Our food
Inukshuk 26/16
This is the food your puppy has been eating since weaning. Keep them on it for at least the first week home — a sudden switch on top of a new environment is the fastest way to an upset stomach.
Shop this pick →Shopping & setup
Rebecca's New Puppy Shopping
& Setup Guide
Everything you need. Nothing you don't.
Eleven sections · Breeder-picked essentials
You don't need to buy everything in this guide. Start with the essentials, then add things as you learn what your puppy likes.
Quick
start
start
Familiar food
Puppy Apartment
Waterproof pads
Bowls
A few toys
Safe travel
01
Food & the First Few Days
Send your puppy home eating exactly what they're used to. A sudden food switch on top of a brand-new home, new sounds, and no littermates is a lot for a small stomach — keep this one thing familiar for at least the first week, then transition slowly if you switch.
Keep these on hand for the first week
© 2026 Rebecca's New Puppy GuideThese are inexpensive backup foods that can be very helpful if a newly arrived puppy is stressed or reluctant to eat. They are not intended to replace your puppy's regular diet.
Why we do this
Why We Keep Backup Foods on Hand
A new puppy may temporarily go off their food because of stress, an unfamiliar routine, or even car sickness on the ride home. With small puppies, we pay close attention to how long they go without eating because their needs vary considerably depending on their age, size, and maturity.
Before your puppy goes home, we will tell you how often that particular puppy has been eating and how long we are comfortable with them going without a meal. A very tiny puppy may need to eat again within just a few hours, while an older, larger puppy can comfortably go longer.
That's why we ask you to have a few tempting backup foods on hand. They aren't meant to replace your puppy's regular diet — they give us options if your puppy refuses kibble during those first hours at home.
We require a text the evening you receive your puppy confirming that your puppy has eaten and gone potty. If your puppy has not eaten within the timeframe we gave you, contact us immediately so we can help you before low blood sugar becomes a concern.
A puppy can be happily playing and exploring while still not eating enough, so keep track of both activity and food intake during those first hours home.
Kibble & Treats
Alternative
Royal Canin Small Puppy
A smaller-bag option if a full bag of our food is more than you need right away. If you switch, do it gradually over 7–10 days, mixing in a little more of the new food each day.
Shop this pick →
Recommended
Stella & Chewy's Chicken Patties
Great as high-value training treats broken into pea-sized pieces, or crumbled over meals to encourage a picky eater.
Shop this pick →
Recommended
Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers
Freeze-dried raw pieces that make cleaner training treats than anything greasy, and double as an easy food topper.
Shop this pick →Breeder guidance
What If My Puppy Won't Eat?
Before your puppy leaves us, we will tell you specifically how often your individual puppy has been eating and how long we are comfortable with them going without a meal — this varies quite a bit depending on your puppy's age, size, and maturity. Please follow that individual timeframe closely, especially during the first few days home.
If your puppy is not eating, call us. Do not wait all day to tell us.
If we don't answer, SEND A TEXT IMMEDIATELY — don't just leave a voicemail and wait.
© 2026 Rebecca's New Puppy Guide
02
Our Daily Supplement Routine
Your puppy has already been started on the supplements we recommend. Keeping some of the puppy's familiar routine in place during those first days at home can help make the transition a little easier. These are the two supplements we recommend continuing.
Why we do this
Why We Continue These Supplements
Your puppy has already been receiving NuVet and MaxiFlora as part of their daily routine. We recommend continuing them after your puppy goes home. Please refer to the NuVet and MaxiFlora information we provide separately for complete details about each product and how we use it.
Our routine
NuVet Plus
Daily nutritional support
Our puppies are started on NuVet Plus, and we recommend continuing it at home as part of their regular routine. It's a nutritional supplement we use for general wellness support, including immune, skin and coat support.
Order NuVet Plus →
Order Code: 38094
Phone Orders: 800-474-7044
NuVet also offers an AutoShip option.
Recommended
MaxiFlora Chews
Probiotic + digestive support
We recommend MaxiFlora for everyday digestive and gut support, especially during the transition to a new home, when stress can sometimes affect a puppy's stomach. MaxiFlora contains probiotics, prebiotics and digestive enzymes.
03
Build the Puppy Apartment
Think of it as a tiny studio apartment: bedroom, kitchen, play area, and bathroom, all inside one safe home base. Setting this up before pickup day means your puppy has somewhere secure to land the moment they walk in the door.
How to Set Up the Puppy Apartment
© 2026 Rebecca's New Puppy Guide
Why we do this
Why We Set It Up This Way
Dogs are naturally den-oriented and tend to avoid soiling where they sleep. The Puppy Apartment uses that instinct by giving your puppy a clear sleeping area and a separate potty area, encouraging them to leave their bed and use the pads instead. Placing the potty area near the door you'll eventually use for outside trips helps make the next step more natural: I don't potty where I sleep — I go outside.
Essential
Frisco 30" Exercise Pen
The outer boundary of the Puppy Apartment — gives them room to move without free run of the house before they're ready for it.
Shop this pick →
Essential
Frisco Wire Crate Setup
The cozy sleeping area inside the pen. A crate isn't a punishment — set up right, it becomes your puppy's own den.
Shop this pick →
Recommended
Frisco Quilted Crate Mat
A washable backup mat for laundry day, so the crate is never without bedding.
Shop this pick →
Highly recommended
Original Snuggle Puppy
A heartbeat toy that helps soothe those first nights away from littermates. This one genuinely makes a difference for early-night crying.
Shop this pick →
Essential
Washable Pads – Plain
Waterproof-backed and washable for the pen floor. Buy at least two so one is always clean while the other's in the wash.
Shop this pick →
Choose a style
Washable Pads – Printed
Same waterproof backing as the plain version, just a cuter print if you'd rather look at that all day.
Shop this pick →
Recommended
Frisco Stainless Bowl Set
Small bowls sized right for a puppy, with a silicone mat underneath to catch spills.
Shop this pick →04
Cleanup & Potty Backup
Waterproof matters: washable or absorbent doesn't automatically mean waterproof, so check the backing before you buy. Accidents are part of the process, not a sign anything's gone wrong.
Why we do this
Why We Set Up Potty Backup
Accidents are normal while a puppy is learning a new home and routine. We use waterproof pads and easy-clean surfaces so those mistakes are manageable while still giving the puppy one clear, consistent place where pottying is appropriate. Good cleanup matters too — removing the scent from an accident helps prevent that spot from becoming the puppy's new preferred bathroom.
The goal isn't to cover the whole house in pads — it's to create one obvious potty area and keep the rest of the puppy's space clean and consistent.
Travel / backup
Disposable Puppy Pads
Useful for pickup day, travel, and anywhere you can't put down the washable pads.
Shop this pick →
Chewy
Nature's Miracle Urine Destroyer Plus
One of two enzymatic cleaner candidates we're testing for accident cleanup — enzymatic formulas actually break down the odor instead of masking it.
Shop this pick →
Chewy
Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator
Our other enzymatic cleaner candidate. Either is a reasonable pick — we'll update this guide once we've settled on a favorite.
Shop this pick →05
Grooming
The right brush depends on coat type more than brand. Match the tool to your puppy's coat below, and start short, positive grooming sessions early so it stays a normal part of life rather than a wrestling match.
Why we do this
Why We Start Grooming Early
Grooming is much easier when a puppy grows up believing that being brushed, having their feet handled, and having their face and nails touched is simply part of normal life. Start with short, gentle sessions while your puppy is young rather than waiting until grooming becomes necessary. The goal is not only a healthy coat — it's a puppy who is comfortable being handled at home, at the groomer, and at the veterinarian.
Rebecca previously owned a grooming shop, so if you need guidance specific to your puppy's coat, brushing routine, tools, bathing, or grooming schedule, please reach out. We're happy to help.
Longer / fluffier
Frisco Small Soft Slicker
An economical soft slicker brush for routine coat care on longer or fluffier coats.
Shop this pick →
Longer / fluffier
JW GripSoft Soft-Pin Slicker
A comfortable-grip alternative slicker brush if you'd rather have a softer pin option.
Shop this pick →
Short / smooth
Mr. Peanut's Grooming Glove
Doubles as a massage tool during bath time or dry grooming — great for short, smooth coats.
Shop this pick →
Short / smooth
KONG ZoomGroom
Excellent for bathing and pulling up loose hair on short-coated puppies.
Shop this pick →
Finishing / shine
Bass Soft-Bristle Brush
A finishing brush for smoothing the coat and bringing up shine after the main brush-out.
Shop this pick →
Essential grooming
Frisco Nail Clippers
Simple, no-frills clippers are enough to start nail trims early and keep them routine.
Shop this pick →06
Bath Time
Puppy skin is more sensitive than adult dog skin, so stick to a gentle, tearless formula made for puppies specifically.
Why we do this
Why We Choose Gentle Puppy Shampoos
A puppy's first baths help set the tone for grooming later in life. We prefer gentle, tearless formulas made specifically for puppies so bath time can be comfortable and positive, especially when washing around the face and eyes. Keep baths calm and matter-of-fact so your puppy learns early that getting clean is simply another normal part of life.
Choose one
TropiClean Raindrop Kisses
A tearless puppy shampoo that's gentle around the face and eyes.
Shop this pick →
Choose one
TropiClean Gentle Coconut
A gentle, hypoallergenic puppy formula — a good pick for sensitive skin.
Shop this pick →
Choose one
Earthbath Wild Cherry Puppy Shampoo
An ultra-mild puppy shampoo; availability can vary by retailer, so check stock before counting on it.
Shop this pick →
Optional
Earthbath Wild Cherry Puppy Spritz
A between-bath spritz for a quick freshen-up on days you skip a full bath.
Shop this pick →07
Build a Puppy Toy Box
The goal is variety, not quantity. Choose a few different play styles below and always supervise play, especially with anything stuffed or squeaky.
Why we do this
Why We Recommend a Variety of Toys
Variety really is the spice of life when it comes to dog toys — and it's also where the puppy budget can get out of hand because this is the fun stuff. Puppies benefit from different textures, sounds, shapes, and types of play: some toys satisfy the need to chew, while others encourage chasing, tugging, problem-solving, or interactive play.
Toys are also one of your best tools for redirecting behavior. When your puppy is chewing, grabbing, or playing with something they shouldn't, it helps tremendously to have something appealing ready to show them what they can do instead.
These selections come from years of raising puppies, Rebecca's experience owning a pet store, and feedback from customers about the toys they bought again and again. Many of these are simply tried-and-true favorites that have earned their place on the list.
Stuffable / chew
KONG Puppy
Soft puppy-safe rubber for chewing and stuffing with treats — a staple for solo enrichment time.
Shop this pick →
Teething
Nylabone Puppy Pacifier
A dedicated teething option for the sore-gums stage.
Shop this pick →
Chew
Benebone Bacon Puppy Chew
A flavored chew that holds up well to determined puppy jaws.
Shop this pick →
Textured chew
Benebone Fishbone
Lots of ridges and texture for puppies who like to work at a chew.
Shop this pick →
Squeak / bounce
JW Pet Good Cuz
Rubbery, squeaky, and entertainingly bouncy — a good pick for chase-and-pounce play.
Shop this pick →
Tug / stuffing-free
Bouncy Burrow Buddies
Washable and stuffing-free, so there's no stuffing to clean up if it gets torn open.
Shop this pick →
Burrow / squeak
ZippyPaws Burrow Banana
A hide-and-seek toy with squeaky monkeys tucked inside the banana — great for foraging instinct.
Shop this pick →
Tug / fetch
Frisco Ball Knot Rope Toy
A second rope-style option for tug and early fetch games.
Shop this pick →
Tug
Snuggle Puppy Rings with Rope
Soft rings-and-rope play that's gentler on developing puppy teeth than a stiff toy.
Shop this pick →
Plush / squeak
Frisco Taco Plush
Because puppies deserve tacos too — a fun squeaky plush for gentle solo play.
Shop this pick →
Stuffing-free
Skinneeez Crinklers Cow
Floppy, stuffing-free, and crinkly — satisfying to shake without the mess of a torn-open plush.
Shop this pick →
Plush / crinkle
Suppa Puppa Lion
A cute, soft, crinkly character toy sized right for a puppy's mouth.
Shop this pick →
Plush / crinkle
Suppa Puppa Elephant
Another crinkly character option if your puppy likes to have a few plush friends in rotation.
Shop this pick →08
Collar, Harness & Travel
A secure carrier matters from day one — pickup day itself is your puppy's first car ride away from their littermates.
Why we do this
Why We Recommend the Right Gear From the Start
Your puppy's first trips, walks, and outings are all part of learning how to feel safe and comfortable away from home. A secure carrier gives your puppy a protected, familiar-feeling space in the car, while a properly fitted collar and harness help make everyday outings safer and easier.
Puppies can vary quite a bit in build even when they weigh about the same, so please ask us what size collar or harness we recommend for your particular puppy before ordering. We know your puppy's current size and build and can help you choose the best starting fit for go-home time.
Using the right gear from the beginning also helps your puppy learn that riding in the car, wearing a collar or harness, walking on a leash, and traveling to the veterinarian, groomer, or on vacation are simply normal parts of life.
For air travel, a soft-sided carrier is generally what you'll need if your puppy will be traveling with you in the cabin. The soft-sided carrier we recommend is designed for airline travel, but every airline has its own size and pet-travel requirements, so always check your specific airline's current rules before your trip.
Recommended
Petmate Vari Kennel
A hard-sided kennel that works for both car rides and general travel security.
Shop this pick →
Only if flying
EliteField Soft-Sided Carrier
Confirm your airline's rules and exact dimensions before buying — requirements vary a lot by carrier.
Shop this pick →
Chewy
Harness & Leash Set
A comfortable harness and leash combination for walks, outings, and getting your puppy accustomed to leash walking. Please ask us what size we recommend before ordering. Safety note: remove the harness when your puppy is crated or left unattended.
Shop this pick →
Chewy
Frisco Dog Collar
A lightweight everyday collar for identification and getting your puppy accustomed to wearing a collar. Please ask us what size we recommend before ordering.
Shop this pick →09
Optional Outdoor Potty Station
Choose a quiet, somewhat private spot outside and take your puppy to the same place every time. Potty first, play afterward — and remember that shade and water don't automatically make hot weather safe.
Why we do this
Why We Like an Outdoor Potty Station
You certainly don't have to create a special outdoor potty area, but we've found that giving a puppy one small, predictable place to do their business can make potty training much easier. Take your puppy out through the same door and to the same spot each time, and potty comes before play. A smaller area also helps keep a curious puppy focused on why you went outside instead of immediately turning the whole yard into an adventure.
This works especially well as the next step from the Puppy Apartment: bed → potty pads near the door → through that same door → outdoor potty spot. The location changes, but the lesson stays consistent: I don't potty where I sleep or live — I go to my potty place.
And because our puppies are small, always supervise outdoor time and pay close attention to the weather. Shade and water are important, but they do not make extreme heat safe.
Optional
Second Frisco 30" X-Pen
A second pen dedicated to the outdoor potty area makes one designated spot obvious to your puppy.
Shop this pick →
Optional
MidWest Mesh Shade Cover
Useful shade if you're setting this up as a more permanent outdoor station.
Shop this pick →
Chewy
Small Stainless Hanging Pail
A stainless steel pail with a flat back for a hanging water source at the outdoor potty station.
Shop this pick →10
Waste Cleanup
A simple, reliable setup for walks and yard cleanup.
Why we do this
Why We Keep Waste Cleanup Simple
This isn't the glamorous part of puppy ownership, but having the right tools close at hand makes it much easier to keep your yard, walking areas, and potty spaces clean. We prefer simple products that are easy to grab, easy to use, and easy to replace so cleanup becomes part of the routine instead of a chore you keep putting off.
Keeping waste picked up regularly also helps keep your puppy's outdoor area cleaner and more pleasant for everyone.
Walks / travel
Poop-Bag Dispenser
Clips right onto a leash or travel bag so you're never caught without one.
Shop this pick →
Refills
Cucumber-Melon Refills
Scented standard refill rolls that fit most dispensers.
Shop this pick →
Yard
Mr. Peanut's Tall Scooper
A taller yard scooper that saves your back on daily cleanup.
Shop this pick →11
Training, Comfort & Behavior Aids
Why we do this
Why We Keep a Few Training & Comfort Tools Around
Puppies don't all struggle with the same things. Some have a harder time settling when they first leave their littermates, some are sensitive to storms or other loud noises, and some go through a determined chewing stage. These products aren't substitutes for training, patience, or good management — they're simply tools we've found helpful in certain situations.
For settling and separation: Some fussing when a puppy first learns to sleep or spend short periods alone is normal. The Snuggle Puppy can be especially helpful during the transition away from littermates because it gives the puppy something comforting to curl up with. We also encourage gradually teaching your puppy that short periods alone are safe and normal rather than waiting until they suddenly have to be left for several hours.
For storms and loud noises: A properly fitted ThunderShirt can be helpful for dogs that become frightened during thunderstorms, fireworks, travel, or other stressful situations.
A Simple Comfort Trick: If your puppy or dog is anxious and you don't have a ThunderShirt on hand, try a snug-fitting T-shirt or pair of dog pajamas. Gentle, close-fitting pressure can be comforting for some dogs — similar in concept to the swaddled feeling the ThunderShirt is designed to provide. It should feel secure, never restrictive, and your dog should still be able to breathe, move, and stay cool comfortably.
For additional calming support: We do use CBD with some of our dogs and have a brand that we personally prefer. If you are considering CBD or another calming supplement for your puppy or dog, please check with your veterinarian first, particularly with very young or very small puppies, and follow appropriate dosing guidance.
For inappropriate chewing: Puppy-proof first, redirect to an appropriate toy, and use a taste-deterrent spray as an extra layer of help when needed.
Highly recommended
Original Snuggle Puppy
A heartbeat toy that helps soothe those first nights away from littermates. This one genuinely makes a difference for early-night crying.
Shop this pick →
Chewy
ThunderShirt Calming Wrap
A properly fitted ThunderShirt can be helpful for dogs that become frightened during thunderstorms, fireworks, travel, or other stressful situations.
Shop this pick →
Chewy
TropiClean Chew Stop
Extra help for discouraging inappropriate chewing — but puppy-proofing the space always comes first.
Shop this pick →
Chewy
Zen Frenz Zen Bites Hemp Extract Soft Chews
This is the hemp/CBD calming chew we use with some of our dogs when additional calming support is helpful. Please check with your veterinarian before using CBD or other hemp-derived calming supplements, especially with very young or very small puppies, and follow appropriate dosing guidance.
Shop this pick →A few things can wait
Extra toys, beds, bowls, and accessories can wait. Start with the essentials, then add the fun extras once you learn what your puppy actually likes and uses.
Then meet your puppy
You'll quickly discover their favorite toys, sleeping spots, bowl preferences, and routines. Learning those little preferences is part of the fun.