Overwhelmed shopping for new dog (adult )

[gingerbiscuiteer]

I'm adopting an adult rescue dog and overwhelmed by the aisles and aisles of shopping for dogs. Aside from the initial starter kit (bowls, dog bed. etc), how often should I be buying and giving the dog treats, dental sticks, toys etc.? Do I NEED dog toothpaste? Should I buy the 'safe stick' things or just chuck them a real wooden stick from the ground? Do I need a harness or a slip lead? It's a minefield! (first time dog owner) thank you!

You need very little to strart with.

Collar
Harness
Lead (not slip lead or flexi lead)
Cheap bed to start with to check they are not a chewer and gives you time to see what type of bed they prefer. Some like flat bedssome dogs lie curled up others prefer to stretch out.

Good quality food but find out the food your dog is on and continue with that for a while

Dental sticks are awful as are most dog treats. Cheese, ham, chickenm sausage, carrot, apple are much better choices for treats.

Natural chews are a good idea for some dogs

Dont every play with sticks with dogs as they can get some horrendous injuries from them. Impaling their mouth etc.

Kongs (although initially expensive) are a good range of toys but dont buy too many see what your dog is like first.

I dont use toothpaste and it would not be on my initial shopping list - let the dog settle in first and then see what his teeth are like or what typed of feeding eg raw fed dogs rarely need their teeth cleaned.

What kind of dog, and where are they coming from? If they are in foster they will be able to tell you what they are walked on, what sort of chews they like etc. If they are coming from kennels, use a harness and collar with a lead on both until you get to know them really well in case you suddenly find something they react to. No retractable leads - you need direct control while you get to know each other.
Real sticks are a bad idea as they splinter and can also penetrate the mouth, so don't encourage that. None of mine have ever been interested in fake sticks though. I use natural chews like pizzle sticks.
But wait until your dog is with you and then see what they like.

You really don’t need much. A collar, lead, harness, bed, couple of blankets (keeps the bed cleaner), water bowl, feed bowl (and feed), couple of balls/toys, poo bags. Perhaps a designated dog towel for drying off. Then a pair of walking boots for you. Most of all they need a bit of time, space and exercise. You’ll find out what else you need as you go along. Mine have waterproof coats for rainy walks and fleeces to dry them off.

Agree with above posters reference to sticks, even chewing them can cause serious injury, my dog is a chewer and got a twig stuck but we didn't realise. It went into roof of his mouth (please note we didn't throw him sticks, he hunts them out from next doors tree, always a fresh supply!)
Another top priority is Pet Insurance. It's a must have these days, vet bills are horrendously expensive.
Enjoy your dog 🐶

Re. beds - we had a good tip from the guy in our local pet shop before we adopted our adult dog earlier this year.

Don't buy a bed yet - make a cosy corner out of an old duvet, and see how they prefer to sleep over the first few days. Then you'll know whether to go for traditional dog bed with sides (if they like curling up), or a pillow-type bed (if they prefer stretching out sometimes).

Yes to duvet! We have 2 cheap double duvets with old covers on. The covers and duvets wash and she loves to make a nest on them.
Harness (woofles are great).
Natural treats are good. Our local pet shop sells lots of good stuff. A bag of dried sprats, a few bits of dried dead animal and a bag of training treats would be a great start.
Maybe a toy or two? My current dog ignores balls but loves a cuddly. Old boy loved his balls and chucky things.
It's very exciting. We've always adopted adult rescues. Our current one has been here 6 months now and I can't imagine life without her.