What to Buy for a New Puppy Owner: Essential Gifts They'll Adore

If leash manners are on the to-do list, the Gentle Leader made a noticeable difference in pulling during our walks once fitted correctly. The padded nose strap and adjustable design helped us dial in a comfortable fit for different puppies, and cleanup is as simple as a quick rinse. Expect a few short acclimation sessions before hitting your stride, and be mindful that plastic buckles can wear over time; some dogs also step over the leash initially, requiring a reset.

For positive reinforcement beginners, we like the i-Click because its compact, ergonomic shape is easy to hold in different grips during fast-moving puppy sessions. In our training, the quieter click was perfect for sound-sensitive pups and indoor work, reducing startle while keeping timing clear. Do note the button can fail to register if pressed off-center, so a bit of practice with consistent finger placement helps ensure reliable clicks and steady progress.

If you're gifting a bed that truly supports growing joints, the PetFusion Ultimate's solid memory foam base felt noticeably more supportive in our testing than typical poly-fill pads. The non-toxic cover zips off and is machine-washable, which kept cleanup simple after puppy accidents. Our experience shows the foam can arrive compressed and take time to fully expand, and the bed's heft plus reported zipper wear mean it's best parked in a favorite spot rather than moved frequently.

For house training and travel, we found the Diggs Collapsible Dog Crate impressively sturdy and incredibly convenient to set up, fold, and wheel to storage. The integrated handle and removable tray make cleanup and transport simple, and the non-toxic materials feel reassuring in a high-use item. It is heavy for its size and the premium price will give some buyers pause, but if you value durability and a collapsible design that actually lasts, this is a standout upgrade.

Getting a crate that sets up in minutes is a win for new puppy owners, and during our review the Midwest iCrate folded flat for storage and popped open quickly for bedtime or travel. We found the removable plastic pan made cleanup easy after accidents, and the adjustable design helps you dial in a comfortable, secure space as your puppy grows. Note that some users report minor wobble or slight door warping under stress, so make sure it's mounted square and used for calmer pups.

If you want a bed that actually supports a growing pup, the Casper’s memory foam and bolstered edge delivered full‑body comfort during our review. The removable cover is durable and machine-washable, making cleanups simple, though we did see reports of the foam or fabric wearing down after repeated washes and it can slide on hard floors without a nonslip pad. It’s pricier than many beds, but for new puppy owners prioritizing support and non-toxic materials, it’s a thoughtful, long-lasting gift.

This compact puzzle is a great rainy-day outlet, offering multi-level nose-and-paw challenges that, in our testing, worked nicely as short slow-feeding sessions. It’s easy to refill and wipe clean, but the plastic lids and bone pieces can detach and become chew targets—so supervise closely and put it away after play. Not a fit for heavy chewers, and some small-breed mouths may struggle with the white bones, yet for supervised enrichment it’s an engaging, budget-friendly pick.

For mealtime enrichment, the West Paw Toppl was a standout in our testing - fill and freeze it to turn dinner into a soothing, long-lasting licking session that helps calm puppies in crates. The non-toxic, dishwasher-safe Zogoflex material is durable and recyclable, and multiple sizes make it easy to match your pup. It's pricier than basic toys and not for strong or even moderate chewers, and the open-hole design can leak, so choose thicker fillings and use it on easy-to-clean surfaces.

Few toys punch above their price like the Kong Puppy Classic Small, which in our review kept pups busy with durable rubber and stuffable enrichment. Fill it with kibble or a smear of peanut butter for crate time, then freeze for extra challenge; just know cleaning thick fillings can require a bottle brush despite its generally easy-to-wash design. Choose the correct size—this small model isn’t ideal for big breeds or power chewers—to ensure safe, satisfying play during teething.

When you need a quick calm-down tool, the LickiMat Soother shines - its textured surface encourages steady licking, and in our testing freezing yogurt or purees stretched engagement and took the edge off anxious moments. Made from food-grade TPR that's marketed as BPA- and phthalate-free, it's easy to rinse clean after messy toppings. It's not suitable for strong chewers and some users note small nibs can come off, so supervise use, and the standard size may feel undersized for large-breed puppies.

Built like a tank, the YETI Boomer kept its footing in our tests thanks to the grippy BearFoot ring and the heavy, dent-resistant stainless steel body - great for enthusiastic eaters and water sloshers. It's dishwasher-safe for easy cleanups, and the non-toxic materials feel premium enough to gift. Over time, expect normal surface scratches and, as some users note, occasional discoloration or surface rust in certain conditions, so drying thoroughly after washes helps keep it looking sharp.

Nail trims feel less scary with this quiet, low‑vibration Dremel, which in our experience reduced puppy stress compared with clippers and handled everything from tiny nails to tougher, thicker ones. The cordless, USB‑rechargeable design is convenient, but the single speed means a light touch and patience, and there’s no safety shield—so go slow and reward frequently. Grinding creates dust and debris, so use eye protection and clean up afterward; for home grooming, it’s a capable, durable starter tool.

Getting a puppy comfortable with toothbrushing is easier when the toothpaste tastes good, and in our testing the savory poultry flavor from Virbac's C.E.T. line won eager licks. The dual-enzyme formula is designed to inhibit plaque formation, making it a smart daily routine for fresher breath and healthier gums. You'll still want a finger brush or soft toothbrush for best results, and a few pets may reject certain flavors, but the non-toxic formula rinses cleanly and keeps mess to a minimum.

Night walks feel safer with the Illumifun LED Dog Collar, which in our testing shined bright and offered multiple flash modes for visibility. The adjustable, water-resistant design held up to drizzle and wiped clean easily, though we found the fit can loosen and needs occasional re-tightening. USB rechargeability is convenient, but some buyers report the LED or battery giving out early, so we treat it as a secondary safety light rather than a primary collar, especially around water.

For daily walks, the Ruffwear Front Range earned a spot in our kit thanks to its padded build and four adjustment points that dial in a comfy, secure fit. Front and back leash attachments give you training flexibility—use the front clip for pullers and switch to the back for casual strolls—though the over-the-head design can be tricky for big noggins. Sizing runs confusing, and some straps can stretch over months, so check the size chart and re-tighten periodically.

Eco-conscious and practical, these Pet N Pet bags impressed us with their USDA biobased certification and plant-based content, yet they still feel durable during quick pickups on walks. In our testing, the light lavender scent did a good job masking odors, though scent-sensitive folks may find it a bit overpowering. Just note there are no tie handles at the openings, so you'll need a firm knot, but the rolls load easily into standard dispensers and keep cleanup simple for new puppy parents.

For escape artists or off‑leash rompers, the Fi Series 3+ impressed us with long battery life—stretching well between charges—and reliable GPS plus safe‑zone alerts for peace of mind. The adjustable fit is straightforward and the hardware wipes clean easily, making it practical for muddy adventures. Do factor in the required subscription for full features, and be aware that connectivity and battery performance can wobble in weak cellular areas; overall, it’s a confidence-boosting gift for new puppy parents.

Keeping tabs on a mischievous pup is easier with the Furbo 360°, which in our testing delivered crisp 1080p video and surprisingly clear color night vision. The rotating base with Auto Dog Tracking follows action around the room, while the treat dispenser adds interactive training—just stick to uniform, crunchy treats to avoid jams. There’s no vertical tilt, so place it higher to minimize blind spots, and note the rotation motor can be audible in quiet rooms and startle sensitive puppies.

For quick puppy-proofing, we like the Regalo Easy Step because its adjustable width spans a variety of doorways and the metal frame wipes clean after muddy paws. During our review, the pressure-mount option made temporary setups simple, while wall-mounting added stability when we needed a more permanent barrier. The two-step latch can feel awkward at first and the gate may rattle if not tightened fully, and note some in-between openings may require an extra extension to achieve a snug fit.