What I Wish I Had for Bailey's First Night Home

Bringing home a puppy is a huge commitment, and part of what makes that commitment a little easier is good preparation. Here is a list of the things I did have for Bailey's first night home as well as a list of the things I wish I had.

WHAT I DID HAVE

1. Toys

Bailey playing with her keys

Puppy toys are a must! The second we got home after going outside to the bathroom Bailey had playtime. Puppies need a variety of types of toys to stay happy. They have very short attention spans, and I noticed Bailey get really into a specific toy only to decide a few seconds later that she wanted to play with a different toy. I got Bailey chew toys, squeak toys, crinkle toys, and a cuddly bunny toy for night-time.

2. Food

Bailey sitting nicely for her food

Having the right puppy food is super important. Make sure if you plan on switching your puppy's food to ask the breeder or shelter what type of food they feed so that you can wean them off of it onto your new food. Do some research on different types of food that might be best for your pup.

3. Food and Water Bowls

These are super important! I got Bailey two large ceramic bowls so that #1 she can't tip them over and #2 they will last her whole life.

4. Food Storage

Nobody wants to open their 30lb bag of dog food just to have it go stale. Make sure to get an airtight food storage container that is large enough to fit the whole bag of food. I also got measuring cups to go with Bailey's food so that I can make sure I'm feeding her the right amount at every meal.

5. A Harness

I always walk Bailey and any dog that I dogsit for with a harness. It makes me more comfortable walking them and makes them more comfortable walking on the leash, especially if they pull like my family's dog, Luna.

6. A Collar and Tag

I got Bailey a tag that has her name on one side and my phone number on the other so that if we ever get separated and someone finds her they know who to contact.

7. A Leash

Super important for walking your pup. Even if you have a fenced in backyard, which I do not, a leash can be a really important potty-training tool to use when they are still young. Bring your pup to the same place every time you go out with them so that the scent of their previous potty adventures can prompt them to go again.

8. Poop Bags

Bailey poops four times a day. We went through two rolls of poop bags in the first four days I had her. Poop bags are essential! Even if you are having your dog poop in your own yard nobody wants to go into their backyard just to step in poop. Another option is to get a pooper-scooper.

9. Treats

I use training treats for everything with Bailey. She absolutely adores them. As a service dog in training it was essential for me to figure out what kinds of reinforcers work for Bailey so that we could start training right away and luckily Bailey, like many dogs, is very food motivated.

10. A Clicker

I also use a clicker when training Bailey. The clicker training method makes certain parts of Bailey's training quite simple. Within less than a week Bailey already knows how to sit on command and to sit for her food.

11. Towels

I line Bailey's crate with towels in order to make it a little more comfortable for her. These are also really helpful for cleaning up any accidents that Bailey may have around the house and for drying her off after a bath. Bailey and her big sister Clover each have their own set of towels, but you can just use any old towels that you have around the house.

12. Blankets

Bailey taking a nap on her blanket in the car

Blankets are much cozier than towels. I use a blanket to cover Bailey's crate to make it feel like a den, and I also put a blanket on the car seat whenever Bailey and I go for a drive to make it more comfortable for her to sit on.

13. A Crate

Crates are super important whether or not you are crate training your dog. I am crate training Bailey so she spends a good amount of time in her crate. If you decide not to crate train your dog you may still want to invest in one that can be like a little den for your pup. Remember, dogs are descended from wolves and having a den-like place to lay down in can be really comforting.

14. A Training Fanny Pack

Fanny pack for walks and training with Bailey

I bought a fanny pack with space for poop bags, treats, and a spot to hang a clicker on it. It makes walks with Bailey as well as training time a million times easier, especially with the magnetic closure on the treat compartment that snaps shut automatically and makes it possible to access the treats with one hand. It also has a compartment where you can keep your keys, your phone, and other essentials!

15. Pet Safe Wipes

For those inevitable accidents and messes.

WHAT I DIDN'T HAVE THAT I WISH I DID

1. The Correct Sized Crate

Bailey sitting in her new crate with her purple rabbit behind her

Having the right size crate for your pup is super important. If the crate is too big they may use one side of it as a bathroom while using the other side to sleep. If the crate is too small they will feel cramped and uncomfortable. I originally got Bailey a large crate which was too big for her even with the divider. Now, as an 8.5lb puppy, she has a medium crate with a divider. The correct size crate should be just big enough that your dog can stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably while having a little bit of extra room on the sides.

2. A Backup Harness

Bailey's harness did not fit her when I went to pick her up and I had to attach her leash to her collar. I wish I had gotten a smaller size and tried both of them out to know which one would have worked. I did end up ordering the smaller size of the same harness later on and it fits her great!

3. A Travel Water Bowl

Bailey, as a service dog in training, goes many places with me. We are currently in the socialization stage of her training, meaning I am trying to introduce her to as many new scenarios as possible (keeping in mind her limits because of her young age). Because of this she goes with me to meetings and shopping. Her water bowl that I originally got her is ceramic, which I love for a water bowl at home, but it is not very portable. I wish I had a travel water bowl to bring with us on our many outings.

4. A Floor Mat

I recently ordered a foam floor mat for Clover, Bailey's older sister. Clover is a rabbit who uses a litter box and has a large indoor pen instead of a cage. I bought the floor mat to put under Clover's blankets so that if she does have an accident it doesn't ruin the flooring. I ended up having some leftover tiles which I put in front of Bailey's crate and under her food and water bowls. It keeps her space so much cleaner and protects the floor from accidents, so I have decided to get more!

5. Indoor Grass Mat

Living in an apartment building I have to carry Bailey downstairs every 30-120 minutes when she has to pee, depending on the time of day. I wish I had an indoor grass mat for her to pee on in the middle of the night so that I wouldn't have to carry her all the way downstairs.

This list is not by any means an exhaustive list of everything you need to get started with your new puppy, but it is everything that I found to be essential for my first night with Bailey.