Puppy starter kits

Kit contents: There are no standardized contents for a puppy starter kit, but here are some of the common items you might find in one.

• Walking: Products that you’ll need for walking your puppy when he’s old enough, such as collars, harnesses, leashes and poop-bag holders.
• Training: Items that will help you train your puppy, including puppy pads, clickers, treats or whistles.
• Grooming: A selection of items for grooming your puppy, such as bristle brushes, pin brushes, toothbrushes and nail clippers.
• Playing: Puppy starter kits tend to contain at least a couple of toys, such as balls, chew toys, rope toys and tug toys.
• Other essentials: This includes items such as food and water bowls, feeding mats and blankets.

Puppy size: Puppies are small, right? So, you might think it follows that all puppy products are sized correctly for all puppies, but that isn’t true. Products that are the correct size for a tiny Yorkshire terrier puppy will be far too small for an English mastiff puppy that’s already larger than a fully grown Yorkie. As such, it’s important to check what size puppy your puppy starter kit is designed for.

Will I get everything I need in a puppy starter kit or will I have to buy other products?

Some puppy starter kits are more comprehensive than others. Occasionally, you’ll find large kits that contain almost everything you’ll need, including toys, a collar and leash, grooming tools and bowls, but you’ll need to buy a bed separately, plus any specific items that might be “wants” rather than “needs.” Then, you have smaller puppy starter kits that contain only a handful of items, in which case you’ll still need to buy a variety of items for your pup.

Should I start training my puppy right away?

Moving to a new home is a huge upheaval for a puppy, so we’d recommend giving your new dog a few days to settle in before attempting any training. That said, we’d suggest getting him used to his bathroom training schedule right away by taking him outside every couple of hours, as well as after meals, and at any time that he shows signs that he might need to relieve himself.

Our take: AONESY’s Puppy Starter Kit is a comprehensive starter kit that contains almost everything you’ll need for your puppy.

What we like: Contains 24 items, including collar, leash, bowls, toys and grooming gear. Suitable for puppies and small dogs.

What we dislike: Overall quality of items could be better.

Our take: If you prefer eco-friendly products, you’ll love the plastic-free Eco Kit’s Eco-Friendly Puppy Starter Kit.

What we like: All items are made from natural materials, such as cotton, bamboo, natural rubber, and plant fiber. Includes leash, two toys, double bowl and brush.

What we dislike: You’ll still need to buy a lot more for your puppy.

Our take: SmartPetLove’s Snuggle Puppy New Puppy Starter Kit is specifically designed to help your new puppy settle in, providing a warm plush friend to snuggle with.

What we like: The plush toy’s beating heart makes puppies feel less alone after being used to constant companionship from mom and siblings. Also includes a blanket and toys.

What we dislike: Focused on settling a new puppy rather than day-to-day puppy care.