dog and your household. Trusted authorities such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the AVMA provide clear guidance on vaccinations and parasite prevention.

Veterinarian examining a dog

Keep a basic first-aid kit, and establish a relationship with a local veterinarian early. That first wellness visit is the time to set a vaccination and parasite-prevention plan.

Suggested health & safety items to consider

  • Pet first-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, thermometer)
  • Vet-recommended flea, tick and heartworm preventatives (discuss options with your veterinarian)
  • Contact details for a local emergency vet and your regular clinic

 

10. Cleaning & Waste Management

Keeping your home clean and managing waste responsibly are practical parts of ownership. The EPA warns that pet waste left on the ground can wash into waterways; regular clean-up protects your community as well as your backyard.

Person cleaning up after their dog

At home, a small kit (stain & odour remover safe for pets, enzyme cleaners and poop bags) makes accidents less stressful and reduces lingering smells. For housetraining, consistent routines combined with positive reinforcement work far better than punishment.

Recommended cleaning & waste items

  • Portable Dog Waste Bag Dispenser (choose sturdy, biodegradable bags where possible)
  • Enzyme-based stain & odour removers
  • Cleaning kit for paws and mats (towels, pet-safe cleaners)

 

11. Insurance or Emergency Fund

Veterinary care can be expensive and unpredictable. Planning ahead (either with pet insurance or a designated emergency savings pot) prevents painful decisions when an urgent situation arises.

The pet insurance industry is growing because owners want financial security for unexpected illness and accidents; sources like the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) track industry trends and show why many owners choose coverage. If you prefer not to insure, a dedicated savings fund for emergencies works well too.

Helpful pet-insurance resources

 

12. Socialisation & Enrichment Plans

Socialisation is one of the most powerful investments you make during a dog's early months. The PetMD guide and the National Institute of Health (NIH) describe why varied, positive exposure to people, places and sounds helps prevent fear-based behaviours later in life.

Dogs playing together

Socialisation should be gradual, positive, and appropriate for your dog's vaccination status. Ask your vet about safe ways to introduce new environments.

Enrichment (puzzle feeders, scent games, structured play) keeps an adult dog's mind active and reduces boredom-driven mischief.

Recommended ways to socialise and enrich your new dog

  • Puppy classes or positive-reinforcement group sessions
  • Supervised playdates with vaccinated, friendly dogs
  • Puzzle feeders and scent enrichment toys (rotate to maintain interest)

 

Ultimate Must-Haves Checklist for New Dog Owners

This quick checklist is your shopping-and-prep cheat-sheet. Here are the essentials to have ready before your dog arrives or within the first few days.

 

Category What to have ready Why it matters
Food & Feeding High-quality food, measuring scoop, bowls, slow feeder Supports growth, prevents obesity and digestive issues
Comfort Bed, crate, familiar blanket or toy Creates security and improves sleep & behaviour
Identification Collar, ID tag, microchip & tracker Greatly increases chances of reuniting if lost
Walking Gear Leash, harness, waste bags Safety, training and daily exercise
Play & Training Toys, treat pouch, clicker, slow feeders Mental stimulation and positive learning
Health & Safety First aid kit, vet contact, parasite prevention Preventive care & emergency readiness
Grooming & Cleaning Brush, nail trimmer, shampoo, enzyme cleaner Comfort, hygiene and early problem detection
Financial Insurance or emergency fund Protects your ability to choose the best care
Socialisation Puppy classes, playdates, exposure plan Sets the foundation for confident, well-adjusted dogs

 

Final Thoughts

Bringing a new dog home is equal parts delight and learning. The checklist and sections above will give you a practical roadmap, but remember: slow, patient, and positive approaches win in the long run.

Rely on reputable guidance (AVMA, ASPCA, VCA, AKC, and veterinary professionals) when making health or training decisions, and don't hesitate to ask your vet for tailored advice during that first appointment.

Above all, show yourself some grace: every dog and owner pair learns together. With good basics in place (nutrition, safety, sleep, enrichment and training), you'll be set to enjoy the messy, rewarding business of growing into life with your new dog.

 

About the Author

Written by Enrico Crispino, founder of Real Barks and lifelong dog enthusiast. With years of hands-on experience hiking with dogs across diverse terrains, Enrico combines practical expertise with in-depth product knowledge to guide pet owners toward safer, happier outdoor adventures.

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