Bringing home a German Shepherd puppy is exciting, but it also comes with plenty of preparation. Having the right supplies before your puppy arrives will help make the transition smoother, reduce stress, and set your new family member up for success.

German Shepherd puppies grow quickly, are highly intelligent, and require quality nutrition, appropriate training, safe chew toys, and a structured environment. Investing in the right products from the beginning can make training easier and help prevent unwanted behaviors.

At Vom Dreifke German Shepherds, we want every puppy owner to feel confident and prepared. This complete shopping checklist includes everything you’ll need before bringing your new German Shepherd puppy home.

Before Pickup Day

Before your puppy arrives, make sure you have:

✔️ Veterinarian selected

✔️ First appointment scheduled

✔️ Puppy-proofed your home

✔️ Family rules established

✔️ Crate assembled

✔️ Sleeping area prepared

✔️ Food purchased

✔️ Toys ready

✔️ Potty area selected

✔️ Cleaning supplies available

Planning ahead helps your puppy adjust much more comfortably during the first few days.

Crate

A crate becomes your puppy’s safe place.

Look for:

Strong construction
Good ventilation
Divider panel
Easy-to-clean tray
Double-door design (optional)

For most German Shepherd puppies, a 42-inch crate with a divider works well because it can be adjusted as your puppy grows.

Avoid buying multiple crates if one adjustable crate will last into adulthood.

Dog Bed

Choose a washable bed that provides support while still being comfortable.

For young puppies:

Machine washable
Durable fabric
Non-slip bottom
Appropriate size

Avoid expensive plush beds if your puppy is still in the heavy chewing stage.

Food and Water Bowls

Choose:

Stainless steel bowls
Non-slip base
Easy to sanitize
Dishwasher safe

Avoid plastic bowls whenever possible since they can scratch easily and may harbor bacteria.

Puppy Food

Feed the same food your breeder recommends initially.

Changing foods immediately after bringing your puppy home may increase digestive upset during an already stressful transition.

Choose a high-quality large-breed puppy food formulated to support controlled growth.

If you plan to switch foods, do so gradually over 7–10 days unless your veterinarian advises otherwise.

Treats

Healthy training treats make learning much easier.

Choose treats that are:

Small
Soft
Easy to chew
Low calorie
Highly rewarding

Since training sessions involve many repetitions, tiny treats are usually more practical than large biscuits.

Food Storage Container

Keep food fresh by storing it in an airtight container.

Benefits include:

Fresher food
Reduced moisture
Pest prevention
Easier measuring
Better organization

Always check expiration dates and store food in a cool, dry location.

Collar

Your puppy will need a lightweight collar that fits properly.

Look for:

Adjustable sizing
Durable buckle
Comfortable material
Identification tag attachment

You should be able to fit approximately two fingers between the collar and your puppy’s neck.

Because German Shepherd puppies grow quickly, expect to adjust or replace the collar as they mature.

Identification Tags

Every puppy should wear an ID tag whenever appropriate.

Include:

Puppy’s name
Your phone number
Optional city
Microchip notation if desired

A collar tag provides immediate identification if your puppy becomes separated from you.

Leash

Purchase a standard leash approximately 4–6 feet long.

Avoid retractable leashes during early training because they encourage constant pulling and make teaching loose-leash walking more difficult.

Harness (Optional)

Some owners prefer beginning with a properly fitted harness.

Choose one that:

Fits securely
Does not restrict shoulder movement
Is adjustable
Is lightweight

Ask your trainer or veterinarian if you are unsure which style is best for your puppy.

Baby Gates

Baby gates are one of the most useful purchases for new puppy owners.

They help:

Limit access
Prevent accidents
Separate pets
Encourage calmness
Create safe spaces

Management is easier than constantly correcting unwanted behavior.

Exercise Pen

An exercise pen creates a safe play area when you cannot supervise every second.

A pen is helpful for:

Independent play
Quiet time
Visitors
Cleaning
Household chores

It provides more room than a crate while still maintaining boundaries.

Puppy Toys

Your puppy should have a variety of safe toys.

Include:

Rubber chew toys
Tug toys
Plush toys
Balls
Puzzle toys
Food-dispensing toys
Teething toys

Rotate toys every few days to maintain your puppy’s interest.

Puzzle Feeders

German Shepherds thrive on mental stimulation.

Puzzle feeders help:

Reduce boredom
Slow eating
Encourage problem-solving
Build confidence

Mental exercise often tires puppies more effectively than physical activity alone.

Chew Toys

Teething puppies need safe chewing outlets.

Good choices include:

Puppy KONG toys
Rubber chews
Frozen puppy-safe toys
Durable teething rings

Avoid toys that splinter or break into small pieces.

Grooming Supplies

Essential grooming tools include:

Slicker brush
Undercoat rake
Nail clippers or grinder
Puppy shampoo
Ear cleaner approved by your veterinarian
Soft towels
Grooming wipes

Early grooming practice helps puppies become comfortable with handling.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Dental care should begin during puppyhood.

Purchase:

Dog toothbrush
Dog toothpaste

Never use human toothpaste.

Introduce brushing slowly using positive reinforcement.

Enzymatic Cleaner

House-training accidents happen.

Use an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet accidents to remove odors completely.

Standard household cleaners may not eliminate scent markers.

Poop Bags

Keep bags available:

During walks
In your vehicle
Near your door
In your training bag

Cleaning up promptly is part of responsible dog ownership.

First Aid Kit

A basic puppy first aid kit may include:

Gauze
Non-stick bandages
Digital thermometer
Tweezers
Saline solution
Styptic powder
Vet-approved antiseptic
Emergency contact numbers

Always consult your veterinarian before treating injuries at home.

Car Safety

Never allow your puppy to ride loose inside the vehicle.

Choose:

Crash-tested harness
Travel crate
Seat belt attachment designed for dogs

Safe transportation protects both your puppy and passengers.

Microchip Registration

If your puppy is microchipped, register the chip immediately with your current contact information.

Update the registration whenever you move or change phone numbers.

A microchip only works if the information is current.

Training Supplies

Helpful training items include:

Treat pouch
Clicker (optional)
Long line
Standard leash
Small training treats
Place mat
Puppy-safe rewards

Keep supplies together so training sessions are easy to start.

Cleaning Supplies

Prepare for puppy life with:

Paper towels
Pet-safe disinfectant
Laundry stain remover
Lint roller
Extra towels
Vacuum designed for pet hair

German Shepherds become heavy shedders as they mature.

Puppy-Proof Your Home

Before your puppy arrives:

✔️ Hide electrical cords

✔️ Secure trash cans

✔️ Remove toxic plants

✔️ Store medications safely

✔️ Lock cleaning supplies away

✔️ Pick up children’s toys

✔️ Remove choking hazards

✔️ Block unsafe stairways if needed

✔️ Secure fences and gates

✔️ Check for escape routes

Think like a curious puppy exploring everything with their mouth.

Create a Routine

Before pickup day, decide on:

Feeding times
Potty schedule
Bedtime
Exercise routine
Training sessions
Family responsibilities

Consistency helps puppies feel secure and learn more quickly.

Common Shopping Mistakes

Avoid:

Buying too many toys at once
Purchasing oversized treats
Choosing retractable leashes for beginners
Buying several crates unnecessarily
Forgetting cleaning supplies
Switching food immediately
Purchasing unsafe chew toys
Waiting until pickup day to prepare

Planning ahead makes your puppy’s transition much easier.

Printable Puppy Shopping Checklist

Feeding

□ Large-breed puppy food
□ Stainless steel food bowl
□ Stainless steel water bowl
□ Airtight food container
□ Training treats

Training

□ Crate
□ Divider panel
□ Exercise pen
□ Baby gates
□ Leash
□ Collar
□ ID tag
□ Treat pouch
□ Clicker (optional)

Toys

□ Rubber chew toys
□ Puzzle feeders
□ Plush toy
□ Ball
□ Tug toy
□ Teething toy

Grooming

□ Slicker brush
□ Undercoat rake
□ Nail clippers
□ Puppy shampoo
□ Ear cleaner
□ Dog toothbrush
□ Dog toothpaste

Home

□ Dog bed
□ Enzymatic cleaner
□ Paper towels
□ Poop bags
□ First aid kit
□ Car restraint
□ Puppy-safe gates

Ready for Your New Best Friend

Preparing your home before pickup day allows you to focus on what matters most—building a strong bond with your new German Shepherd puppy.

With the right supplies, a consistent routine, and plenty of patience, you’ll give your puppy the best possible start in life.

At Vom Dreifke German Shepherds, we are committed to helping every family feel confident and prepared long after puppy pickup day. We proudly provide lifetime breeder support and are always happy to answer questions as your puppy grows.

If you’re interested in one of our upcoming litters or would like to learn more about our breeding program, we’d love to hear from you.

📞 Call or Text: (804) 896-1066
🌐 Website: vomdreifkeshepherds.com