A Safe Crate

While some may view crate training as harsh, it proved invaluable for us. The crate provided Willow a secure area to explore without the risk of injury or damaging our belongings. We even attached a playpen to her crate, allowing her some freedom while keeping her safe from chewing on phone chargers.

The crate played a crucial role in potty training. By feeding her meals in the crate, she learned not to soil her sleeping area. It also served as an early warning system; when she needed to go out, she would tap on the door. Surprisingly, when we first brought her home, she instinctively ran into the crate, seeking comfort in its confined space. It has since become her safe haven during stressful moments.

When traveling or leaving her with family, we take her crate along, providing a sense of familiarity. Now, we rarely need to use the crate, as she can stay alone for short periods in our living room, but we appreciate having it available if needed.

For more insights on crate training, Zak George's videos are highly recommended.

Engaging Puppy Kong

One of our greatest sanity-savers in the first six months was the Puppy Kong. With their boundless energy, puppies need activities to keep them occupied. We initially filled the Kong with fresh chicken and topped it with peanut butter, which captivated Willow’s attention.

As she learned to retrieve the treats, we gradually filled it more densely. Now, we use wet food and freeze it, providing her with a challenge that can keep her busy for up to half an hour. This not only entertained her but also helped her burn off some energy, often leading to a well-deserved nap afterward.

Essential Timer for Training

A simple timer—your phone's timer will do—can be a game changer in puppy training, especially for crate training. Puppies tend to cry, and it can be hard to resist the urge to comfort them. However, this can reinforce the crying behavior.

To combat this, we set a timer for five minutes when putting Willow in her crate. If she was still barking when the timer went off, we would let her out. Surprisingly, she was always fast asleep by the time the timer rang. We kept a close watch on her, ensuring she was safe and simply adjusting to solitude.

Choosing the Right Toys

When selecting toys for your new puppy, start with a variety of affordable options to see what your puppy enjoys. While I loved buying stuffed toys for Willow, she preferred rope toys and balls, which kept her engaged for hours.

By testing different toy types, you can discover your puppy's preferences before investing in higher-priced items.

Nourishing Training Treats

Cooked chicken became our go-to training treat. After preparing a few chicken breasts, we diced them into small pieces and stored them in the fridge. While it requires a bit more effort than store-bought treats, the motivation it provides is worth it. Whenever Willow successfully used the puppy pads, we rewarded her with chicken, reinforcing her good behavior.

Chicken is not only excellent for training commands but is also helpful if your puppy has an upset stomach, as vets often recommend a chicken and rice diet.

This concludes my list of essential items for new puppy owners! Share your must-haves in the comments, and stay tuned for more insightful articles!