🐾 Welcome to Puppy Essentials 🐾
It all begins with an idea.
Featuring Jade – one unforgettable puppy from our pack!
This is Jade.
She wasn’t the first puppy, or the last—but she was one of a kind. A stubborn little spark plug, full of life, love, and loyalty. Jade was my running partner, my sidekick, and my best friend for 13 incredible years until she passed in 2015. Her memory lives on in every corner of K9 Hearts.
When I was battling serious illness and spending months in and out of the hospital, Jade stayed by my side. Before I even knew something was wrong, she did—nudging the exact spot where a hidden infection had taken hold. Her instincts were sharper than any test. I learned to trust her completely. Jade quite literally helped save my life more than once…including a bear!
The Puppy Joy… and the Puppy Blues
Puppies have a way of lighting up our lives the second they tumble into it. The joy, the chaos, the curiosity—it’s infectious. But raising a puppy isn’t always easy. The sleepless nights, the accidents, the doubts—they’re real. At K9 Hearts, we talk about it all honestly, because you deserve real support.
Gear That Grows With Your Pup
Puppy training is its own unique journey. From collars and leashes to crates and chew toys, what works for older pups isn’t always the same as what works for adult dogs. Flat collars are often a great place to start, but many people love harnesses too. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—and that’s why we’re here.
At K9 Hearts, we review beginner-friendly gear that’s also budget-smart. Puppies grow fast, and the right gear can make a big difference—without draining your wallet.
Got a Puppy Product You’d Like Us to Review?
Wondering if a certain item is safe or appropriate for your pup? We’d love to hear from you! Just click on the “Contact Us” button below!
As we grow we will start crowdfunding for gear reviews. After the review has been posted and tested by real dogs, K9 Hearts gives back the crowdfunded gear via sweeptakes, so be sure to bookmark us and follow our social media pages!
10 Must-Have Puppy Essentials for Under $225
It all begins with an idea.
Meet Puppy Mabel - A Water-Loving Bestie!
Mabel was a playful silver Lab puppy and a loyal companion to both Charlie and Nova. She was one of those unforgettable puppy playmates—curious, social, and full of heart. Although Mabel now lives with her mom and dad, we’ll always remember her joyful spirit, sweet personality, and her endless love for splashing in the water!
Build Trust from Day One — Without Breaking the Bank
Getting a puppy shouldn't cost a fortune — but it should open your heart.
After years of training therapy dogs, hunting dogs, and companions like Charlie, I’ve learned this: love matters most. But the right gear? It builds trust, eases training, and sets the stage for those unforgettable first weeks.
It’s so tempting to splurge on every cute toy and piece of puppy gear—but if your pup is under six months old, you don’t need to spend a fortune. Puppies grow fast! With Nova, by the time she turned one, she had more collars than I had sandals. Choosing budget-friendly puppy essentials will save you money while still giving your pup everything they need.
Whether you’re a first-time puppy parent or on your fourth furry sidekick, this essential puppy gear checklist will help you start strong — with confidence and connection.
Note: Crates vary widely in price and many puppy parents borrow or buy used. We’ve included crate options, but they’re not counted in this total.
Let’s dive in — one paw, one heart at a time.
🛏️ Essential #1: Puppy Crate (for Sleep + Potty Training)
Crate training is great for most dogs — but not all. My dog Charlie wasn’t crate trained due to severe orthopedic issues. He needed the freedom to move safely.
For the rest of my pups, crate training helped with potty training, calm behavior, and offering a lifelong “safe space.”
I’ve always bought crates sized for adulthood, using dividers to grow with the pup. Learn more in our Crate Training 101 blog →.
Top Pick: MidWest Homes iCrate 2-Door — $35–$85
Why: Divider grows with your pup. Trusted by trainers. Easy to clean and secure.
Budget Alternative:Best Pet Folding Crate — $45–$65
Good quality, value crate with divider. May need replacing over time.
🍽️ Essential #2: Food & Water Bowls (Easy to Clean)
Bowls seem simple, but the options vary. Puppies can get acne from plastic bowls, so we recommend stainless steel to start.
Charlie, one of my rescues, hated metal bowls and preferred puddles — so we compromised with a durable plastic bowl I washed daily.
Start basic. Adjust as you learn your puppy’s preferences.
Pick: Loving Pets Bella Stainless Bowls — $5.45–$11.27
Why: Durable, affordable, and easy to clean. Great for home or travel.
🐾 Essential #3: Collar with ID Tag (Safety First!)
Emergencies happen. A simple ID tag on a flat collar can help your pup get back to you quickly.
Plan to upgrade as your puppy grows. Here's an affordable starter:
Pick: TagME Reflective Nylon Collar — $3.99–$7.99
Why: Durable, reflective, and budget-friendly. Add your own ID tag.
🦮 Essential #4: Leash (Standard + Retractable Combo)
If you’ve never tried a retractable leash, you might love (or hate) it. I use both!
The Tug leash survived puppy teeth, drops, and daily use. But a standard leash is easier for training.
Top Pick: Tug Retractable Leash — $14–$34
Why: Great for recall and freedom with safety. Durable and comfortable.
Budget Alternative:PetSafe Nylon Leash — $3–$4
Simple, strong, ideal for training basics.
🩺 Essential #5: Pet Insurance & Microchip
Vet visits add up fast. Microchips help bring pups home. Insurance can save you thousands.
Top Providers: Pets Best, MetLife, Healthy Paws
Click here to read our full in-depth review on Pet Insurance and Microchips →
🧻 Essential #6: Puppy Pee Pads (Accidents Happen!)
Help transition your pup to outside potty time — and protect your floors.
Pick: Amazon Basics Puppy Pads (100 ct) — $19
Why: Reliable, absorbent, and budget-friendly.
Check out our blog on Potty Training Tips →
🧸 Essential #7: Teething Toy (Save Your Shoes)
Puppies explore with their mouths. The right toy protects your stuff — and eases teething pain.
Top Pick: KONG Puppy Rubber Toy — $8
Why: Soothes gums, encourages independence, freezer-safe.
Budget Alternative: Nylabone Puppy Rings — $7
Textured, safe, and long-lasting.
🍖 Essential #8: Training Treats (Build the Bond)
Food is powerful. Positive reinforcement makes training easier and faster.
Top Pick:Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Treats — $16
Budget Alternative:Pupford Freeze-Dried Treats — $10
Why: High-value, low-calorie, great for frequent rewards.
🛌 Essential #9: Puppy Bed (Sweet Dreams)
Just like us, dogs have sleep preferences. Try a soft bed now, upgrade later if needed.
Top Pick:Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed — $39
Budget Alternative:KSIIA Washable Dog Bed — $21
Why: Soft, cozy, and anti-slip. Fits most crates.
🧽 Essential #10: Puppy Brush (Grooming = Bonding)
Start early to make grooming feel like a massage, not a battle. Play with paws, check ears, and touch teeth — it helps with vet visits, too.
Pick:Kong Zoom Groom Brush — $9
Why: Gentle, easy to clean, helps build trust during grooming.
Blog Post Title Three
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Four
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.