Just got a puppy and have no idea what to do? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Rounding up all of my fave puppy essentials for the new dog parents below!
But first…Meet Melvin, our 13 week old french bulldog puppy! ICYMI…Charles and I had been talking about getting a dog for probably three years now (or maybe I should say I’ve spent the last three years convincing Charles to get a dog haha).
We recently got married in November 2020 and didn’t end up going on a honeymoon due to covid, so we decided it was the perfect time to get a puppy instead. We are so happy that we finally made the plunge and love Melvin to death, but I don’t think we fully knew what we were getting ourselves into!
Melvin may be cute, but don’t let that fool you! As soon as he wakes up from naptime…#monsterpuppy. My hands are often used as a chew toy, it seems like I’m always cleaning up poop, and I haven’t gotten a good night’s sleep in a month, but all of the puppy cuddles make it so worth it.
Luckily, there are also a lot of great products out there to help you with all things puppy, and I thought I’d share some of the things that have been working for us. From potty training, to biting, to crate training…I’ve got you covered with all of the puppy essentials need for the new dog parents!
To all of my first time puppy owners, hang in there! This isn’t going to last forever (at least that’s what I keep telling myself). YOU GOT THIS!
Your complete list of puppy essentials needed for the new dog mom!
FOR BITING:
Puppy teething ain’t no joke and I’m honestly shocked at how sharp Melvin’s teeth are. My hands and feet have definitely taken a beating! When Mel starts chompin’, I make sure to have one of these toys close by at all times. His favorite by far has been the wish bone shaped Benebone! He has also really loved the spiny TPR bone toy that helps massage their gums.
FOR COMFORT:
Mel is pretty high maintenance when it comes to comfort. He loves cozying up to anything that is fleece and fuzzy! The below fleece blanket is super soft and waterproof…perfect for draping over your couch to prevent accidents. It has definitely saved us on multiple occasions!
FOR CRATE TRAINING:
A playpen is probably the #1 puppy essential I would recommend investing in.. The one below is from Walmart and can be used as one giant playpen or used to section off specific parts of your home. We broke ours into sections so that we can always have an eye on Melvin. Never a good idea to let your puppy roam around freely (insert poop emoji haha).
FAVE TOYS:
Melvin will honestly play with just about anything (his recent obsession are his puppy pads), but these have been some of his favorite toys so far! He is loving anything crinkle (the champagne toy is his go-to) and especially loves the little popcorn puzzle toy. He hasn’t quite figured out the puzzle part, but loves the bite sized popcorn. If you need a little break from your pup, fill the kong size treat toy with peanut butter. It will keep him occupied for hours!
FOOD & TREATS:
Our breeder started feeding Melvin Life’s Abundance from the very beginning, so that’s what we will probably stick with for awhile. It is made with premium ingredients to support healthy digestion and development, and Mel seems to love it! We also mix in a scoop of the fresh pet puppy wet food for a complete and balanced diet. Would also recommend using auto ship so you never have to worry about ordering more food!
FOR GROOMING:
Frenchies are prone to sensitive skin and allergies, so I made sure to find products that are oatmeal based and have natural ingredients. This helps with dry skin and makes their coat super shiny and soft. I only bathe Melvin twice a month due to their conditions, and use wipes between washes. Sharing some of the products I have been using below.
FOR POTTY TRAINING:
To be honest, potty training is still a work in progress for us. It’s especially challenging since we live in an apartment on the second floor and don’t have easy access to a lawn. If you’re in a similar situation, I would highly recommend a doggie lawn/potty turf. We put this on our balcony and Melvin has gotten really good with going to the door when he has to use the bathroom. Also can’t go wrong with puppy pads, but like I said above…he destroys them!
FOR TRAVELING:
Charles and I are dying to travel again and already have a couple of road trips in the works. Melvin is obviously coming along, so I did my research and found a couple of great items to make traveling with a puppy a little easier. I’ve already used this carrier a few times and love it (Mel seems to like it too)! It is ventilated on the sides for optimal airflow and has a zip up mesh window in the front so he can poke his head out. It also comes with storage pockets to hold food, treats, toys, etc and has a waterproof bottom.
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