19 Essential Gifts for New Puppy Owners That Any Dog Would LOVE

You got a new puppy! Or maybe your friend did and you are now in the enviable position of being able to spoil them rotten. Either way, new puppy presents are in order.

You might be wondering what the best pet gifts for a new puppy owner should be. The answer is simple: every single one of them! With a new fur baby, practical items like chew toys and dog food bowls are needed from day one. Any new pet parent will be grateful for these from you. But if you need to narrow it down, we’ve got a new puppy checklist of sorts with 19 puppy essentials that any dog would love.

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What to Buy For a New Puppy?

Like many families during Covid, we got a puppy!

This is Kiko, the newest member of our family (born December 2020). She’s an Australian Shepherd, so basically a fluffy ball of spastic energy. Getting her was like having a new baby in the house again. LJ, our adult dog, was adopted at 5 years old from a local rescue organization. So this time, we started out with a puppy and tested out all kinds of new puppy products for Kiko. Many of the items here are those we personally tried out and would recommend to fellow new dog moms and dads.

If you or someone you know has or is getting a new puppy, these are the best gift ideas for new puppy owners.

Interactive Dog Toys

Dogs are intelligent creatures and they need to be entertained. This is especially true for puppies, who can quickly get bored with old toys. Interactive toys like puzzle toys and treat dispensers are essential new puppy gifts as they keep your pup active by forcing them to work out how to obtain their treats when the toy’s “passageways” are filled up with food.

Our veterinarian, during Kiko’s first visit, gave us a Kong enrichment toy similar to the one shown above. This is the classic treat dispenser and can be found in retail stores like Petco, Chewy.com. and Walmart. However, I like the rubber toys and treat dispensers from SodaPup better than I do those from Kong. They have more fun shapes and sizes suitable for puppies. Plus if you have an aggressive chewy, I find SodaPup toys hold up better.

We have this cupcake rubber chew toy & dispenser. It is soft enough for puppies but durable enough for our adult dog who’s an aggressive chewer. SodaPup has a full range of interactive and enrichment toys. I like they are a veteran-owned business that makes their toys in the US and gives them back to shelters and working dogs (law enforcement groups). Shop all SodaPup dog toys and use coupon code LFA10 to save 10% off your order.

A Good Quality Collar

It’s important to buy a collar and ID tag for your new puppy when they come home. A well-made collar will have a quick-release buckle and durable leather or nylon strap which allows for the dog’s safety if their collar becomes stuck.

Wolfgang and Beast Collar– If you want more color, look no further. Wolfman and Beast has a range of colorful, themed collars, harnesses, and leashes which I absolutely love. We have the Cotopaxi collar and leash and enjoy the bright, bold colors that Cotopaxi is known for.

Customized ID tags

An ID tag should also be included on the collar because they offer some protection for your new puppy if lost, as well as helps reunite them with their family. At a minimum, it should include the owner’s cell phone and either the dog’s name or the owner’s.

This is the ID tag we made for Kiko. It’s a stamped copper tag with her name on one side and my phone number. I found it on a small Etsy shop that is no longer open, but there are other Etsy shops that still sell custom tags. Anyway, a personalized ID tag is great way to keep her safe! Plus, it looks really cute too! 🙂

Squeaky Toys

Puppies LOVE squeaky toys and they are perfect for teething puppies. The sound of the toy will keep your puppy’s attention and encourage their natural chewing habits which is an important part in developing healthy teeth. Many squeaky toys are plush toys. Chewy.com has a vast line of squeaky toys and plush toys for dogs. Check out Chewy’s top deals here or see these from Amazon below.

Note: I can’t recommend a particular squeaky or plush toy because our adult dog has a LOVE/HATE relationship with both. He will dive into either with the singular focus of freeing the squeaker from the toy. In the process, he destroys said toy.

A Comfortable Plush Dog Bed

Puppies are full of energy and will sleep when they’re tired. A puppy bed is a perfect gift for a pup who likes to nap in comfort. Give the new furry family member their own personal space with a high-quality dog bed. If the new puppy has a name, you can even have an embroidered name on the bed.

Quilted Crate Mat from Frisco – This thinner, easily-washable mat is ideal for the crate. It provides a level of comfort without being too bulky. It’s easy to wash, so when there’s an “accident” in the crate, it can be thrown in the wash.

Chew Toys

Puppies like to chew! This is a natural behavior and their teeth are constantly growing. Chew toys cater to this need, keep your pup entertained, and provide a distraction from chewing on the furniture or other household objects that could be harmful if ingested or chewed up. Toys should be tough enough that the stubborn puppy can’t break them or easily swallow pieces of them.

Rope Dog Toys – Our puppy loves rope toys. They are good for chewing on, playing tug-o-war, and fetching. This rope toy collection on Etsy was actually very inexpensive and they last for a good long while.

Diamond Ring Chew Toy – Every girl needs a diamond and puppies are no exception. SodaPup has this Diamond Ring teething ring for puppies designed for aggressive chewers. (Side note: Our current one lasted over a year of heavy chewing from both puppy and our adylt pit mix.)

Nylabone Chews – Whether made from nylon or natural materials, I really like Nylabone products. They have a full puppy line of chews that are easy on a puppy’s teeth. Many can also be thrown in the freezer and then given to a puppy to provide relief during teething.

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A Good Quality Dog Food

Puppies need high-quality food that is specially formulated for their needs. The food you are feeding your puppy should have the right amount of nutrition, fats, and proteins to give them what they need to grow healthy bones and muscles as well as keep their immune system strong. The best puppy food will be made with high-quality ingredients that are affordable. Gifting dog food is a bit like giving new parents diapers. Highly practical and always much appreciated (IMO!)

Nutro Puppy Dry Food – For dry food, we feed both our dogs Lamb and Brown Rice puppy formula. It was recommended by our vet and I like that I can get it auto-shipped from Chewy.com. Plus save 35% on the 1st order and then 5% on every autoship order after that.

New Puppy Gift Basket

The best thing about gifts is that you get to personalize them. If the new puppy owner on your list is anything like us, then they will have a wide range of interests and hobbies. One way to make their gift more personalized is by building a Puppy Gift Basket with items related to the person’s likes or what we know about the puppy breed. You can take any of the products on this list of unique gifts or buy one of these pre-made baskets or kits.

Potty Training Basket

Potty training is a big deal for new puppy owners. New puppy parents are not only teaching the pup about where they should go, but they are also setting up some good habits that will hopefully last their lifetime. Create a basket that helps them puppy proof their home with disposable potty pads, a training book, urine eliminator, and odor neutralizer.

Skout’s Honor Everyday Essentials – I tried several of their products and highly recommend their products. The Pet Urine Destroyer, Odor Eliminator, and Pet Stain & Odor Remover are fantastic at neutralizing pet odors and puppy pee “accidents”. I actually find that the Stain & Odor Remover works on human clothes stains too. Who would have thought? These products are eco-friendly and free of harsh chemicals.

Good Quality Leash

When you first bring home a new pup it’s important to have an appropriate leash on hand. A good quality leash will have a comfortable handle, non-tangle woven nylon or leather straps. Chewy.com, Petco and Walmart have a great selection of leashes for puppies and dogs.

Wolfman and Beast Leashes – If you want more color, look no further. Wolfman and Beast has a range of colorful, themed collars, harnesses, and leashes. Their designs range from national park landscapes (Utah canyons), bold geometrics, floral, tribal, camouflage, and more.

How long should a leash be for a puppy?

A good leash length for puppies and most dogs is 4 feet. It’s ideal when teaching a new puppy (or dog) to walk on a lead and learn how to stay by your side.

Furbo Dog Camera

Furbo is a wireless, interactive toy that allows you to toss treats up into the air and watch your pup jump for them. It’s a fun way to keep your pup entertained while you’re away and is sure to bring hours of joy. The Furbo app also lets you check in on your fur baby throughout the day with live video streaming, two-way audio, and bark alerts. Furbo makes it easy to stay connected and reward good behavior from anywhere! This is a unique gift idea for sure.

Puppy Treats

It’s always a good idea to have some tasty treats on hand for the new pup. These should be small and soft enough that they can easily chew them, but not so easy as to make it an unhealthy snack option. Homemade dog treats make great gifts and many dog lovers make their own. Recipes are easy to find and often include ingredients that can be purchased at the grocery store.

Water Dish

One of the most important things to remember when you bring home a new puppy is the importance of providing fresh water for them. You can find food and water bowls that sit on the ground or as elevated dishes. The most important thing is choosing bowls that won’t be knocked over and can be easily washed out.

Petmate Gravity Waterer – With two dogs in our house, this gravity fed waterer makes more sense and it’s what we have. It holds 2.5 gallons and has a non-slip base so it stays in place.

Stainless steel bowls – For something simpler, these stainless steel bowls perform well. They don’t break and have a rubber bottom so they don’t slide. Best of all, they are VERY easy to clean.

Gift Cards

Another great option are gift cards that allow recipients to buy their own gifts! Chewy, Petco or other national pet supply store, a local independent pet store, or a local dog training center.

Related – Simplifying The Transition Into Pet Parenthood – 10 Important Tips for New Dog Owners

A Collapsible Water Dish

New puppy owners won’t just sit at home with their new puppy. A collapsible dish will provide clean water when away from home. As the puppy gets bigger and goes for long walks and later hikes, this will come in handy.

These collapsible, silicone water bowls are perfect. They are the ones I have and use most often. Each attaches easily to a leash handle, belt loop, or backpack when outdoors.

Good Quality Food Dish

It is important to provide fresh water, but what about food? A good quality dog bowl that won’t be knocked over and can hold a large volume of food will do the trick.

When it comes to dog bowls, you can get creative and find unique options. The bowl food bowls we have are simple rubber bowls. They aren’t pretty but are highly functional.

Here are a few options available on Amazon any new puppy owner would love:

A Good Quality Crate

Crates are an important item for a new puppy owner. They can help the dog feel safe and secure in its own space when traveling or at home during the day. If the puppy will be crate trained, then it’s a necessity. It will also provide peace of mind that your pup won’t be chewing up anything you don’t want them to chew up while they’re alone.

Metal Folding Dog Crate – When buying a puppy’s first crate, I’m a fan of buying one that can grow with the puppy. This crate has a metal divider to create a smaller area for the puppy to feel safe. It can be moved as he/she grows. If you want something more elaborate, see this fancy version on Etsy.

Related – Everything You Need to Know About Road Tripping With Your Puppy (including their first trip home)

Custom Pet Portrait

Sometimes the best gifts are those that can’t be bought. This is especially true for pet owners who appreciate a nice portrait of their four-legged friends. Photo services like Easy Canvas can create a canvas portrait from a photograph. Find out what kind of style and size picture the new pet lovers prefer and gift them a custom portrait. There are several small Esty shops that convert photos to canvas and they do a stellar job.

Gift Certificate For a Dog Trainer

Even the most well behaved puppies can benefit for an obedience class of session with a dog trainer. Obedience classes help puppies and adult dogs learn basic commands like sit, stay, and come. They can also help with leash training, housebreaking, and difficult behaviors like barking or chewing. By enrolling new puppy owners in an obedience class or getting them one-on-one sessions with a dog trainer, you’ll have the tools to ensure that they are able to have the best experiences with their furry friend.

In addition, dog trainers can provide guidance in teaching new owners how to properly walk and handle their puppy or adult dog. They can also offer tips on proper diet, playtime activities, and grooming. Dog trainers can help create an environment where your new pup learns positive behaviors and socialization skills not only with people, but other animals as well.

Frequently Asked Questions on The Best Gifts for New Puppy Owners

What Should I Get for a New Puppy?

When you bring a new puppy into your home, there are certain things that you’ll need to make sure they have in order for them to be comfortable and safe. Here’s a list of essential items to get for your new pup: a collar and leash, food/water bowls, a crate, toys and treats, potty pads or grass mats, puppy-safe cleaning supplies, and chewable items designed for puppies.

How do you welcome a new puppy to another dog?

It’s important to introduce your new puppy to another dog slowly and with caution. Start by having the other dog on a leash, and allowing them to become familiar with each other from a safe distance. Give both dogs plenty of treats for positive reinforcement. Allow them to play together in an open space, where you can keep an eye on their interaction. As the dogs get more comfortable around each other, their play time can become more frequent and unstructured. Before you know it, your pup will have made a friend for life!

What is the best reward for a puppy?

The best reward for a puppy is lots of love and affection! Positive reinforcement is key for training puppies. Treats are also an effective form of reward to use during training, but make sure to not overdo it. Healthy treats like low-calorie dog chews can be given as rewards when puppies do something correctly or reach milestones with their training. Giving your puppy toys, snuggling, and playing can also be rewarding activities that help to foster a loving bond between you and your pup.

How long does it take a puppy to get used to new owners?

It can take a puppy anywhere from a few days to several weeks to become comfortable in their new home with their new owners. However, it generally takes about 3 weeks for most puppies to truly adjust to their new environment and feel comfortable. During this time, it is important for owners to be patient and understanding with their puppy. Providing a safe and secure environment, plenty of affection and positive reinforcement can help speed up the process of adjustment. Establishing routines for feeding, exercise, playtime, potty training and bonding are key.

Being a new dog owner is such an exciting time! Having a new puppy in the house is a lot of work, but it’s so worth it! I know this list is filled with good gift ideas for new dog parents!

The joy of a new puppy is hard to beat. Whether you or a friend is adding a puppy to their home, these items are great for starting out. The best part about this list? They make great gifts and could be used as essentials for yourself too. Choose from food bowls and water dishes, treats, interactive toys that will keep them entertained during playtime—even nice collars so they can have something stylish when out in public with their owner. And don’t forget cleaning supplies like pet shampoo or an absorbent mat to help get rid of any accidents before they happen again.

Although most puppies can’t speak for themselves, we hope they would agree that these essentials make their life better too! We hope that these gift ideas for new dog owners will help you welcome your newest family member.

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19 Essential Gifts for New Puppy Owners That Any Dog Would LOVE