Scout’s Favorite Things — Puppy Edition
By Scout & Company Companion Pet Care
The puppy stage is its own kind of wonderful and its own kind of chaos. Scout kept me on my toes from the very beginning, and over those early months, a handful of products became genuine staples in our routine. Not because they were the most popular or the most recommended, but because they actually worked for us.
These aren't meant to be a definitive puppy shopping list. They're just the things that made a real difference during Scout's puppy days, and the ones I still find myself recommending when someone asks.
Just a note: Scout & Company is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the companies mentioned here. These are simply products we've used and genuinely recommend.
1. SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy
If you're bringing home a young puppy, especially one who is still adjusting to a new environment and new people, this is one of the few products that truly seems to help with the transition. The Snuggle Puppy includes a small heartbeat device and a heat pack, designed to mimic the comfort of sleeping beside other dogs. For puppies struggling to settle overnight or during crate training, it can make a surprisingly real difference in those first few nights.
2. KONG Classic
The KONG Classic has been around forever, and for good reason. Stuffed with treats, peanut butter, pumpkin, or soaked kibble and frozen ahead of time, it gives puppies a safe and satisfying outlet for chewing while also providing real mental stimulation. Frozen Kongs became part of Scout's routine early on and were especially helpful during teething and those high-energy stretches where she needed something constructive to focus on. They're durable, dishwasher-safe, and endlessly refillable. Once they're part of the routine, they tend to stay there.
3. Nature's Miracle Enzymatic Cleaner
Not glamorous, but absolutely necessary. No matter how well potty training is going, accidents are part of puppyhood — and how you clean them up matters more than most people realize. Regular household cleaners often mask odors without fully eliminating them, and if a puppy can still smell where they had an accident, they're much more likely to return to the same spot. Nature's Miracle uses an enzymatic formula that breaks down odor at the source rather than covering it up. It works on carpet, hardwood, and fabric, and it's one of those things I'd never want to be without during the puppy stage.
One More Thing on Cleanup: Bissell Little Green Machine
I didn't have this when Scout was a puppy, and I wish I had. I certainly have it now. This portable carpet cleaner pulls up stains and odors that even a good enzymatic cleaner can't fully address on its own. For anyone with carpet, rugs, or a fabric couch, it's one of those things you'll reach for constantly during the puppy stage and well beyond it. Highly recommend having one on hand.
4. An Adjustable Harness
Puppies grow fast, sometimes faster than you expect, and a harness that adjusts as they grow saves money and makes leash training considerably easier during those in-between stages. A well-fitted harness also gives you more control without putting pressure on a puppy's neck, which matters especially during the early months when they're still learning how to walk politely on leash. There are plenty of good brands out there, so the most important thing is finding something secure, comfortable, and adjustable enough to grow with them for a while. Look for one with both a back and chest attachment for the most versatility during training.
5. A Long-Line Leash
One of the most underused training tools for puppies and one of the most useful. A long-line leash, typically anywhere from 15 to 30 feet, gives your puppy a little more freedom to explore while keeping them safely connected to you. They're invaluable for practicing recall, building outdoor confidence, and working on engagement without jumping straight to off-leash freedom before a puppy is ready for it. They also help burn mental and physical energy in a way that a short neighborhood walk sometimes doesn't. If recall training is on your list, and it should be, a long-line makes the process significantly easier and safer.
6. A Properly Sized Crate
Scout was crate trained from puppyhood, and having that structure made a real difference during the early months. A crate becomes a safe, familiar space where a puppy can rest, settle, and decompress — and it supports overnight routines, potty training, travel, and helps puppies learn how to settle independently, which is one of the most valuable skills they can develop early on.
Sizing matters more than most people realize. You want enough room for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they use one corner as a bathroom. And making it feel calm and positive from day one sets the tone for everything that follows. A crate that a puppy retreats to on their own is one that was introduced well.
Bonus: The Jolly Egg
This one is more niche, but for herding breeds and high-energy dogs it can be fantastic. Scout was obsessed with hers as a puppy. Because of its shape, dogs can't grab it the way they would a normal ball, which turns it into an endlessly engaging outlet for chasing, herding instincts, and energy release. It's made from 100% non-toxic, BPA-free polyethylene plastic with pet-friendly materials, so it's safe and holds up well even with enthusiastic play.
One word of warning: this is very much an outdoor or hardwood-free zone toy. On a smooth floor, it will slide, bounce, and ricochet into everything in its path. Take it outside.
Final Thoughts
The puppy stage is genuinely hard. These are some of the things that worked for Scout and me during those early months, and I hope a few of them are useful for you too. Every puppy is different, and what works for one may not work for another. But when you find what works for yours, it makes all the difference.