Adopting a puppy is one of the most exciting things you can do. Whether you’re adopting a puppy for your family or finally getting your first dog, this new adventure is full of excitement. What many soon-to-be dog owners don’t realize, though, is that owning a pooch is a lot of work.

After all, your new pet will need to be trained, which can take plenty of time and energy on your part; however, the hard work can’t start until you have got the necessary resources backing you up. Before you adopt a new dog, rely on these resources to help make their first days at home easy.

The staples: Food and water

Some dog owners might go overboard when it comes to shopping for their new puppy. They might buy three dog beds, tons of cute outfits, and more than a couple of toys. But these items aren’t essential to ensuring happiness and health in your new dog. What you really need are the staples: food and water.

Make sure that the food dish and water dish you buy for your furry friend are appropriate in size. It can be easy to be distracted by cute labels and a low price tag. But the truth of the matter is that you need a small dish for small dogs and a big dish for larger breeds. Even if your puppy will grow up to be a large dog, getting them a small dish is essential for their comfort as they grow up. You should also be sure to invest in dog food that’s suitable for their age. After all, puppies need nutrient-packed dog food available in bite-sized pieces. You can also invest in some organic pumpkin in the event they have digestive issues. Simple supplies can make all the difference when it comes to your dog’s comfort.

Don’t forget a strong, reflective leash and harness

A great leash is key in maintaining your dog’s health. This is because most professionals and dog lovers recommend walking your dog for at least 15 minutes three or four times each day to stay healthy. Keep in mind that these numbers may differ depending on the breed. For example, a Shih Tzu may only need a quick walk around the block to get their blood pumping while a more active breed, like a Border Collie, will need to be walked more often and for longer periods.

Whatever you do, ensure that the leash is reflective for night-time walking and that you have a great harness to keep your pup safe. A no-pull harness will help your dog walk more comfortably and prevent them from lunging at distractions, like other dogs or the occasional squirrel. A no pull dog harness will also help keep your dog’s skin healthy where uncomfortable dog harnesses could damage their chest and front legs. The best dog harnesses should be simple to put on and remove, offer reflectors at night, and fit your dog snugly. Any loose harnesses can put your dog at risk for escape or injury. Ensure that it fits and you’ll feel safe whenever you hit the dog park.

A good security camera

When you adopt a new dog, leaving the house can be hard. After all, you never know what your new pup could be getting into while you’re away. Worse yet, if the new dog doesn’t get along with your other pets, you could have a medical emergency on your hands.

The best way to calm anxious nerves is by investing in a PoE security camera system for your home. Not only will this help protect your house against intruders, but these cameras are great for monitoring the behavior of your furry friends. By investing in a PoE security camera, you can rest assured that the power supply won’t run out and that the setup will be easy; all you need to do is plug the camera into a power source and an ethernet cable.

If the camera reveals behavioral problems while you’re away, this is a great opportunity to call in a dog trainer and banish these bad behaviors. Don’t live in discomfort: keep an eye on your pet with a great camera.

Owning a new pet isn’t always sunshine and butterflies. Before you invite a new pet into your home, be sure to invest in the resources you need.