•  Collar – a non-tightening collar is perfect for puppies

•  Leash - two of different lengths, long and short

•  Food and water bowls - stainless steel or ceramic are best as bacteria can thrive on plastic bowls.

•  Grooming supplies - including brush, nail clippers, shampoo; ask a groomer or your veterinarian what tools you’ll need and how to use them

•  Cleaning supplies - your puppy or dog may have some accidents at first

•  Dog bed or blanket - though you may want to hold off on this if your puppy is of a breed known for chewing

•  Crate - see Crate Training in the training section.

•  A supply of quality food like Purina® Puppy Chow® brand puppy food or Purina® Dog Chow® brand dog food

•  Chew toys

•  Dog tags

There are also some optional supplies you might want to consider. These may be necessities in some cases - for example, a dog house is needed if your dog won't be sleeping inside - but you'll have to decide which of these items fit your lifestyle and budget.

•  Fence

•  Outside kennel

•  Dog house

•  Doggie door

•  Gates - to block off certain rooms or staircases indoors

•  Anti-chew spray

•  Boots (an option for dogs in snowy areas)

•  Grooming table

More on Dog houses

Dogs can be happy indoors or outdoors, provided their needs are addressed. A mixture suits most dogs well because they are happiest when they are with you, but they enjoy time outside as well.

If you need to leave your dog outside, a doghouse is a good idea.

•  Dogs are den animals. They like a small, confined, safe spot for naps and hanging out. Various designs are available or you can build your own.

•  Make it big enough for your dog, but not too big because heat escapes in a large space. Buy or build one that will be big enough for your grown dog, but while your puppy is growing, block off the extra space with boxes or a sheet of wood. Keep the occupied space appropriate for your dog's size.

•  Insulate against both the heat and the cold. The shelter of a roof and walls will protect your dog from the wind and sun, but use flaps for airflow in the summer and some kind of insulation against the cold air.

•  Set or build it off the ground. Raising the doghouse even a few inches will block the cold air rising from the earth and will give added airflow in the hot months. It also helps prevent rotting and keeps water from seeping in.