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New Dog Starter Kit

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.

19 book-aligned productsAll available on AmazonEditor-reviewed picks only

Get These Before Day One

These 15 items cover containment, identification, walking, feeding, enrichment, and cleanup before your dog arrives.

1
Diggs Revol Dog Crate
Crate with Divider

Diggs Revol Dog Crate

Diggs

Premium Pick

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

2
MidWest 42-Inch Exercise Pen with Door
Exercise Pen

MidWest 42-Inch Exercise Pen with Door

MidWest Homes for Pets

46K+ Reviews

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

3
Regalo Easy Step Walk-Through Gate
Baby Gate

Regalo Easy Step Walk-Through Gate

Regalo

Amazon's Choice

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

4
Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Sofa Bed
Washable Dog Bed

Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Sofa Bed

Bedsure

35K+ Reviews

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

5
YETI Boomer 8 Dog Bowl
Food & Water Bowls

YETI Boomer 8 Dog Bowl

YETI

4.8โ˜… Rated

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

6
Max and Neo The NEO Dog Collar
Everyday Collar

Max and Neo The NEO Dog Collar

Max and Neo

9.5K Reviews ยท 4.9โ˜…

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

7
GoTags Stainless Steel Pet ID Tag
Personalized ID Tag

GoTags Stainless Steel Pet ID Tag

GoTags

104K+ Reviews

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

8
PetSafe Easy Walk No-Pull Harness
Well-Fitted Harness

PetSafe Easy Walk No-Pull Harness

PetSafe

Trainer's #1 Pick

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

9
PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash
6-Foot Leash

PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash

PetSafe

Best Value

A simple six-foot leash gives enough freedom for training without the inconsistent tension and extra reach of a retractable leash.

10
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Rice
Large-Breed Puppy Food โ€” If Applicable

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Rice

Purina Pro Plan

Large-Breed Growth

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.

11
Pet Botanics Training Reward Bacon Flavor
Training Treats

Pet Botanics Training Reward Bacon Flavor

Pet Botanics

500 Treats/Bag

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

12
KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy
Stuffable Enrichment Toy

KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy

KONG

Vet Recommended

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

13
KONG Puppy Natural Rubber Teething Toy
Puppy Teething Toy โ€” If Applicable

KONG Puppy Natural Rubber Teething Toy

KONG

Puppy Pick

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.

14
Rocco & Roxie Enzyme Stain & Odor Eliminator
Enzymatic Cleaner

Rocco & Roxie Enzyme Stain & Odor Eliminator

Rocco & Roxie

127K+ Reviews

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

15
Earth Rated Unscented Dog Poop Bags
Poop Bags

Earth Rated Unscented Dog Poop Bags

Earth Rated

246K+ Reviews

Extra-strong unscented refill rolls fit standard dispensers and keep every walk, training outing, and car trip cleanup-ready.

Add These in Week Two

Conditional and coat-care picks to add once you know your dog's eating and grooming needs.

16
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl
Slow Feeder โ€” If Needed

Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl

Outward Hound

135K+ Reviews

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

17
Burt's Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo
Gentle Shampoo

Burt's Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo

Burt's Bees

99.7% Natural

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

18
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
Coat-Appropriate Slicker Brush

Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush

Chris Christensen

Premium Grooming

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

19
Andis 65730 Stainless-Steel Pet Comb
Metal Finishing Comb

Andis 65730 Stainless-Steel Pet Comb

Andis

4.8-Star Pick

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

Want the Full 30-Day Checklist?

The New Dog Guide covers everything from day one through month one โ€” vet prep, training milestones, insurance, and more.