Poodle Puppy Supplies & Prep List

Once you have decided that the time is right to add a puppy to your home, it's time to prepare! To be prepared is half the victory. Happy shopping! "Nesting" for a puppy is a real thing! :)

Supplies

Feeding:

Food & Water Bowls
- There are lots of options for these and you can get the type that you like. I really like slow feeder dog bowls and use them with the puppies before they go home.
Food: Purina Pro Plan Puppy

Collar & Leash:

I make biothane dog gear as a hobby. I send every puppy home with a custom collar and leash as part of your puppy starter pack. You pick the colors! If you've already got a name picked, I can add that as well. Here are some examples. If you have another style of leash and collar you love, no problem! Feel free to pass and pick up your own. If you do, get a flat collar. Never use a training collar (choke collar, pinch collar, e-collar, etc.) of any kind on a young puppy.

Crate:

There are a few different styles of crates— mainly plastic and wire crates. What you select is mostly up to your personal preference. I like wire kennels because they can be folded flat to more easily move around when needed. For example, fitting in a trunk for traveling if you have a smaller vehicle. The large size (42" L x 28" W x 30" H) will last through adulthood. It comes with a wire divider to use at first when the puppy is small.

Toys:

Most of my puppies will fetch balls, even as puppies
Rope or other chew toys
Tug toy (included in your puppy pack)
Snuffle ball (included in your puppy pack)

Training Treats:

Puppy kibble is very effective for training puppies, but I like to have some special treats for rewarding milestones. Anything soft and small. I like the Cloud Star brand "Tricky Trainers," (Amazon) but there are lots of good options.

Child Gates/Play Pen:

This one will depend on the set up of your home. A critical factor in potty training is to limit access to your house and to very slowly increase space and freedom as they master potty training. You may need a child gate or a foldable play pen that can be set up in a variety of spaces.

Grooming Supplies:

See the Grooming page for all the details. Remember you don't need to get it all at once. The comb in your puppy pack and a shampoo is all you need to start with.

Cleaning Supplies:

Most potty accidents can be prevented with good training and management, but know that they will happen. Being prepared with the right supplies for easy clean up reduces stress. If your puppy will have access to carpet. You will want an enzymatic cleaner (look for this on the label) to thoroughly clean up urine so it doesn't leave a scent (to you or the puppy). Portable carpet cleaners are really handy if you've already got one.

biothane collar and leash colors and examples

Veterinary Care

If you don't already have an established veterinary office, you will want to find one. Ask for recommendations in your area. Your puppy will have age appropriate vaccines, but you will need to set up an appointment for their booster vaccines and health check-ups. Many veterinary offices are very busy and may need to schedule routine care a week or more in advance. As soon as your puppy pick up date is scheduled, call to reserve your appointment.

Grooming

Poodles must have regular grooming. The amount of brushing and care required in between grooms depends on how long you like to keep their coat. Unless you already have grooming experience, when you are preparing for your puppy you will want to find a local groomer. I do a significant amount of grooming exposure and early training, but it must be continued to help a puppy grow into a dog that behaves well for grooming. Find a groomer and talk to them about what they recommend for puppies. Most will encourage starting with some mini puppy trims (paws, face, cleaning ears, and sanitary). These serve as training and exposure as well as cleanliness and function. See my grooming page for more details on supplies you will want right away and others that may be nice to acquire over time.

Training

Training preparation is probably the most important element of preparation you should do before taking your puppy home. You need to prepare your home for your puppy to be successful and have a training plan BEFORE you take the puppy home. Don't miss the Training Your Puppy page for lots of helpful information!