Puppy Essentials: The New-Puppy Starter Kit
A new puppy needs a surprising amount of kit, fast. This is the starter list — the genuinely useful essentials for the first weeks, gathered so you can set up before they arrive rather than dashing out mid-chaos.
Indoor Metal Dog Playpen Exercise Fence
A tall metal playpen that creates a safe, contained exercise space to keep your dog secure indoors.
Chew Resistant Teething Stick Dog Toy
A tough chew stick that soothes teething and satisfies heavy chewers safely.
Puppy Leather Chest Harness And Lead
A soft leather chest harness and lead set for comfortable, secure puppy walks.
Tough Squeaky Teething Dog Ball
A durable teething ball that makes sound and stands up to keen, determined chewers.
Warm Thickened Winter Puppy Coat
Extra-warm thickened coat keeps puppies and small dogs cosy all winter.
Stainless Steel Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
A durable stainless steel slow feeder bowl that slows gulping and aids digestion.
Waterproof Windproof Puppy Coat
Lightweight waterproof, windproof coat shields small dogs and puppies from the cold.
Plush Puppy Teething Fetch Toy
A soft plush fetch toy that soothes teething and helps clean puppy teeth.
Breathable Absorbent Dog Training Pads
Highly absorbent puppy training pads that lock away moisture and odour.
Deodorising Absorbent Puppy Training Pads
Extra-absorbent pads lock away moisture and odour for cleaner toilet training.
Silicone Pet Lick Mat Slow Feeder
Slows fast eaters and calms anxious pets with rewarding, mess-free licking.
Puppy Tug Rope Dog Toy
A durable tug toy for interactive play and gentle teething relief.
Interactive Squeaky Puppy Toy
Keeps puppies entertained and soothed with an irresistible built-in squeaker.
Silicone Slow Feeder Licking Mat
A suction-backed silicone lick mat that slows eating and calms anxious dogs and cats.
Reusable Washable Puppy Training Pad
A non-slip, machine-washable training pad that absorbs accidents and saves on disposables.
Double-Sided Slow Feeder Lick Mat
A two-sided licking pad that slows eating for happier, healthier mealtimes.
Silicone Slow Feeder Lick Mat
A modern silicone lick mat that reduces gulping and is fully dishwasher safe.
Suction Lick Mat Slow Feeder
A suction-cup lick mat that slows mealtimes and eases anxiety for calmer dogs and cats.
Silicone Slow Feeder Licking Mat
Smooth-textured lick mat for slow, calm eating for dogs and cats.
Silicone Lick Mat Slow Feeder
Spread treats across the mat to soothe and slow your pet at mealtimes.
Silicone Slow Feeder Lick Mat
Calming silicone lick mat slows eating and keeps pets occupied.
Non-Slip Slow Feeder Lick Bowl
Slows fast eaters and keeps mealtimes calm, enriching and mess-free.
Nosework Slow Feeder Snuffle Mat
A foraging puzzle mat for training and stress relief that taps natural instincts.
Interactive Snuffle Book Slow Feeder
A squeaky sniff-book mat that reduces boredom and helps prevent overeating.
The week-one shortlist
Prioritise the things you will use on day one: a [crate](/dog-crates) and [training pads](/puppy-pads) for toilet training, a washable [puppy bed](/puppy-beds), food and water bowls (a [slow feeder](/slow-feeder-dog-bowls) helps gulpers), and a couple of [teething toys](/puppy-teething-toys) for those needle teeth.
Add a soft, fully-adjustable harness and lead for when vaccinations are done, plus a brush to start gentle grooming habits early. Our full [new-puppy hub](/hub/puppy) walks through using all of it.
Buy once, buy for the adult dog
Where you can, size up: a crate with a divider grows with your puppy, and an adjustable harness saves buying three. It is cheaper over the first year than replacing everything as they grow.
Skip the gimmicks. A puppy needs comfort, safety and a few good chews far more than a basket of novelties — spend on the things that get daily use.
Everything here is chosen to be genuinely useful in everyday life with your pet — quality-checked, fairly priced and shipped tracked across the UK. For any health concern, your vet is always the best first port of call.
Common questions
What do I actually need before a puppy comes home?
A crate, bed, food and water bowls, training pads, a collar with an ID tag, a soft harness and lead, age-appropriate food, and a few teething-safe toys. Set it all up before they arrive.
How much does puppy kit cost to start?
It varies, but buying adjustable, grow-with-them items (a divider crate, an adjustable harness) keeps the first-year cost down versus replacing things as your puppy grows.
When can my puppy go for walks?
Usually about a week after their second vaccination — your vet will confirm. Until then, focus on toilet training, settling, and gentle handling and grooming at home.
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