New Puppy Essentials: Everything We Actually Used During Ruby Pearl’s First Week Home
By Carmen
I’ll Never Forget the Day Ruby Pearl Came Home
Some days become part of your family’s story forever.
The day Ruby Pearl came home was one of them.
For weeks, we had been preparing. Her little bed was ready. Food and treats were already waiting in the pantry. Puppy toys were tucked into a basket, and I had spent far too much time researching everything a tiny puppy might need during those first few days at home.
Like so many new puppy parents, I wanted to be prepared for everything.
Then, one afternoon, she arrived at our front door.
Within minutes, she was quietly exploring each room, meeting Sam and Kirby, carefully watching Captain Jack, and wondering what to think about Blue Belle and Dally. It didn’t take long before she found a cozy spot to curl up and rest, as if she somehow already knew she was home.
Looking back now, I smile at how much I worried about having the “perfect” puppy checklist.
The truth is, puppies don’t need perfection.
They need patience.
They need consistency.
They need a safe place to sleep, good food, gentle routines, and people who love them enough to guide them through those first confusing days.
Of course, a few carefully chosen products made life much easier too.
If you’re getting ready to bring home a new puppy, these are the items we actually used during Ruby Pearl’s first week—and the ones I would happily buy all over again.
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Before Your Puppy Comes Home
One thing I learned quickly is that the first week goes much more smoothly when you prepare before your puppy ever walks through the front door.
It’s easy to think you’ll have time to run back to the pet store later, but those first few days are busy. Between potty breaks, introducing a new routine, helping your puppy settle in, and soaking up every sweet little moment, you’ll appreciate already having the essentials ready to go.
You don’t need every puppy gadget on the market.
You just need a few quality basics that help your puppy feel safe, comfortable, and loved.
Here are the things that made the biggest difference for us.
Ruby Pearl’s First Week Essentials
1. A Quality Puppy Food
One of the very first decisions you’ll make is choosing your puppy’s food.
When Ruby Pearl came home, we kept her on the food she had already been eating to avoid upsetting her stomach during an already big transition. If you decide to change foods later, it’s usually best to do it gradually over several days so your puppy has time to adjust.
Good nutrition lays the foundation for healthy growth, plenty of energy, and a strong immune system during those important early months.
Our Pick:
➡️ Ruby Pearl’s Puppy Food, small breed
➡️ Puppy food for standard-sized breeds
2. A Safe Place to Rest
One of the best things we gave Ruby Pearl wasn’t a toy—it was her own quiet place to sleep.
From the beginning, we wanted her crate to feel like her little bedroom rather than a punishment. We added a soft bed, kept it in a comfortable spot, and let her learn that it was always a safe place to relax after exploring her new home.
Before long, she’d wander into her crate on her own whenever she was ready for a nap.
Watching her peacefully asleep there reminded me that puppies need plenty of rest, even when they’re determined not to miss a single adventure.
Our Picks:
➡️ MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate
Includes an adjustable divider and folds down for storage.
3. Training Treats That Are Tiny but Mighty
It didn’t take Ruby Pearl long to discover where we kept the treats.
During those first few weeks, tiny training treats became one of our favorite tools for encouraging good habits, celebrating little victories, and making learning fun.
Small treats are perfect because you can reward your puppy often without giving too much at once.
We found ourselves reaching for these several times a day while working on potty training, learning her name, and introducing simple commands.
Ruby Pearl’s Favorites:
➡️ Bocce’s Bakery Quack Quack Quack Dog Training Treats
➡️ Blue Buffalo Bits Beef Training Treats
4. Safe Puppy Chews
Like every puppy, Ruby Pearl wanted to chew on absolutely everything.
Shoelaces.
Chair legs.
Blankets.
If it was within reach, it probably looked like a great chew toy.
Instead of constantly telling her “no,” we found it much more helpful to redirect that natural chewing instinct toward safe puppy chews made specifically for growing teeth.
Having appropriate chews available kept her busy, helped soothe sore gums, and probably saved more than a few household items along the way.
Our Picks:
➡️ N-Bone Puppy Teething Sticks
➡️ Nylabone Healthy Edibles Puppy Dog Treats
5. A Few Favorite Puppy Toys
Puppies don’t need overflowing toy baskets.
They just need a few good toys that encourage healthy play and keep curious little minds busy.
Ruby Pearl quickly discovered that every toy seemed exciting for a different reason. Some became favorites for tugging, while others were perfect for tossing across the floor or carrying proudly from room to room.
One toy I recommend to almost every new puppy parent is a Puppy KONG. Filled with a few treats or a little puppy-safe food, it provides enrichment, encourages problem-solving, and gives puppies something positive to focus on when they need a little quiet time.
It’s still one of my favorite recommendations today.
Our Pick:
➡️ KONG Puppy Natural Rubber Toy
6. An Enzyme Cleaner You’ll Be Glad You Bought
Let’s be honest…
No puppy comes home already potty trained.
Accidents are simply part of the process, and that’s perfectly okay.
One thing I learned quickly is that cleaning up accidents properly is just as important as teaching good potty habits. Puppies have an incredible sense of smell, and if they can still detect where they’ve had an accident before, they’re much more likely to return to that same spot.
A good enzyme cleaner removes both the stain and the odor, making those little mishaps much easier to manage.
It’s one of those products I hope you won’t need very often—but you’ll be incredibly glad you have it when you do.
Our Pick:
➡️ Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover for Dogs
7. A Comfortable Harness and Leash
Before long, Ruby Pearl was ready to start exploring the world outside our front door.
Those first little walks weren’t about distance.
They were about confidence.
Every leaf was fascinating.
Every sound was new.
Every step was another opportunity to learn.
A lightweight harness helped keep her comfortable while giving me better control than attaching a leash directly to her collar.
If you’re introducing a puppy to walks for the first time, take it slowly. Those early outings are about building positive experiences—not covering miles.
Our Pick:
➡️ rabbitgoo Dog Harness and Leash Set
8. A Few Everyday Extras
None of these are necessities on day one, but they’ve become some of the handiest items we’ve added over time.
A Few Favorites:
➡️ A portable water bottle for walks and outings
9. Waste Bags + Dispenser
This is one of those boring little purchases you’ll use constantly.
My suggestion? Don’t keep them in only one place.
Keep a roll near the door and another attached to the leash or walking bag. You’ll thank yourself later.
Our Pick:
Earth Rated Unscented Dog Waste Bags
10. A Soft, Washable Comfort Blanket
A soft blanket gives your puppy a familiar place to rest whether they’re in their crate, on the couch, or traveling with you. Choose one that’s machine washable—you’ll be thankful during those first few weeks.
Our Pick:
PetAmi Waterproof Washable Dog Blanket
11. Patience Is the Most Important Thing You’ll Bring Home
This one isn’t sold in a pet store.
And it isn’t delivered in an Amazon box.
But it may be the most important thing on this list.
Every puppy learns at a different pace.
Some sleep through the night almost immediately.
Others need a little more reassurance.
Some master potty training quickly.
Others need more time.
Ruby Pearl certainly had her own little learning curve, and looking back, I’m grateful we focused more on celebrating progress than expecting perfection.
The puppy stage can feel overwhelming some days.
Then suddenly…
It’s over.
One morning you’ll realize your tiny puppy has grown into a confident dog, and you’ll wonder where the time went.
Give yourself grace.
Give your puppy grace too.
12. Take More Pictures Than You Think You’ll Ever Need
This may sound like an unusual puppy essential…
But trust me.
Take the pictures.
Photograph the sleepy puppy naps.
The floppy ears.
The oversized paws.
The first toy.
The first chew.
The first time they discover the backyard.
The first Christmas.
Those tiny moments disappear much faster than you expect.
Looking back through Ruby Pearl’s puppy pictures has become one of my favorite reminders of just how quickly dogs grow and how special those early weeks truly are.
Ruby Pearl’s First Week Favorite
If I were bringing home another puppy tomorrow, the products above and these are the products I’d order again without hesitation.
- A basket for keeping toys together
- A puppy travel bag
- A car-seat protector
- An ID tag
- Washable reusable puppy pads
- A small grooming brush appropriate for your puppy’s coat
- Regalo Easy Step Walk-Through Gate
- Amazon Basics Stainless-Steel Non-Skid Bowl Set
You absolutely don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with the basics, live with your puppy for a little while, and you’ll quickly discover what makes sense for your particular dog and your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I really need before bringing home a puppy?
Start with the basics: quality puppy food, food and water bowls, a properly sized crate, a comfortable bed, training treats, safe puppy chews, a leash and harness, toys, and an enzyme cleaner for accidents. You can always add more later, but these essentials will help your puppy settle in comfortably.
Should I change my puppy’s food right away?
In most cases, it’s best to continue feeding the food your puppy is already eating for the first several days. If you decide to switch brands, make the transition gradually to help avoid stomach upset.
How long should a puppy stay in a crate?
Crates should be a safe place to rest, not a place where puppies spend long hours alone. Young puppies need frequent potty breaks, playtime, and interaction throughout the day. Introduce the crate gradually so it becomes a positive, comfortable space.
What are the best treats for puppy training?
Look for small, soft treats that are easy to chew and don’t fill your puppy up too quickly. Tiny rewards make it easy to reinforce good behavior throughout the day without overfeeding.
Need a Helping Hand During Those First Puppy Weeks?
Bringing home a puppy is exciting—but it’s also a big adjustment.
If work, school, or travel keeps you away during those first few weeks, a midday visit can make a world of difference.
At Minnie Pearl & Co., I provide personalized in-home puppy visits that include potty breaks, playtime, fresh water, feeding, enrichment, and plenty of love while you’re away.
Helping puppies build healthy routines from the very beginning is one of my favorite parts of what I do.
From My Home to Yours
Looking back at these photos now, it’s hard to believe that tiny little puppy has grown into the confident, happy dog she is today.
Those first weeks weren’t perfect.
There were middle-of-the-night potty trips, a few chewed-up surprises, and plenty of moments where I wondered if I was doing everything right.
But there were also puppy kisses, sleepy afternoon naps, tiny victories, and memories I’ll treasure forever.
If you’re getting ready to welcome a puppy into your family, I hope this guide helps make those first days feel just a little less overwhelming.
The supplies are helpful.
The routines matter.
But the greatest gift you can give your puppy is your time, your patience, and your love.
Before you know it, you’ll be looking back at your own puppy photos wondering how they ever grew up so quickly.
With love,
Carmen
Around Our House This Week
It’s hard to believe the tiny puppy in these photos is now the confident little dog greeting visitors at our front door. She still gets excited when she hears the treat jar open, still loves curling up for an afternoon nap, and somehow always knows exactly when someone is headed to the kitchen.
Looking back through these first-week memories reminds me that puppies don’t stay little for long. Take the pictures, celebrate the milestones, and enjoy every stage—because one day you’ll blink, and that tiny puppy will be all grown up.
