Bringing a new dog home is one of the best feelings ever — but it also comes with a lot of “okay… what do I buy?” moments. With shelves full of toys, treats, and fancy gadgets, it’s easy to overthink the essentials.
This checklist keeps things simple, practical, and pet-parent-approved so you can start strong without the overwhelm.

1. High-Quality Food

Your dog’s health starts in the bowl. Look for clean ingredients, real proteins, and formulas that match their age and size. Skip foods loaded with fillers or by-products — they usually cause stomach issues and low energy.

Pro Tip:
Transition slowly over 5–7 days to avoid digestive upset.

Product Tie-In (Optional):
Fable Paw’s clean, grain-free recipes are perfect for puppies, adults, and seniors.

2. Training & Daily Treats

Treats are your secret weapon — for bonding, training, confidence building, and rewarding good behavior.
Choose treats that are:

• Low-calorie

• Soft enough to break

• Made from clean ingredients

These will keep training fun without messing up your dog’s diet.

3. Food & Water Bowls

Go for bowls that are easy to clean, non-slip, and made from safe materials. Raised bowls or slow-feeders are great if your dog eats too quickly.

4. A Comfortable Bed

Your dog needs a cozy place to rest, decompress, and feel safe. Pick a bed based on their sleeping style:

• Curled sleepers: donut beds

• Sprawlers: flat rectangular beds

• Chewers: durable foam beds

5. Collar, ID Tag & Leash

A secure collar and updated ID tag are non-negotiable.
Make sure the tag includes:

• Dog’s name

• Your phone number

• Optional: address or email

Pair it with a strong, comfortable leash for walks and outdoor training.

6. Grooming Essentials

A basic grooming set keeps your dog clean, comfortable, and smelling fresh. You’ll need:

• Gentle dog shampoo

• Brush or comb (depends on coat type)

• Nail clippers or grinder

• Ear cleaning wipes

Start slow, keep sessions short, and always reward after.

7. Toys for Play & Enrichment

Dogs don’t just need physical exercise — they need mental stimulation too.
Aim for a mix of:

• Chew toys

• Tug toys

• Puzzle toys

• Fetch toys

These help prevent boredom, chewing disasters, and anxiety.

8. Waste Bags & Cleaning Supplies

Real talk — accidents will happen.
Keep these on hand:

• Waste bags

• Enzyme cleaner (key for removing scent)

• Paper towels

• Puppy pads (if needed)

9. A Vet Plan

Before your dog even sets paw inside your home, make a vet plan:

• Schedule a checkup

• Discuss vaccines

• Talk about flea/tick protection

• Ask about nutrition + behavior

• Get medical records if adopting

A good vet relationship is worth everything.

Final Thoughts

Welcoming a new pet doesn’t need to be complicated. Focus on the essentials: good food, clean treats, enrichment, and a safe environment. Everything else can come later — what matters most is creating a home full of comfort, consistency, and a whole lot of love.