What to Buy to Start Training Your Dog

Bringing a dog into your life is equal parts excitement and responsibility. 

It isn’t just cuddles and Instagram photos— this is a lifelong partnership that demands honesty, patience, and the right tools.

As a trainer who once adopted a German Shepherd into a tiny apartment (spoiler: chaos ensued), I’ve learned that preparation is everything. 

Let’s cut to the chase and talk real talk. Should you get a dog? And if yes, what do you actually need?

Three Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Dog

Do you have the time to train a dog?

Puppies (8 weeks–12 months) need near-constant supervision, potty breaks every couple of hours, and short puppy training sessions sprinkled throughout the day. 

Adult dogs still crave daily mental stimulation and positive-reinforcement practice. If full-time work keeps you out for long blocks, factor in midday dog-walker visits or dog-daycare fees.

Do you have the space to train a dog?

Living in a studio apartment isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but consider breed tendencies carefully. 

A scent-driven Dachshund may want to dig in your garden; a defense-driven Shepherd may patrol your windows and react to sounds in an apartment hallway. Matching a dog’s historical purpose to your living arrangement prevents frustration for both of you.

Do you have the budget to train a dog?

From quality food to dog training classes, monthly costs add up quickly. A conservative estimate starts around $100 per month; high-energy or medically complex dogs can cost three times that amount. Not to mention boarding, vet emergencies, or even chew-toy replacements can catch unprepared humans off guard. 

It’s almost like preparing to have a child!

The Lifestyle Changes You Can’t Skip When Adopting a Dog 

1. Dog training classes

Positive-reinforcement (R+) group sessions sharpen practical skills—like recall, and loose-leash walking—and strengthen your shared communication. 

Whether the dog is 8 weeks or 8 years old, structured learning prevents problem behaviors and builds confidence. Positive reinforcement training builds trust, curbs anxiety, and turns “OMG STOP BARKING” into “Good listening!”

2. Daily exercise for your dog 

Many dog breeds were bred to work sun-up to sun-down. 

Gauge the dog’s energy by observing behavior: frantic pacing, chewing and barking often signal the need for more vigorous, short bursts of play throughout the day; while a furry ottoman may thrive on a single long stroll.

3. Adventures together with your dog 

Beaches, forest hikes, dog-friendly patios—new experiences deepen trust and social skills.

If venturing out feels stressful, loop back to dog training classes or one-on-one private dog training for targeted support.

Trainer-Approved Essentials to Get Before the Dog Comes Home

Grab these items early so you can focus on bonding, not last-minute shopping.

Dog-Travel Gear

A crash-tested car harness keeps the dog secure on every ride, and a lightweight, collapsible water bowl turns quick errands into stress-free field trips. 

You’ll also thank yourself for a stashable tote that fits spare poop bags, treats, and a roll of paper towels. 

Browse our curated Walking & Training Gear collection for safety-first picks that make outings comfortable for both species.

Mental-Enrichment Toys

Food puzzles, lick mats, and Kongs transform mealtime into a brain workout, channeling natural foraging instincts and warding off boredom-barking or furniture-chewing. 

Rotate a few different toys each week to keep the novelty high. You’ll find trainer-approved options in our Mental Enrichment collection.

Baby Gates & Portable Fencing

A well-placed gate instantly creates a puppy-proof zone, while an exercise pen can offer flexibility around where your pet is confined when full supervision isn’t possible. 

Both tools prevent rehearsal of unwanted behaviors—think counter-surfing, sock-stealing, or “redecorating” the couch—while giving the dog room to move. See sizes and setups in the Puppy Necessities collection.

💓 Affiliate note: Purchasing through the links above generates a small commission for us at no extra cost to you, which helps us continue to share free training tips. Thanks for supporting positive-reinforcement education!

Quick Setup Tips

• Introduce New Gear Gradually: Let the dog sniff gates, travel crates, or puzzle toys before rushing into use.
  

• Pair Each Item with Positive Experiences: Drop a few high-value goodies inside the travel crate or scatter them near the baby gate to build positive associations.
  

• Rotate Enrichment Toys: Keeping three or four puzzles in rotation maintains novelty and keeps that brilliant canine brain engaged.

Getting a Dog is a Partnership, Not a Project

Dogs aren’t DIY furniture—they’re living, feeling partners. Whether you’re prepping for a puppy or adopting a senior, remember: every chew toy, dog training session, and snuggle builds trust.

Need help tailoring a training plan? 

Reach out to the Urban Pawsibilities team anytime, we’re here to support every step of your learn-together, live-together journey.

P.S. Modoc, my apartment-dwelling German Shepherd? She’s now a hiking pro. Progress > perfection.