The secrets to Puppy success –
We have over 17 years of experience raising puppies, we’ve tested countless puppy supplies and we want to share with you!
Get the Right Tools for the Job!
This page highlights some of the most important puppy essentials to help save you time and money.
We’ve linked all the products below to both Amazon and Chewy!
Dog Gone Smart – Dirty Dog Rugs
- One of my absolute must-have puppy products!
- Microfiber rugs dry five times faster than regular doormats, making them perfect for active dogs.
- Effectively removing mud, dirt, hair, and grass from paws. Built to last, these rugs feature double basting and even stitching for exceptional durability.
Bones & Chews Slim Beef Gullet Stick
5-6″ Dog Treats, case of 50!
A fully digestible, all-natural alternative to rawhide, perfect for teething puppies.
- These chews are also great for keeping bored, anxious, or energetic puppies entertained during crate training or travel!
Greenies Puppy Dental Dog Treats
I’ve always been a fan of Greenies, but they weren’t always recommended for puppies—until now!
Greenies Puppy are specially designed for young dogs, with a formula that’s 50% softer than the original. These veterinarian-recommended dental treats support healthy teeth and gums while being gentle on your puppy’s developing mouth.
Midwest Crates – Dog Crates
- I recommend the Midwest iCrate or Midwest Life Stages Crate.
- A larger crate can work from puppyhood to adulthood by using the included wire divider to adjust the space during crate training.
- This ensures your dog or puppy has just the right amount of room—no more, no less!
The Petmate Sky Kennel – Travel Crate
- The Petmate Sky Kennel for Pets for dogs 25 to 30-Pounds
- Dimensions: 28 x 20.5 x 21.5 inches
- The Sky Kennel complies with IATA standards and most airline cargo requirements.
- Ventilation on the door, sides, and back, along with tie-down strap holes for added security.
- Always confirm specific airline policies before flying.
Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush
Groom Like a Pro!
The “Big G” Slicker Brush is the ultimate tool for Doodle and Poodle owners, widely regarded as the gold standard by professional groomers.
- Long, dense pins are perfect for detangling, fluffing curly coats, and shaping heads, toplines, and legs.
- Designed for breeds like Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Poodles, and Bichons, this brush features an ergonomic handle and cushioned pad for gentle, effortless grooming.
- Every detail is crafted for quality and ease of use, making it a must-have investment for your grooming routine.
The Andis Grooming Comb
7-1/2-Inch, Steel
This is a Must-Have Steel Comb for your Doodles Knots, Mats & Loose Hair Removal – Effective Dematting Tool, Comfortable, Lightweight, Portable & Safe for Dogs, Cats & Pets
The comb’s coarse and fine teeth work together to remove thick or dead fur and leave your pet’s coat soft, sleek, and shining.
What About Puppy Pads?
If you must use potty pads, then I highly recommend you use the Washable Underpads (aka incontinence pads) instead of the plastic disposable “puppy pads”.
They’re more durable, washable, cost-effective and eco-friendly.
You can find them on Amazon and similar ones on Chewy.
- I use the 33 x 36-inch and 23 x 36-inch sizes—they work great!
Puptek – Adjustable Dog Harness Collar and Leash Set
This cost-effective set includes a walking harness, collar, and 4.9ft leash. The leash features a 360-degree rotation metal hook, and the harness has a quick-release buckle and durable double D-rings, offering convenience and durability without the need to purchase additional accessories.
MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Exercise Pen & Playpen
Sometimes, puppies need to be contained to prevent accidents and keep them safe from household hazards. Unlike a crate, a playpen can offer them more space to move, play, and stay engaged while still being safely enclosed.
Better yet, you can use both!
Using a Crate or a Playpen or a combo can make the potty training process much easier!
OurPet’s DuraPet Bowls
Stainless steel is the top choice recommended by vets. These bowls are easy to clean and sanitize, as they don’t harbor bacteria like plastic can.
- Durable stainless-steel bowl
- Non-slip rubber base to reduce sliding and noise.
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
- Available in three sizes to suit any size and breed.
Bil-Jac Little Jacs Small Dog Training Treats
- MADE WITH REAL CHICKEN LIVER
Soft Training Treats are made with real chicken liver as the 1st ingredient. Resealable double zipper pouch ensures the chicken liver dog treats stay fresh. - PUPPY TRAINING TREATS
Use these small dog training treats as rewards while training or as snacks to show love and affection.
Safari Professional Nail Trimmer for Dogs, Small/Medium
- Made with high-quality stainless steel for effective, long-lasting results.
- Non-slip grip provides added comfort and control.
- Great for both professional groomers and pet parents alike—plus, it’s safe for left- or right-handed use.
- Features a double-bladed cutter with tension spring that helps ensure a swift, clean cut.
- Innovative safety stop helps reduce the risk of injury.
Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Stain & Odor Eliminator
- Every Surface, Every Time: For use on carpets, floors, furniture, clothing, litter boxes, kennels, carriers, all pet living and sleeping areas—anywhere stains happen
- Enzyme Activated: This spray contains natural enzymes that are activated on contact with odors and stains, feeding on ammonia crystals and organic matter until they are completely eliminated
Zymox Advanced Formula Otic Plus Enzymatic Ear Solution
- Patented LP3 Enzyme System to help clear ear exudate, 1% Hydrocortisone for itchy ears
- Gentle, no-sting formula helps relieve painful ear issues caused by resistant germs, fungi and yeast
- Pet ear solution, no pre-cleaning of painful ears needed
- Relief from stubborn ear infection-causing microorganisms that form complex, irritating biofilms
- Soothes recurrent ear infections, itching and redness
Zymox – Advanced Enzymatic Ear Wipes
- Leaves pet’s ears clean and smelling fresh
- With aloe vera to soothe temporary redness and discomfort – suitable for sensitive skin
- Veterinarian recommended
- Use with or after a completed course of ZYMOX Ear Solution to manage very dirty, waxy or smelly ears
NuVet Plus K-9 Wafers
Immune System Builder
- NuVet is the best daily pet supplement for young canines; to get them on a path to optimal health and quality of life, full of vigor and vitality and to help defend against free radicals, toxins and nutritional deficiencies.
- We highly recommend giving your puppy NuVet Plus for the first couple years or at least while their still developing!
Safe-Guard – Canine Dewormer
- Deworming powder is effective against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms taenia tapeworms and giardia.
- Safe for use in all dogs ages 6 weeks and older, including pregnant dogs.
- Powdered dewormer is easy to mix into your dog’s food.
- Designed to be fed for 3 days in a row.
- Active Ingredient: Fenbendazole
Bedsure Calming Dog Bed
- This plush donut dog bed, made with warm faux shag fur, provides a cozy, secure spot for pets who love to curl up.
- Its raised rim offers comfort, head and neck support, and a sense of security.
Available in four sizes:
- X-Small: 20″ x 20″ x 6″
- Small: 23″ x 23″ x 8″
- Medium: 30″ x 30″ x 8″
- Large: 36″ x 36″ x 10″
Crate Training FAQ’s!
The Midwest exercise pen, or playpen, is a portable enclosure designed to give dogs and puppies a safe, contained space to play and move around and are really helpful during potty training if you work and can’t let them out of a crate often enough. You can also put the crate inside the x-pen and you can also add a potty spot using a grass patch or a washable pad!
Playpens provide a safe space for your puppy, keeping them secure while helping to prevent potty accidents on your floors or chewing up your furniture, electric cords, or other potentially harmful items.
During the potty training stage, you can use both a crate and an x-pen either together or separately. The crate works best for sleeping and quiet moments, while the x-pen is perfect for daytime use, playtime, or providing a safe space when you can’t supervise your puppy, like when you’re at work.
- The Midwest Crates can easily be connected to the Midwest X-Pens (see example below).
Yes, leaving your puppy in a playpen while you’re at work can be a safe and practical way to manage their behavior.
Make sure the playpen is puppy-proofed and includes essentials like fresh water, safe toys, and a comfortable resting area.
Rotating the toys regularly can also help to keep your puppy engaged and provide mental stimulation, reducing the risk of boredom or separation anxiety.
Place the crate in a calm, quiet area where your puppy is unlikely to be disturbed while resting inside. Make sure the crate is sturdy, properly assembled, and secure to prevent it from collapsing accidentally before using it with your puppy.
Make the crate cozy and comfortable with your puppies bed, blanket and a non-spill water bowl attached to the inside of the door, add a couple toys or chews.
You can try covering the top and sides of the crate with a blanket to reduce the external stimulation from outside the crate. The first couple times you put them in their crate you can leave the door open while you pet them and calm them while they’re still learning to relax and enjoy their new space.
How to Crate Train Your Puppy
Crate training is a great way to give your puppy a safe, cozy space to relax, and when done correctly, it’s a key tool for house training and reducing anxiety.
The whole point of using a crate for potty training is that a
dogs natural instinct is to keep themselves clean and not to go to the bathroom where they sleep.
Create Positive Associations
Make the crate a welcoming place by lining it with a soft blanket, adding a few toys, and keeping the door open so your puppy can explore at their own pace. As they become more comfortable, encourage them to go inside by
tossing treats or feeding meals in the crate. This will help them associate the crate with positive experiences.
Introduce Gradually
Start by closing the crate door for short periods while you’re nearby. Slowly increase the time, making sure your puppy stays calm. Never use the crate as punishment! It should be a safe, comforting space where your puppy
feels secure, not scared.
Incorporate into Daily Routines
Crate your puppy when you’re busy, like preparing meals or working, to help them get used to it. However, puppies, especially younger ones, shouldn’t be crated for long periods. Make sure to give them plenty of playtime
and bathroom breaks outside the crate to avoid boredom or anxiety.
Timing is Key
Puppies should never stay crated for too long. A general rule of thumb is that a puppy can hold its bladder for an amount of hours equal to its age in months plus one. So, for example, a 3-month-old puppy can stay crated
for about 4 hours.
What to do with a Frantic Puppy in the Crate?
It’s important to avoid letting your puppy get too upset or frantic in their crate.
There’s a big difference between normal puppy whining and full on “frantic puppy”.
Frantic puppy behavior can actually sound more like screaming, while desperately trying to escape, or even potentially hurting themselves by trying to bite the crate.
Light scratching at the door is pretty normal the first few times, but if your puppy is frantically pawing at the crate, you’ll notice the difference.
If you see your puppy getting to a frantic point, you can try making a loud noise or saying something to them which should help to snap them out of it and interrupt the behavior at least long enough to try starting over.
Wait for a moment of quiet before you try opening the crate door, this is a good time to take them outside for a quick potty break.
Frantic behavior may happen for a few reasons:
- First-time crate experience: If you just stuck them in the crate and shut the door without easing them into it, you may have moved too fast. Slow down and start over.
- Too much freedom too soon: If you’ve allowed your puppy full access to the house, let them sleep in your bed, and then suddenly tried putting them in a cage, it’s no surprise they’re gonna be upset. This “spoiled puppy” behavior can feel like a tantrum, as they’re already used to having full freedom.
- Your puppy is overstimulated which can happen when your dog is overwhelmed and can’t cope with certain triggers in their environment.
In either case, the answer is still the same:
You Probably need to introduce them to the crate slower.
Help create positive associations with the crate.
Take your time introducing your puppy to the crate. The introduction process can take a day or so, so remember to be patient.
- Start by laying next to the crate, blocking the open door with your body and try gently petting and talking to your puppy in the crate.
- Gradually, start closing the door while staying next to the crate. This will help your puppy feel secure and understand that the crate is a safe, calm space and you’re still there.
Tone of Voice and Body Language:
Be mindful of your tone of voice and your body language when training your puppy. Dogs recognize and respond to our voice patterns. They’ll associate your vocal cues, tone of voice, and speech patterns with your different emotions and use this information to better understand and interact with us.
Cheerful tones show approval and playfulness, while disappointed tones convey disapproval. Soft and reassuring tones express affection, while firm tones get a dog’s attention. The caution tone is used in emergencies to stop a dog in its tracks.
Dogs distinguish words and tone much like humans do!
You Dog learns to recognize your voice above all others, as shown during Functional MRI brain scans. Parts of their brain will light up when they hear their owners voice more than it will with a strangers voice. It comforts them to hear your voice, and you can even try singing or speaking directly to them in a higher pitched and cheerful tone to relax your puppy when they are feeling stressed.
Our four-legged friends have a little patch of their brain devoted to deciphering emotions in human and dog voices, scientists reported in the journal Current Biology.
If you’re acting anxious or frantic, your puppy will pick up on this and may become even more stressed.
Puppies often look to us to gauge their environment. If you’re acting unusually nervous or worried, then they’ll assume there must be something to be anxious or nervous about, and they’ll mirror your energy.
Take a deep breath. It’s most likely not as serious as it seems. Remember, your puppy is not hurt—they’re more then likely being loud and dramatic because it’s worked in the past.
- Establish a routine for your puppy, as they need frequent bathroom breaks, especially after eating, drinking, playing, and napping.
- Take your puppy outside on a leash to the same spot each time.
- Use the same que word like “Go Potty” every time and when they go potty in the right place, praise them and offer them a treat.
- A consistent feeding/eating and sleeping schedule is VERY important.
- Do not “free feed” your puppy! A puppy who can freely eat all day, will poop all day. Put them on a timed feeding schedule so that you can better gauge when they should need to go or about 30 min after they eat.
- Most puppies need to eat puppy food 3 times a day. Make it easier to remember by planning their mealtimes around your own breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Keep an eye on your puppy while they’re indoors, watching for the signs they need to “go” like sniffing or circling and when you do, quickly pick them up and take them outside to their potty spot.
- Handle accidents calmly. If accidents happen and they will, clean them up promptly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove any odors and prevent your puppy from eliminating in the same spot again.
- Avoid punishment, as your puppy will not associate the punishment with their earlier behavior. Instead, stay calm and focus on cleaning the spot thoroughly to avoid confusion or fear.
- Never compare your new puppy to your last puppy or a friends puppy. Every puppy just like every human child is a unique individual and will react differently to new things like crate training, new environments and new people.
- A puppy crying in their crate can be one of the saddest sounding and most challenging parts of crate training a new puppy. Some puppies may struggle with crate training and it might take them a little longer, but in my experience, I’ve never had a puppy who didn’t eventually come to enjoy having a safe space to relax and sleep in their crate.
- Never let a puppy get totally frantic in their crate. There’s a huge difference between a “frantic puppy” and “normal crying and complaining puppy”
- Patience and consistency make all the difference!