Bringing home a new dog, whether they're a puppy or adult rescue, comes with a long list of items to gather and decisions to make. This has been especially top of mind for me lately, since I just brought home my own new dog, Penny, last weekend.
Even as a pets editor and longtime dog parent, I can get lost in the sea of options, from food and bowls to potty-training and walking essentials. Fortunately, I interviewed several experts for this new dog checklist before signing my adoption contract. I also relied on my experience bringing two rescue dogs home in the past, recalling what I couldn't have lived without and what I wished I'd had.
I asked veterinarians, an animal behaviorist, and professional dog trainers what pet guardians can do and use to help a dog adjust to their new home and family. Above all, they agreed that a new dog needs a calm, predictable environment. The gear below can help you create one, especially during your dog's first days, weeks, and months with you.
The specific product recommendations in this article are based on extensive research and testing by BI Reviews editors and reporters. Beyond these items, your immediate needs include an initial visit with your veterinarian, who can advise you ongoing flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. You also want to make sure to register your dog's microchip.
What to bring when you pick up your dog
Some essential gear can help keep your dog safe and secure on their journey from the adoption center or pickup point to their new home with you.
A collar and leash
A simple budget-friendly collar and a high-quality leash will help you keep your new dog close and guide them safely. Some shelters and rescues send dogs home with one or both, but it's not guaranteed. Your dog's collar should hold an ID tag with your contact information as soon as you have it made, along with their rabies vaccination and license tags. At first, you can connect the leash to their collar for walks, but measuring them for a harness should be a priority once they're home and you have a better sense of how they walk on leash.
Frisco's collar has 7.5 inches of adjustment room, is smooth and soft on a dog's neck, and holds up to wear and tear.
Max and Neo takes the standard nylon leash to the next level with a traffic handle, extra D-ring for holding poop bags, and reflective material that is easy to spot from across the street.
A car seat or crash-tested harness
Keep your dog securely restrained in the backseat for the ride home. "Make sure to keep the windows up to avoid escape and injury, and keep your new friend in the back seat, which is the safest area of the car for a pet to travel," says Dr. Reagan Bugg, regional doctor mentor for Thrive Pet Healthcare and associate veterinarian at The Pet Hospitals Poplar at Massey.
Amanda Farah, a professional dog trainer and national training and behavior coordinator for Best Friends Animal Society, recommends using a carrier for puppies to limit their exposure to transmissible diseases, and carriers can also be a good option for small dogs. For larger adult dogs, Dr. Melissa Jacobs, hospital medical director at the San Francisco SPCA, recommends crash-tested harnesses. The gold standard is one that is independently tested by a third party, such as the Center for Pet Safety. The organization tested the Sleepypod carrier and harness below, which reporter Liz Coleman tried with her own dog when testing dog car seats. I personally used the harness with my last pup.
One of the few pet carriers crash-test certified by CPS, the Sleepypod doubles as a car seat, combining safety with comfort for dogs weighing up to 15 pounds.
This dog car harness has been proven to reduce damaging forces in a car crash. It's quick and easy to secure with your car's seat belt.
Dog treats
Tasty treats can help your new dog form positive associations with their new surroundings and experiences. "Treats can help make the whole experience better for everyone," Farah says. Small, soft training treats are convenient to carry along and easy for most dogs to chew. You can ask the adoption coordinator whether your dog already has a favorite.
These soft, chewy, low-calorie treats are ideal for training. They are flavored with peanut butter and contain omega fatty acids from fish oil in every bite. (1.6 calories/treat)
Set up a safe space for decompression before you bring them home
Bringing a new dog home is a major transition for everyone in your household, especially your newest furry family member. It may take days or weeks for their personality to really begin to show, and some dogs may be fearful at first.
"When your dog is new to the home, a 'safe space' can help them relax, decompress, and feel secure," Farah says. "It gives them a predictable environment where they can take a break from overwhelming situations and practice calm behavior." She recommends choosing a low-noise area away from front entrances, windows, and other high-traffic spots, but not too isolated. It should give them a place to rest and observe their environment without becoming overwhelmed by visitors, children, or other pets.
Keep in mind that when you do move forward with introductions to other dogs, all dogs should be leashed so they can't jump onto each other, says Dr. Jen Quammen, a veterinarian and president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Your new dog should also be leashed when meeting new people.
Use a crate, exercise pen, or gate
Depending on your dog's size, age, and comfort with confinement, their safe space might look like an appropriately sized crate, an exercise pen, a gated section of a room, or a small room with a door that closes.
You want to set up areas for sleeping and eating without competition from other pets who may try to steal their food, Jacobs says. She says many dogs do well with an appropriately sized crate with lots of padding, while others may do better in a room with a door that closes. That room should have blankets, a bed, water, and a favorite toy. If you have other dogs, only give them toys or chews when they're separated in their crates or confinement areas for the first few weeks, says Pamela Reid, an animal behaviorist and vice president of behavioral sciences for the ASPCA.
If you have a new puppy, choose a crate with an adjustable divider so it can grow with them and support potty training. Our favorite crate from Midwest fits the bill and is also a great option for adult dogs. A crate should limit a dog's movement enough to help them learn to hold their bladder, says Alexandra Bassett, a certified professional dog trainer and founder of Dog Savvy Positive Dog Training. Your dog should be able to stand up and turn around comfortably, but if they have too much extra space, they're more likely to use one end as a potty and the other for sleeping.
The Midwest Life Stages Folding Crate is a durable and versatile wire dog crate that's perfect for puppies or adult dogs.
The Cumbor Safety Gate is not only secure but it also automatically latches and includes a ramp to prevent trips and falls.
Provide them with a dog bed or crate mat
A dog bed or crate mat gives your new dog a cozy place to rest and unwind. Since you don't yet know their sleep preferences, a budget-friendly option is a smart choice for their first bed or mat.
This well-designed bolster bed with a wide entry and nonskid bottom comes in more sizes and colors than any other dog bed we tested and recommend.
This durable mat is an excellent option for dogs who prefer a spacious, flat sleep surface.
Have food and bowls ready to go
Creating a predictable routine also means providing reliable access to fresh water and food.
Use a regular bowl for water, and consider a slow feeder for food
Your new dog should have their own food and water bowls. If you have other pets at home, make sure each has their own set of bowls and feed them separately from your new dog. Jacobs also likes puzzle and slow-feeder bowls, which can add mental enrichment to mealtime.
Featuring high-quality stainless steel, the Yeti Boomer is a tough dog bowl, made to withstand the rough-and-tumble of daily use.
The Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl slows down mealtime for an enriching challenge without being too difficult.
Check with your vet before switching their food
You don't want to change your new dog's food right away if at all possible, Jacobs says. A lot of dogs have sensitive stomachs. Some shelters or caregivers may send you home with a small supply of your dog's current food. You can also ask what they've been eating and often find it at a local store before placing a larger order online.
Once your dog has settled into their new routine, your veterinarian can help you choose an appropriate food if you'd like to make a switch. Whether you feed your dog kibble, canned food, or a fresh diet, Jacobs says it should be complete and balanced for your dog's life stage. Foods that have undergone AAFCO feeding trials are also ideal.
You'll want to transition your dog to their new diet gradually, and even longer for a sensitive stomach. Quammen advises gradually transitioning them over 7 to 10 days. She likes to start with 100% of their old food for 1 to 2 days, then 75% old food and 25% new for a couple of days, move to equal portions, and then serve 25% old food and 75% new before switching completely.
Below are some of our favorite dry, canned, and fresh dog foods
The foods below meet strict veterinarian-recommended criteria for quality dog food. You can learn more about how we choose dog food and find additional options in our guide to the best dog food.
The Farmer’s Dog is a well-established fresh dog food company offering seven recipes at the best prices we’ve found. Prices start at $2.24 per day, which is less than many dry and canned dog foods.
Be prepared for house training and accidents
Jacobs recommends setting your puppy or adopted dog up for success with a clear plan for house training. You may start by using potty pads, or you can immediately introduce your dog to the outdoor spot where you'd like them to go.
In terms of general training, Farah says the best supplies are good guidance and treats that your dog finds rewarding. She recommends finding a trainer or even a good training book or website, and learning how to communicate with your dog. "Reward the behaviors you like, and when they do something you don't like, show them what you'd rather they do instead and reward that," she adds.
Use potty pads as needed
Because puppies need close supervision, Farah recommends creating a safe, contained area for times when you can't watch them. An exercise pen can help prevent unwanted behaviors, such as chewing on furniture or going potty behind the couch, and you can set up potty pads inside the area. "Absorbent potty pads are great to help contain puppy messes, and I like them long-term to give a dog a portable option to relieve themselves anywhere," Farah says.
A generous size and six layers of leak-proof protection make the Four Paws Wee-Wee Pads the ultimate puppy training pad.
Neutralize urine with an enzymatic cleaner
Accidents happen, and you'll want to take an extra step when cleaning them up. "When cleaning up after accidents, I always recommend an enzymatic cleaner to reduce the risk of your puppy pottying in the same place again," Bugg says.
The enzymatic cleaner is easy to apply to stains immediately after wiping up the mess with a damp cloth. It has a fresh, mild scent that substantially neutralizes the smell of urine when used soon after an accident.
Get walking with some essentials
Jacobs recommends starting slowly by letting dogs explore their immediate area, whether that's your backyard or the streets around your home. If you have a puppy that's not fully vaccinated, you won't be able to do full street walks, certainly not in dog-heavy areas, she says.
Use a harness
Once you're familiar with how your new dog walks on leash, you can choose a harness that best suits them. Bassett uses front-clip harnesses, which are designed to reduce pulling by gently redirecting a dog's movement. Some harnesses must be slipped on over the head, which may make some dogs uncomfortable, while others require your dog to step into them.
Our favorite harnesses have both front and back clips, making them a versatile option for dogs who walk on a loose leash as well as those who tend to pull.
The PetSafe Easy Walk Comfort Harness is a good choice for dogs of all sizes, thanks to its adjustability and comfortable padding.
Always carry poop bags
Single-use plastics are not ideal, but Earth Rated bags contain 65% post-consumer recycled plastic. You're going to use these every day, so I recommend buying large quantities so you don't get caught without them very often.
Earth Rated makes durable poop bags that make cleaning up after your pup a cinch. This set of 900 bags comes with a poop bag holder.
Start with a few safe toys
It's tempting to go out and buy every variety of toy, but it's best to start simply while you learn what your dog likes. Farah says she thinks of toys in terms of the needs they fulfill, including chewing, chasing, problem-solving, and digging.
Jacobs says the toys should be appropriately sized for your dog and suited to their chewing strength. Dogs who quickly shred stuffed toys need different options than gentle chewers. Supervise your dog the first few times they use any new toy to ensure they interact with it safely.
Tough chew and tug toys
Your new dog will likely want to chew on something, so it's up to you to provide them with appropriate items. "Offer a range of choices for chew items, as dogs often have preferences when it comes to what they like to chew," Reid says.
The Kong Extreme Tires toy appeals to dogs in so many ways, whether they use it just for chewing or you fill it with food like peanut butter for an extra tasty treat.
With their wood-like texture, these chews are a safe alternative to actual sticks, antlers, and bones.
This rope toy made of cotton is a favorite in our reporters' multi-dog households.
Food and puzzle toys
I've always kept a rotation of puzzle toys on hand for my food-motivated dogs. Over the years, Insider Reviews reporters and I tested 22 different options across various difficulty levels.
The soft yet durable Toppl can be stuffed full of food and treats for a long-lasting chew session.
The Kong Classic addresses a variety of dogs' needs: It is a durable chew and fetch toy plus a food dispenser.
The Outward Hound Hide N' Slide is a durable, safe, and easy-to-clean toy for dogs who are new to puzzles.
The high-quality Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Mat is an excellent choice for hyper dogs or pups with mobility issues.
Plush toys
"Ripping and tearing are built into their DNA, so when they're unstuffing their stuffies, know that you're providing great enrichment," Farah says.
This cute, cuddly plush toy comes in three sizes and has minimal stuffing, making it an excellent pick for super chewers who love to rip and shred.
The plush Hide-a-Squirrel Puzzle Toy does double duty as a brain-working puzzle and a soft, squeaky plush toy.
Puppies love soft, squeaky toys, and this one is heavy-duty enough to hold up to some gnawing.
The bottom line
It's tempting to try to fill your new dog's world with lots of fun toys and accessories, but the most important things you can give a dog are your time and attention.
"Some pets adjust to a new environment quickly and confidently, while others may need more time to feel comfortable," Reid says. She says consistent routines and remembering 3-3-3 guideline can be helpful. The 3-3-3 guide considers adjustment periods in terms of 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months, and can help you understand your individual dog's needs and behavior. If you encounter challenges, Reid recommends contacting a certified applied animal behaviorist, veterinary behaviorist, or certified professional dog trainer.
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