• 🐶 6 life lessons from a puppy

• 🥰 Puppy essentials every new dog parent needs

• 🐾 10 secret Amazon Prime perks

• 🦴 Lay your eyes on this precious greyhound puppy

• ❤️ A special word from our pups

True or False?

Puppies are born blind and deaf.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

What to Expect When You’re Expecting… A Puppy

Bringing a puppy into your life is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. It’s like opening the door to a whole new world, where love, cuddles, and having a loyal pup by your side are just the beginning. But did you know that a puppy also changes your life for the better in ways you never expected? Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn along the way.

Unconditional Love

Dogs are masters of unconditional love. It’s like they’re born with the sole purpose of loving us, no matter what. They’re there for us when we’re happy, sad, or even when we don’t realize we need a little extra love. With a pup by your side, you’ll learn that love isn’t something that has to be earned.

Responsibility

When you welcome a puppy into your home, you’re not just getting a pet; you’re becoming a parent. Your pup will rely on you for everything – teaching you responsibility in the most amazing way. From feeding to walks to vet visits, you’ll step up in ways you never knew you could.

Adventure

Walking your pup will lead you to discover new areas around your neighborhood that you never even knew existed… because you were never looking for them before. Dogs have a way of turning ordinary walks into grand adventures. You’ll find new parks, trails, and neighborhood walks, all thanks to your pup’s need for daily exercise.

Socialization

Whether it’s puppy training classes, trips to the dog park, or small talk with fellow dog owners, your social circle will grow. It’s true—people are naturally drawn to dog owners. Dogs are adorable, approachable, and so friendly, which makes you that way, too! Dogs are natural ice-breakers, so they help you connect with people you might never have met otherwise.

Routine

Puppies thrive on routine, and soon, you will too. Regular walks, letting them out to potty every two hours, feeding times, and play sessions will add structure to your day. Before you know it, you’ll find comfort in the rhythm of your new life together.

Happiness

Having a dog is a direct line to happiness. They remind you of the joy of play, keep you present in the moment, and even uplift your mood with a cuddle or just a look at their precious faces. Science backs this up—dogs can stimulate the love hormone oxytocin and help release endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that reduce stress and make you smile.

In the end, having a puppy isn’t just about what you can teach them—it’s about what they’ll teach you. And if you didn’t notice, these lessons are just as relevant no matter how old your dog is. What is something your pup has taught you?

Getting a puppy is so darn exciting. Whether you’ve been planning for a year or just felt like the timing was right, it’s a joy that’s hard to match—it’s like being a kid on Christmas morning. Of course, a puppy is much more than a gift; it’s a lifelong commitment, but it’s also one of the greatest things you can bring into your life—and your new puppy’s too!

But let’s set the excitement aside for a moment: your puppy will need more than just hugs, cuddles, and kisses. There are the obvious things you’ve probably already thought of and shopped for, but there are also a lot of essentials that are easy to overlook in all the excitement. We’ve got you covered with a list of must-haves for your new life as a puppy parent.

1. Out and About on Walks

Collar & Leash: The first thing that comes to mind when buying your pup’s first items is a collar and leash! When choosing a collar, go for a well-reviewed one and consider features like reflectivity, clasp vs. buckle, and adjustability—your little pup will grow before you know it. A good leash is just as important. Puppies tend to chew and pull, so a sturdy leash is crucial. I remember when my dog was a puppy—zigzagging was her favorite way to walk for a while. With both items, the primary goal is to keep your pup safely by your side!

Harness: Harnesses are a great alternative to traditional collars. They’re less likely to put strain on your pup’s neck and are often more comfortable. During training, harnesses provide more support across your dog’s body, giving you better control over their movements. This can be particularly helpful, as puppies need to stay close while learning how to walk on a leash.

Dog ID Tags: Getting tags with your pup’s name on them is a sweet moment – and they’re really important. Make sure your new puppy is easily identifiable in case they run away or get lost. Include your pup’s name, your phone number for contact, and your address so someone can bring them back safely.

Poop Bags & Holder: Picking up after your pup is all part of the job! You need them every day, multiple times a day! Make it easy with a poop bag holder attached to the leash, so you’re always ready whenever your dog is ready to go.

2. Creating a Safe Space at Home

Crate: Even if you let your pup sleep with you, having a safe space they can retreat to is important. A crate can be your pup’s cozy spot for napping, some (rare) alone time, and feeling secure when you’re not home. Plus, it’s a big help with potty training!

Dog Bed: A cozy bed is a must for your puppy. A soft, cushy bed will quickly become their favorite spot—aside from your spot on the bed or couch that they’ll love to steal.

Puppy Gates & Playpens: I have to admit, those puppy cries can tug at your heartstrings, and it might feel a bit cruel to keep them away from you. But sometimes, limiting your pup’s access to certain areas is necessary. Puppy gates and playpens help keep them safe while you puppy-proof the house, giving them their own little space where they can have everything they need without getting into trouble. Some playpens are spacious enough for all their toys, too!

3. Feeding Your Pup

Puppy Food & Food Storage: Choosing the right food for your pup might feel like a big decision—because it is! Puppies need specific nutrition to grow big and strong. Select a high-quality puppy food and consult with your vet on the best option (grain-free, kibble, wet-canned—there are so many choices!). To keep it fresh and prevent any critters, invest in a good storage container.

Food & Water Bowls: Mealtime will be one of the highlights of your puppy’s day. Choose sturdy, non-slip bowls that are easy to clean, so your pup can focus on what really matters: the food! As you get to know your pup’s eating habits, you might also consider a slow-feeder bowl if they tend to eat too quickly.

4. Tools for a Well-Behaved Pup

Training Treats: Who’s the goodest boy or girl? Your pup, of course! Training treats are your secret weapon for teaching tricks, good manners, and more. They should be “high value”—something your pup absolutely loves—to serve as the perfect incentive for learning.

Puppy Pads: Until your pup masters potty training, puppy pads will be very useful. Place them as close as possible to the door you’ll use for outside potty breaks to make the transition smoother.

5. Playtime Fun

Chew Toys: Teething puppies need something to sink their teeth into. Stock up on chew toys of all textures to soothe those itchy gums and save your shoes from becoming a chew target.

Puzzle Toys: Keep that little brain sharp with puzzle toys that challenge and entertain. These toys engage all your pup’s senses and provide valuable mental enrichment.

Fetch & Chase Toys: You will have a ball of energy on your hands. Fetch and chase toys will be perfect for burning off all of that puppy energy.

Cuddly Comfort Toy: Every pup needs a cuddle buddy. A soft, plush toy can become their comfort during naps and quiet moments. And, there’s nothing more adorable than seeing your puppy get attached to a stuffy and cuddle with it.

6. All the Grooming Supplies

Dental Toys, Toothbrush & Toothpaste: Dental toys help keep your pup’s teeth clean as they chew, and brushing with dog-safe toothpaste ensures fresh, healthy teethers.

Shampoo: Puppies love to get dirty— you’ll be taking a lot of baths to clean them off. A gentle puppy shampoo will work like a charm and not irritate their sensitive puppy skin and fur.

Nail Clippers: Those tiny claws grow quickly and can be quite sharp! Regular trims with dog-specific nail clippers keep your puppy’s paws comfortable and your floors (and face) scratch-free. I’ve learned firsthand that starting nail clipping when they’re puppies makes a huge difference—one of my dogs is a pro, while the other, who wasn’t accustomed as a puppy, definitely shows it!

Dog Brush: Regular brushing keeps your pup looking beautiful and helps reduce the amount of dog hair around the house. Plus, it strengthens your bond with your pup.

Puppy Cleaning Wipes: As we mentioned, puppies love to get dirty—muddy paws, mystery splotches, you name it. It’s not realistic to bathe them every time they get messy. Puppy cleaning wipes are your on-the-go solution for quick clean-ups, keeping your pup fresh and tidy in between baths.

We hope this list helps you and your new puppy start your life together on the right paw! Were there any items that became life-savers for you when you got a puppy? Share your tips with us!

For many of us, the free shipping perk and access to exclusive shows and movies is enough reason to fork over the $14.99 per month to get Prime. But if those reasons haven't been enough to entice you to join Prime, maybe some of these lesser-known incentives will tempt you to signup. Here are 10 of those perks.

Discover Your Amazon Prime Perks

You know those moments when you realize you've never seen something so adorably specific, like a baby dove or a baby squirrel? Well, add puppy Greyhound to that list! On August 8th, a TikToker blessed the internet with a video of their unbelievably precious Greyhound puppy, and now we can’t unsee it. It might just be one of the best sightings we’ve ever laid eyes on.

This little pup is the epitome of cuteness—huge, soulful eyes, a teeny-tiny nose, delicate whiskers, and ears pinned back in pure excitement. He's the perfect picture of what puppies are made of. While we don’t know his name or much else about him, judging by the hashtags and comments, this little guy might just be an Iggy (Italian Greyhound). All we know for sure is that he's overwhelmingly cute, and we’re so happy to finally know what a Greyhound puppy looks like.

Want to make the most of your Amazon Prime membership? Visit Brad’s Deals to discover 10 hidden Prime perks.

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ❤️

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 True or False: True, puppies are born blind and deaf. Their eyes typically open between 10 and 14 days, and their hearing develops around three weeks of age.

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