Bringing home a new puppy is exciting — but walking into a pet store can make it feel like you need to buy everything in sight.

You don’t.

Your puppy really only needs a handful of essentials to keep them safe, comfortable and entertained while they settle into their new home. Here’s what’s actually worth buying.

1. The Everyday Essentials

Start with the things your puppy will use every single day:

• Food and water bowls – stainless steel or good-quality pet-safe ceramic are great choices.
• Puppy food – ideally continue with the food they’re already eating before gradually transitioning if you want to change it.
• Collar and ID tag – choose something lightweight and properly fitted.
• Harness and lead – an adjustable harness is particularly useful while your puppy is still growing.
• Poo bags – you’ll go through more than you think.

Don’t spend too much on their first collar or harness. Puppies grow quickly!

2. Somewhere Cosy to Sleep

Your puppy needs a quiet, comfortable place that feels like their own.

A washable dog bed and a couple of blankets are usually enough. A crate or puppy pen can also create a safe space for sleeping, training and those moments when you can’t supervise them closely.

Choose washable over expensive — puppy accidents happen.

3. Toilet-Training Supplies

An enzyme cleaner should be near the top of your shopping list. It’s designed to properly clean accidents and remove lingering odours.

Puppy pads can also be helpful, particularly for apartment living, although they’re not necessary for every puppy.

4. A Few Good Toys

You don’t need an overflowing toy basket on day one.

Start with:

• One durable puppy chew toy
• One soft toy
• One ball or fetch toy
• One enrichment or food-dispensing toy

This gives your puppy different ways to chew, play and keep their brain occupied while you figure out what they actually enjoy.

5. Basic Grooming Supplies

Introducing grooming while your dog is young can make life much easier later.

You’ll want an appropriate brush or comb, dog shampoo, dog toothbrush and toothpaste, plus a couple of old towels for wet and muddy paws.

The right grooming tools will depend on your puppy’s coat type, so don’t automatically buy the first brush you see.

6. Training Treats

Keep some small, easy-to-eat treats handy for rewarding good behaviour.

You don’t need anything fancy. Tiny treats work particularly well because puppy training involves lots of repetition.

A treat pouch isn’t essential, but it’s surprisingly handy when you start training outside the house.

7. Safe Travel

If your puppy will be traveling in the car, organize an appropriate carrier or car restraint rather than allowing them to move freely around the vehicle.

A portable water bowl is another inexpensive purchase you’ll continue using for walks, road trips and days out.

Don’t Forget the Non-Shopping Essentials

Not everything your puppy needs comes from the pet store.

Make sure you organise:

• A first vet appointment
• Vaccination records
• Microchip details
• Local registration requirements
• Parasite prevention
• Puppy training or socialisation
• Pet insurance research, if you’re considering it

Your vet can help you work out what your individual puppy needs based on their age, breed and lifestyle.

What You Can Skip — For Now

You don’t need ten toys, three designer beds, an entire puppy wardrobe or every gadget you see online.

Start simple.

Food. Water. A safe place to sleep. Identification. Walking equipment. A few toys. Basic grooming supplies. Lots of patience.

Once your puppy settles in, you’ll quickly discover what’s actually worth buying for them — and what would have ended up forgotten at the back of a cupboard.

Sometimes, the best puppy checklist is the shortest one.