Puppy Starter Pack: Bringing Home Otis & Our First Nights
When I think back to the day I first met Otis, I can still feel that mix of nerves and joy.
I visited the facility in central California where he was born. There were a whole litter of puppies, and out of all of them, I knew he was the one. He curled up in my arms and just stayed there. He wasn’t squirmy or restless—he just laid his little head down, calm as could be. In that moment, I knew he was mine.
A few weeks later, once he was weaned and ready, I made the drive back to pick him up and bring him home. I had my car all set: a crate in the back, blankets, and everything I thought I might need. It was my very first puppy, and I wanted everything to be perfect.
The First Night Home
Like any new puppy parent, I had read all the books, prepped the house, and set up his little area. But the reality? That first night was tough. He cried almost the entire night, and neither of us got much sleep. Thankfully, I had taken a week off work to settle in.
On the second night, a friend suggested I just let him sleep in my bed. So I did—and he slept the whole night through. From there, we worked on crate training, and Otis caught on beautifully. That was my first real puppy lesson: sometimes you have to adjust your “perfect plan” to what your dog actually needs.
What I Wish I Knew Then
Looking back, I wish I had taken more photos of those early days (puppies grow so fast!). I also thought I was fully prepared, but I quickly learned which items were must-haves and which were “nice but not necessary.” Now, after bringing home four more dogs (two puppies and two seniors), I’ve built my go-to list of puppy essentials.
My Puppy Starter Pack: Favorite Items for the First Year
These are the things I recommend to any new puppy parent:
Crate – A cozy, safe spot that makes potty training easier.
Feeder/Water Bowls – I used one that hooked to the pen, so that he didn’t walk in it… haha…
Puppy pads & enzyme cleaner – Accidents happen, and you’ll be glad you stocked up.
Chew toys & teething bones – Puppies need to chew; save your furniture.
Slow feeder bowls – Perfect if your pup is a fast eater.
Harness & leash – A good fit makes all the difference for walks.
Comfort item (bed, snuggle toy or blanket) – Something soft and familiar helps them settle.
Training treats – Small, frequent rewards = big progress.
Links to some of our favorites:
24 in crate with divider: https://amzn.to/4fJIiw6
Hanging bowls: https://amzn.to/45KTowq
Toy with teether: https://amzn.to/4lDhCyE
Donut dog bed: https://amzn.to/45BZRcY - we have used this same bed in different sizes since he was a puppy
Blankets: https://amzn.to/3Jp7gVA - you can’t have enough of these
Training treats: https://amzn.to/3VhpxXn - these worked great for us, but talk to your vet. Some vets do not recommend freeze dried treats.
Final Thoughts
Bringing home a puppy is part joy, part chaos, and a whole lot of learning. That first week with Otis taught me patience, flexibility, and how important it is to create comfort for both of us. While I may not have had everything figured out, each dog since then has taught me more. I hope sharing my favorite puppy essentials helps new puppy parents feel a little more prepared than I was.
✨ Otis’ story was part of the inspiration behind my children’s book Wigby’s Big Year, about a puppy’s big adventures in a new home. If you’ve got little ones at home who are just as excited about a new puppy as you are, check it out here.
