One of the most exciting things about being a new dog owner is the first time you bring your new furry friend home! Whether you adopt a young cutie or an older buddy, bringing them home and making them apart of your life is an amazing feeling! Ensuring your new friend has a successful transition to their new home can be a nerve-wracking experience, however, with the right equipment on deck it can be stress-free! 

Ensuring you have everything you need so your dog can make your home their home is extremely important for a successful transition. These items should ideally be collected prior to the first day your furry friend comes home, in order to minimize and stress for you and your furry friend. To help you prepare all the right tools, we've put together our top ten list of must-have dog items:

1. Collar with ID Tags - Before you take your new best friend home, among the first things you should do is to buy a decent collar with an identifying tag with your contact details. A customized pet ID tag is a must-have item because, if your pet gets lost, anyone who finds them can get your dog back home thanks to the details included on the collar.

2. Leash - A (minimum) 6-foot leash is a must for your dog as it will help you keep your dog at the appropriate distance from you when out and about. Nevertheless, when choosing their leash, you must also consider the size of your pet. If you're getting a large dog, you might want to get a thicker leash that can withstand a little more force.

3. Harness - Although you don't necessarily need to use a walking harness, studies have shown harness exert less pressure on a dog’s body compared to a leash. Using a harness in tandem with your six-foot leash keeps your pet in control during walks and ensures maximum comfort and safety. 

4. Bowls – All dogs need at least one bowl for food and one for water. Just like humans have multiple dishes, so do dogs! Stainless steel bowls are recommended since they are much easier to clean and less likely to breed bacteria. 

5. Food - You're going to need high-quality, healthy dog food for your new furry member of the family. It is important to look for a food with a sufficient mix of proteins, vitamins, and minerals to promote a healthy developing dog.

6. Pet Stain Remover - Don't wait until a messy accident occurs to finally get some pet stain remover. Carpet cleaner or bleach isn't what you want as it contains harsh chemical that should not be used often. Additionally, they won’t get rid of the scent that will draw the dog to that same place to pee or poo again at a later date.

7. Crate/Cage - Dogs are den inhabiting animals, and they like enclosed sleeping spaces. It makes them feel safe and comfortable as well as assists in training. Keep in mind to make the cage as homely as possible by including blankets, pillows, toys etc. 

8. Toys - It's crucial to have a selection of toys for your new furry friend to play with so they stay active and don’t get bored. Dogs are like little kids; one or two toys isn’t enough!

9. Grooming supplies - You're going to need pet brushes for your new four-legged pal. The kind of brushes you get will depend on the type of coat your pet has. It's a great idea to get nail trimmers too. Have your dog used to getting their feet touched, and their nails clipped daily from a young age, by involving treat association training in the process. 

10. Dog shampoo - Before you take your new best friend home, make sure to buy a shampoo specially designed for dog use. All organic products are often a safe choice since they do not contain any of the harmful chemicals that could irritate the dog's body.

These are the must-have items that every pet owner ought to have when getting a new pup. Buy these pet products online before you take your dog home at INSTACHEW, your one-stop-shop for your furry friend's needs. Getting these items will help you keep your dog happy and safe 24/7!