New Puppy? Here Is Everything You Actually Need

Getting a new puppy is one of the best decisions you will ever make. It is also one of the most overwhelming when it comes to buying gear. Here is what your puppy actually needs from day one and what can wait.

The essentials: collar, harness, and leash

Your puppy needs all three from the start. A collar for ID (with a tag showing your phone number), a harness for walking (puppies should not be walked on a collar alone because their necks are developing), and a leash for control. Buying the set as a combo saves you money and makes sure everything matches and fits together properly.

For small breed puppies (Jack Russells, Chihuahuas, Mini Pinschers), start with a Small combo. For medium breed puppies (Beagles, French Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels), start with a Small and size up to Medium as they grow. For large breed puppies (Labs, Retrievers, Ridgebacks), start with a Medium and move to Large.

Poop bags from day one

Training starts immediately. You will use more poop bags in the first three months than you expect. Biodegradable bags are worth using from the start because the habit sticks and the environmental impact is real over a dog's lifetime.

An Apple AirTag holder

Puppies are fast, curious, and not yet trained on recall. An AirTag in a holder on the collar gives you a tracking backup if they slip out of a gate or bolt at the park. It is a small investment for serious peace of mind during the first year.

What can wait

Beds (they will chew through the first one). Expensive toys (same reason). Dog jackets (most puppies do not need them). Fancy bowls (any clean bowl works). Focus your budget on the gear that keeps them safe and comfortable on walks.

The new puppy checklist

One combo set (collar + harness + leash): R1,450.
One box of biodegradable poop bags: R189.
One AirTag collar holder: R149.
Total: under R1,800 for everything your puppy needs to start walking safely.

Final woof: New puppy gear does not need to be complicated or expensive. A good combo, poop bags, and an AirTag holder covers the essentials. Everything else can wait until they stop chewing.

Get the full starter kit. Shop combos | Shop poo bags and AirTag holders