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19 carefully selected essentials aligned to the SmartPaws Breed Guide shopping list. Start with the must-haves, then add the conditional and coat-specific tools that fit your dog.
These 15 items cover containment, identification, walking, feeding, enrichment, and cleanup before your dog arrives.

Diggs
Rounded corners, no pinch points, and a removable divider let the sleeping space grow with your puppy.

MidWest Homes for Pets
Creates a supervised play and rest zone when a puppy needs more room than a crate but is not ready for full household freedom.

Regalo
Blocks tempting or unsafe rooms while your dog learns household rules. Use hardware mounting wherever the installation location requires it.

Bedsure
An orthopedic foam base and washable cover provide a comfortable, practical resting place during the first messy weeks.

YETI
18/8 stainless steel will not harbor odors like scratched plastic, and the non-slip base stays put during excited first meals.

Max and Neo
Reflective stitching, a quick-release buckle, and a lifetime guarantee make this a dependable everyday identification collar.

GoTags
Visible contact information is an inexpensive backup to a registered microchip. Update the engraving whenever your phone number changes.

PetSafe
A front-attachment harness adds control without relying on neck pressure. Measure carefully and recheck the fit as a puppy grows.

PetSafe
A simple six-foot leash gives enough freedom for training without the inconsistent tension and extra reach of a retractable leash.
Purina Pro Plan
For puppies expected to mature at 70+ pounds, this formula carries a feeding-test-substantiated complete-and-balanced growth claim. Confirm diet and portions with your veterinarian.

Pet Botanics
Small, low-calorie rewards let you reinforce many good choices without turning each training session into a second meal.

KONG
Stuffing and freezing a correctly sized KONG creates a useful food puzzle for crate routines, calm settling, and supervised enrichment.

KONG
Softer puppy rubber is more consistent with the book's tooth-conscious guidance than a rigid nylon chew, and it can be stuffed and frozen for chilled relief.

Rocco & Roxie
An enzyme formula targets the source of organic accident odors instead of only covering them. Keep it ready before house training begins.

Earth Rated
Extra-strong unscented refill rolls fit standard dispensers and keep every walk, training outing, and car trip cleanup-ready.
Conditional and coat-care picks to add once you know your dog's eating and grooming needs.

Outward Hound
The four-cup maze makes fast eaters work around the bowl instead of swallowing large mouthfuls. Use only if your dog actually gulps.

Burt's Bees
A gentle shampoo is useful once your dog has settled in. Avoid over-bathing and check with your veterinarian if the skin is irritated.

Chris Christensen
The long, dense pins are specifically suited to Golden Retriever and German Shepherd coats. Use a light hand and brush in sections.

Andis
Comb through after brushing to find the small tangles a brush can pass over, especially in feathering and friction points.