Did you know that a new dog owner will spend on average close to $300 on dog supplies when they adopt or rescue a new puppy? It’s hard to believe but it’s true. Being a pet owner isn’t cheap, but knowing what is required and the kinds of pet supplies you’ll need can help you better help your new dog or puppy become comfortable in his or her new home.

The most important items a new dog owner should early on when adopting a new puppy is a crate. These are necessities and act as the dog's little den. Crates become a place where the dog can happily sleep, eat and rest. They are also wonderful tools when teaching your new puppy where to properly do its "duty". Dog crates are also good when you need somewhere for the dog to stay if you have company over who may not be comfortable around dogs.

The next item on your shopping list should be a new dog bed. They type and style you want depends on the size of the dog and where it will be sleeping. Smaller dogs require smaller beds and larger dogs will need a bigger bed. If you plan on keeping your dog in its crate at night to sleep, then a rectangular crate pad-style bed works best. Cushion style beds are preferable for dogs which will be sleeping outside of the crate. I recommend buying a bed that has a water-proof, removable and machine washable cover just in case your puppy has an accident here and there.

Let’s not forget about dog toys. I’ll admit that it can be very tempting to buy your new dog a bunch of cute stuffed dog toys. However, you must try to resist the urge. Puppies tend to go through these toys faster than you’ll know what to do with them. Plus, bits of fabric can be ingested, causing intestinal obstructions. If you must buy a stuffed toy, let the dog to play with it only while you are around to supervise.

Let’s look at dog bowls now. I prefer either stainless steel or ceramic models. Plastic bowls, while less expensive, have a tendency to develop tiny scratches which can harbor bacteria over time. Also, when selecting a dog's food bowl, try to keep in mind the dog’s adult size. It saves you from purchasing a new bowl later on after your adult dog has outgrown its puppy bowl.