Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting—and let’s be honest, nerve-wracking—experiences for any pet owner. I remember when I first brought home Pearl, my golden retriever. It felt like there were a million things to figure out: what to feed her, how to keep her entertained, and everything in between. 

After all the trial and error, we've finally found our feet. Pearl is three years old now and it's become much easier for the family. Here, I’ve put together a list of 15 must-have items that helped me navigate the journey of raising her. Hopefully, they’ll help you too!

I've divided them into three headings based on what I consider important as a dog owner.

A. Training & Behavior Essentials

Training a new puppy takes time and patience, but with the right tools, it can be fun (for both of you!). Here’s what worked for Pearl and me.

• Wellness Soft Puppy Bites’ Healthy Grain-Free Treats for Training. Treats are an absolute lifesaver when it comes to training, and Pearl loves these Wellness Soft Puppy Bites. I swear, the moment she sees the bag, she’s already sitting! These are perfect because they’re small, packed with nutrients, and grain-free, so I can feel good about giving her a few during training sessions without worrying about overfeeding.

• Dr Catch’s Dogs Food Puzzle Toys for IQ Training & Mental Enrichment: Pearl is a curious pup, so keeping her mentally stimulated has always been key to preventing boredom and, let's be honest, the destruction of my shoes! Puzzle toys not only keep her entertained but also challenge her brain. Hiding treats in the compartments really helps build her problem-solving skills, and it’s such a joy to watch her figure them out.

• SmartPetLove’s Original Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Stuffed Toy for Anxiety Relief: When Pearl was a puppy, she had some separation anxiety, especially at night. The Snuggle Puppy was a total game-changer.  It mimics a heartbeat, making her feel safe and comforted when I wasn’t around. It was like her little security blanket, and I could tell it really helped ease her nerves when adjusting to her new home.

• KONG Puppy Binkie - Pacifier Dog Toy for Teething: Teething was a tough phase with Pearl—she wanted to chew everything in sight! The KONG Puppy Binkie was a lifesaver. It’s gentle on her puppy teeth, but durable enough to handle all that chewing energy. I would stuff it with treats or peanut butter, and it would keep her busy for ages.

• Buddy Biscuits Trainers - Soft & Chewy Dog Treats: Another must-have for training are the Buddy Biscuits. The bacon flavor is a winner in Pearl’s book, and the soft texture is great for her as a young pup. They’re my go-to when we’re out for walks and I need a quick reward to reinforce good behavior. Trust me, your puppy will be obsessed!

B. Grooming & Hygiene Essentials

Keeping both my house and Pearl clean and healthy has always been a priority for me, and these items have made the whole process so much easier. If you're obsessed with cleanliness you'll enjoy these:

• Earth Rated Dog Poop Bag Holder with Dog Poop Bags: If there’s one thing you’ll always need, it’s poop bags! These Earth-Rated ones are my favorite—trust me, you want bags that are strong, durable, and leakproof.  Pearl and I go on walks all the time, so having a handy dispenser attached to the leash makes clean-up quick and stress-free. Plus, they’re lavender-scented, which is a nice bonus! 

• Nature’s Miracle’s Stain and Odor Remover: Accidents are bound to happen, especially in the early days of potty training. Ever since Pearl was a puppy up till now, Nature’s Miracle has always been my go-to for cleaning up messes. It works like magic, lifting stains and eliminating any lingering odors. My house stayed fresh even during the potty-training phase.

• DERPYCHAPPY Premium Dog Bathrobe Towel: This is probably my favorite on the list. After bath time, Pearl loves being wrapped up in her microfiber bathrobe. It’s not just practical—it helps dry her off quickly and keeps her cozy after getting wet, whether it’s from a bath, the pool, or a rainy walk. Plus, she looks adorable in it!

• Chom Chom Roller Pet Hair Remover: If your puppy sheds as much as Pearl does, you’ll need the Chom Chom Roller. I swear by it! It’s reusable and super effective at picking up fur from my furniture, clothes, and even the car seats. It saves me so much time and frustration, especially during shedding season.

 

• Active Pets Premium Dog Car Seat Cover: Speaking of car rides, protecting your seats is essential, especially with a fur baby who loves muddy adventures like Pearl. This waterproof car seat cover is a must-have. It keeps the car clean and provides Pearl with a comfy space during our trips. Whether it’s to the vet or on a road trip, this has saved my seats countless times!

C. Comfort & Play Essentials

Let’s face it, puppies have endless energy! Keeping them comfortable and entertained is key to their happiness (and your sanity). These will help.

• Furbo 360° Dog Camera: When I leave Pearl at home, I’m always checking in on her with the Furbo Dog Camera. It has a 360° rotating view, so I can see what she’s up to and even toss her treats remotely through the app. I love that I can hear her bark and respond through the speaker—it helps ease any worries when I’m away.

• Paw 5’s Dog Snuffle Mat for Slow Eating & Smell Training: Pearl is a fast eater, which isn’t great for digestion. This snuffle mat has been a fantastic tool to slow her down and engage her sense of smell. It turns meal times into a fun little game, and it’s great for mental stimulation. Pearl loves hunting for treats in the mat’s folds!

• Multipet Latex Polka Dot Globlet Pig Dog Toy: Pearl can’t resist a good squeaky toy, and the Polka Dot Pig is her absolute favorite. It’s the perfect size for her to carry around, and the squeak never fails to get her excited. This toy has provided countless hours of entertainment, and I’d highly recommend it for any new puppy!

• Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy for Aggressive Chewers:  If your puppy is an aggressive chewer like Pearl, you need the Benebone Wishbone. It’s durable, made with real bacon flavor, and designed for hours of chewing fun. Pearl’s been through quite a few toys, but this one has held up so well—She had one for a couple years, we only just replaced it recently. It’s a must for strong chewers!

• Petbank's Lick Mat for Dogs - Slow Feeder & Anxiety Reducer: Bath time and grooming used to be a challenge until I discovered lick mats. Smearing a bit of peanut butter or yogurt on the mat distracts Pearl long enough for me to get through the whole process. It’s also great for anxiety relief during vet visits or other stressful situations.

These are the essentials that have made my life so much easier since I first got Pearl, and I hope they’ll do the same for you and your new puppy.  

Raising a pup is full of ups and downs, but with the right tools, you can focus more on enjoying the journey and less on the stress. 

Pearl The Golden Girl | Useful Items for Pet Owners! here