New Puppy - help me compile a list of must-have things!

[Dappled]

After putting off getting a dog for 5 years, until we felt the DCs were old enough to be sensible around one and until our elderly and sensitive cat had passed away, we will be finally getting our long-awaited puppy in February. I feel I've been researching this for months/years, but now it's getting close I'm worrying I will forget to prepare something essential and obvious! (My DH had a family dog growing up but neither of us have owned a dog as adults). I've got things like a crate, playpen, stairgates (to help with slow intros with our cats - hopefully) on the list, but tell me, what things were essential for you when you brought your puppy home? Or non-essential but useful? Or things you bought that turned out to be a waste of time? Also any recommendations for specific products e.g. brands of crate (have been wondering if the Pets at Home ones are any good?)
Any suggestions to add to this exciting shopping list will be much appreciated!

Sturdy waterproof, wellies and a decent torch for standing around in the garden waiting for them to pee.
Sense of humour.
Wine.

@Chocolateandamaretto good points, I hadn't thought about the need for a torch. Wine had crossed my mind though

@Dappled, get a beanie hat with a torch in the front. Gives you both hands free and keeps your head warm when you’re up in the middle of the night.

Re heatpads, Snugglesafe do one that you just put in the microwave, then put into a fleece cover. There are also puppy heartbeat comforters, usually in the form of a cuddly toy dog, but it’s worth getting the separate heat pad, as the ones supplied with the toy dog aren’t great and aren’t reusable.

Beanie head torch

Heat pad

Heartbeat comforter

@Ostryga

Don’t use puppy pads - you teach your dog it’s sometimes ok to piss inside, and other times not. It confuses them and makes toilet training more difficult than it is. Just take pup out every half an hour and after every nap/feed/sleep/play - plus if you catch them squatting.

Teething toys, Kongs, rope etc are good to direct them to bite toys instead of you.

Enzyme cleaner for accidents in the house.

YouTube videos of things like fireworks, drilling, people shouting etc to okay loudly (get louder gradually and treat a lot when they don’t react) to desensitise them to noises that they may not hear when young.

A long line so you can start recall/heel work in the garden as soon as you get them home.

PATIENCE. Endless patience. You are more than likely going to think ‘omfg what I have done’ a good few times in the beginning. I don’t know a dog owner that hasn’t! But it does pass.

Keep on top of training, using positive reinforcement rather than getting frustrated. And don’t forget about the teenage phase where they like to forget everything you’ve taught them and become little shites. That also passes!

Good luck!

Exactly this^ and wear old clothes inside and outside.enjoy your puppy and good luck🙂