What Do I Need for a Bulldog Puppy?

So, you have a new puppy! Or maybe you are getting ready to add one to your new home. Regardless of where you are in your bulldog puppy adoption journey, there are a few things that you really need to consider. From where your bulldog puppy is coming from to the very important one of what do I need for a bulldog puppy. So let’s answer it.

What do I need for a bulldog puppy? What you need really depends on what you want for your puppy. Supplies can consist of the bare bones for your bulldog puppy or it can be the lavish shopping list of a spoiled pup. The bare basics would be a leash, collar, bowls, crate and a bed.

Basic Bulldog Puppy Supplies	Average Cost
Leash	$14
Collar	$10 – $14
Bowl	$9 – $14
Crate	$15 – $40
Bed	$20

Of course, we want more than the basics and there are a number of must have items that any new bulldog puppy owner should get. From the proper treats to the proper training materials, we have you covered, not only by giving you a complete supply list for your bulldog puppy, but also highlighting some of our favorite items that we’ve purchased for our own spoiled pups.

This article contains Amazon Affiliate Links. I will receive a small commission if you choose to purchase an item.

What Does My Bulldog Puppy Need for Safety?

The main focus of a puppy supply list is always on safety. After all, when we bring our bulldog puppy home, we want to make sure that he is happy and safe and that starts with making sure we have all the essentials in place before he gets home. If you haven’t, be sure to puppy proof your home so he can’t chew anything that will hurt him.

Once your done puppy proofing, you can grab the essentials that will keep him safe.

Collar

With a young puppy, I always recommend a flat collar. They are great to place his identification on and he can learn to walk on the leash. As he gets older, he can learn how to walk with a harness, which is great for most bulldog breeds.

One thing I always recommend is to keep him collarless while he is alone in the house. Collars can get caught on things easily and severely injure your bulldog puppy. However, if you want to keep a collar on him all the time, use a breakaway collar so if he does catch it on something, it won’t cause serious injury.

Leash

Obviously, we want to have a nice leash for our bulldog puppy, there are a ton out there and you can pick and choose to match your bulldog puppy’s personality. What I would recommend when picking the leash is that it feels comfortable in your hand and that you choose a leash that is about 6 feet in length.

For training, also grab a 20-foot lead. This should only be used for teaching come and long-distance stay, not for walking.

Never use a retractable leash as they have been linked to a large number of injuries to both dogs and people and it is very difficult to control your pet on one.

Identification Tag

The final item in the list when it comes to collars and accessories is an identification tag. Choose one that can be personalized with all of your information. Another option is to choose a GPS tracker identification tag. That way, if your bulldog puppy escapes the yard, you can track his path on your phone.

Crate

Whether you will be training your bulldog puppy to lounge on the sofa while you are at work or not, you should crate train him. Crate training has a lot of benefits when it comes to house training and it keeps him safe during the day. In addition, you never know what the future will hold, and your bulldog may need to be crated at a vet’s office or for travel, which means if you crate train him while he’s young, you won’t have to worry about it stressing him as an adult.

When you are choosing a crate, you want to take a few things into consideration:

Your Dog: Think about the size of your bulldog puppy and how big he will be as an adult. Choose a crate with dividers for the adult size. This is the best way to save money as your crate will grow with your puppy instead of having to purchase a new one every few months.
Material: There are three types of crates, for the most part. One is a soft sided kennel made from fabric. I do not recommend these crates since they can be chewed very easily, and most bulldogs are chewers. The second is a plastic crate. These are usually used for travel as they are hard topped. I don’t recommend them for bulldog puppies. First, they can be very difficult to clean if there is an accident. Second, some dogs find the plastic crates too closed and may panic. Three, I have had bulldogs chew through plastic crates within 20 minutes. Finally, metal crates with bars is the best crate for bulldogs. They may chew the plastic bottom, but that is easy to replace, and your bulldog puppy can look out, which can help him stay calm.
Size: Finally, you want to consider size a bit more and look for a crate where a full-grown bulldog can stand, sit and lay down easily.

With crates, you don’t have to spend a ton of money. They are all well made but make sure you check user reviews, so you know that your dog will be safe while you are away.

Baby Gates

I always recommend baby gates for several reasons. First, you can keep your bulldog puppy in a small area when they are young. As they grow more confident with their new home, you can expand it slowly by opening up the gates. Second, they are excellent for safety. You can keep the tops and bottoms of stairs blocked so your bulldog puppy doesn’t fall down them and get severely injured. Finally, they are great for time outs if you don’t want to use a crate for that. You can place him in a bathroom or kitchen with a baby gate in the doorway. Your puppy will be able to see out while on a time out, which will help him feel safe.

Surveillance

This is not a must have but with web and security cameras out there, it can be nice to have a surveillance system, so you can check in on your bulldog puppy throughout the day. There are many pet cams that also allow you to talk to your puppy or toss them a treat. Have some fun with it and pick one up so that you can bond with your bulldog puppy whether you are home or not.

What Does My Bulldog Puppy Need for Feeding?

Feeding supplies can be as extravagant or basic as you want. There isn’t a lot that you need to get, however, there are a few training essentials that are important for your bulldog puppy to have.

Food and Water Bowls

First is the food and water bowls. With a feeding bowl, it really is up to preference. Studies have indicated that raised dishes are better to prevent bloat, however, other studies have said that raised bowls can increase the risk. Since we just don’t know, go with your gut.

With bowls, have them grow with your bulldog puppy. You want him to be able to stand comfortably and access the bowl. If he is reaching and choking on the edges, then the bowl is too large for him and you should choose a new one.

Also, when you choose a bowl, use stainless steel as they are durable and very easy to keep clean.

One thing with bowls that I would recommend is to choose a puzzle feeder if you find your bulldog puppy is a fast eater. This will help keep him from bloating himself (Can Bulldogs Get Bloat?) and it can be fun to watch your bulldog eat his food from a puzzle feeder.

Food Mat

I recommend this simply because bulldogs have jowls, also known as flews. And boy can these flews really hold in food and water. The food mat will keep the house a bit cleaner after your bulldog puppy takes a drink or chews on his dinner.

Dog Treats and Training Treats

I separate dog treats and training treats for two reasons. One: dog treats are offered as a treat or a reward. They can be given to break boredom or simply to give him something to eat. Two: training treats are only brought out when your bulldog puppy is working. This means that he will be eager to listen…well…as much as a bulldog puppy will listen when you bring the training treat out.

Dog treats can be anything from bone cookies to chicken feet.

Training treats should be soft, easy to break into smaller pieces and should smell really good for your bulldog. While you won’t be launching right into training as soon as your bulldog puppy comes home, it is good to have them purchased before he comes home.

Fun, Must Have, Toys for Your Bulldog Puppy

When we are busy buying things for our bulldog puppies, it is important to not forget the toys for your puppies. Obviously, you will continue to purchase toys as your bulldog puppy grows but I recommend you have 3 to 5 toys waiting for your bulldog puppy when he first arrives home. There are a few different areas that you need to look at for toys, including:

Chew Toys

Chew toys are durable toys that your bulldog puppy can chew while he is bored. Remember that bulldogs tend to be hard chewers, which means that he will chew through them quickly and you really need to purchase some tough toys. In addition, you will find that your bulldog puppy will chew more while he is chewing so always update his chew toys as he grows.

In addition, keep track of their condition. If they start to crack or break apart, throw them away to prevent any choking hazards.

Some of the best chew toys for young bulldog puppies are:

Nylabone Small Puppy Teethe and Tug Toy: Perfect for teething puppies, this toy soothes painful gums and is great for a game or two with your bulldog puppy.
Pelay Toy Ball: Durable, strong and a puzzle ball, this chew toy can have treats thrown in to reward your chewing puppy when he chews the right things.
Goughnuts MAXX 50 Ring: This toy is definitely made for hard chewers and your bulldog puppy will love chewing on it for hours. I always buy these for my pups and they love them.

Puzzle Toys

Puzzle toys can be chewing toys but they’re primary use is to help keep your bulldog puppy entertained. They present a problem and your puppy will need to solve it before he can be rewarded with a toy, treat or other reward. They can be a lot of fun to watch your bulldog puppy to do but many of them can be left with your bulldog puppy when you aren’t able to entertain him.

Three puzzle toys I’d recommend are:

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel: I would only recommend this toy if you are supervising and rewarding as your bulldog puppy plays. It is a soft puzzle toy, so they can be destroyed easily if used for a chew toy.
West Paw Tux Stuffable Tough Treat Toy: Easy to clean, durable and it floats, this puzzle treat toy will stand up to hard chewers and will reward your bulldog puppy when he gets the treats out of it.
Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball: This is another durable puzzle ball that is great for chewing and figuring out. You place treats in the ball and your bulldog puppy will have to push, rotate and work out how to get the treat from it.

Soft Toys

With soft toys, I would limit the number of them and make sure they are stuffed toys made for pets. Many bulldog puppies are hard chewers and they can rip apart soft toys quickly. When you give soft toys, make sure you monitor your bulldog puppy while he is using it, so you can take it away as soon as he breaks it open.

Although you may think that it is better to not use soft toys, they can be quite soothing for gums while your bulldog puppy is teething, which is why I recommend keeping a few on hand. Some of the better soft toys for bulldog puppies are:

ZippyPaws – Loopy Hedgehog: Looking more like a baby toy than a dog toy, it is a popular toy for most puppies. It feels great on teething gums and has crinkling sounds that can excite your bulldog puppy.
Tuffy Mega Boomerang: This is a soft toy that is made with strong fabric. It holds up very well to bulldog puppies and is proof that soft toys don’t have to be weak.
No Stuffing Dog Toys: These dog toys are perfect for your new chewer. While you need to be careful of the squeaker coming loose, they have no stuffing that your bulldog puppy could eat.

Fetching Toys

Finally, I recommend that you get a few fetching for your bulldog puppy. These are the toys that you don’t leave down for your bulldog puppy to chew on his own. Instead, only pull these toys out as a reward for him and for those play periods. If he doesn’t have access to them constantly, he will get excited when you bring them down and will see them as a bonding toy as well as a play toy.

Some great fetching toys are:

KONG Puppy Flyer: A small frisbee, this is a great toy to get a young puppy playing fetch…or chase if he decides not to bring it back.
West Paw Tizzi: This toy is great as it is durable and dishwasher safe for cleaning. And it bounces around when you chuck it, so your bulldog puppy will be extra excited playing with it.
KONG Air Dog Fetch Stick with Rope: It is easy to toss, squeaks and even has a rope for tug of war…what’s not to like about this toy and I’m sure your bulldog puppy will love it.

Grooming Essentials for Your Bulldog Puppy

While we’ve talked about all the other areas, we shouldn’t miss grooming supplies. After all, grooming is very important and will keep your bulldog puppy nice and healthy. With grooming supplies, I don’t really think there are any optional items. Grooming is integral for several reasons, including:

Bonding: Grooming your bulldog puppy allows you to bond with him. He learns to accept being touched and that your touch is positive. This builds trust and it can be quite relaxing sitting and simply grooming your puppy.
Socialization: I’ve already hinted at it, but grooming provides ample opportunity for socialization. When you are grooming, your bulldog puppy is having his paws, mouth, face, ears and tail being touched. He will become socialized to this handling and will be better off for it.
Health: Grooming keeps your bulldog puppy healthy, but it also gives you a chance to check him over and catch health problems quickly. When grooming, always look for unusual bumps, skin rashes or lumps.

Now that we know how important grooming is, let’s get down to the essential grooming supplies you’ll need for your bulldog puppy.

Brushes
Nail Clippers and Files
Styptic Powder
Tooth Care Kit
Vaseline
Dog Wipes
Eye Wash
Cotton Balls
Dog Shampoo
Ear Cleaners

Each of these items play a significant role to your bulldog puppy’s needs. Regular grooming is essential for preventative care and supports the overall health for your pup. This article, Best Grooming Brush for Bulldogs Plus 9 Grooming Essentials!, was created to provide guidance on what to look for in grooming supplies and personal recommendations.

What Does My Bulldog Puppy Need for his Bedroom?

When it comes to the bedroom, some people don’t really think of the many things you could need. Of course, a bulldog puppy needs to have some great items in his bedroom and it isn’t just about the crate, which we covered already.

Also, what your puppy needs in his bedroom really depends on how where his bedroom is going to be. If it will be in bed beside you, then you aren’t going to need much. However, if he has a room all to himself, then you are going to want a few extra items, which we will go over.

Dog Bed

I recommend that you have multiple dog beds around the house, but it really depends on your home and where your bulldog puppy is going to be. If he is sleeping in your bedroom, you should have at least two dog beds: one in the living/family room and the other in your bedroom. Other great places for dog beds include home offices, dining room and kids’ bedrooms. It may seem strange having multiple but lugging a bed around can become a hassle.

While it may seem like an easy job picking a dog bed, you want to make sure that you are picking the right one for your bulldog puppy from the start. Look for four things while choosing a bed:

Size: You want a bed that will fit your bulldog puppy as he grows up. Don’t think of full adult size since you want him to feel comfortable, safe and secure in his bed. In addition, he will probably go through several beds before he reaches adulthood.
Durability: Bulldog puppies love to chew so get a durable bulldog bed that can withstand some hard chewing.
Shape: You may not take this into consideration with the first bed but as you get to know your bulldog puppy, you will want to consider shape. Oval and round beds are perfect for dogs who love to curl up. Square and rectangle offer the best comfort for bulldog puppies who love to stretch out.
Maintenance: How easy will it be to clean? Some bulldog puppies can have accidents on their beds so make sure you can break it down and clean it easily.

When your bulldog is young, it is all about comfort and being able to keep it clean. However, as your dog gets older, you want to choose a bed that takes his orthopedic health into mind.

A great bed for younger puppies is the Reversible Rectangle Pet Bed for several reasons. It is excellent for small puppies, it is easy to clean, and it is low cost, which makes it perfect if you need to replace it.

If you are looking for a large pillow instead of a bed, I’d recommend the Majestic Pet’s Dog Bed. Like the first bed, it is machine washable and a great price. It is a pillow, so your bulldog can stretch out on it.

Finally, if you want to go top end with luxury, you can choose the Orvis Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed. This bed is built like a couch and is perfect for multiple dogs or a bulldog all on his own. It is durable and can be very easy to clean…however, it does have a hefty price tag.

As your bulldog puppy grows, I’d recommend finding an orthopedic dog bed. They provide optimal support and will ensure that your bulldog’s hips and joints are well supported. Some of the top orthopedic dog beds are:

Bedding

While it isn’t always necessary if you have a dog bed, I do like to have dog bedding for my bulldog puppy’s room. This gives them the option of different areas to lay on from the sturdy bed to the soft bedding to the cool floor. When you choose a bedding, make sure that it is durable and easy to clean. In addition, you don’t want it to shed fibers as some bulldog puppies love to suck on bedding.

Bed Stairs/Ramp

Again, this is an optional item and not a must have unless your bulldog puppy is sleeping in the bed with you. Since they can be injured very easily falling from beds, take safety into consideration first. Teach your bulldog puppy to use the stairs every time to ensure he stays happy and healthy.

Soothing Sounds

Bulldog puppies often feel alone and scared when they are in their bedroom…at least for the first few weeks. When you can’t be there, it can be a good option to have soothing sounds playing for your puppy and there are many different cd’s out there to help your puppy stay calm. This will keep him calm and will help him sleep while you are away. It can also be great to use at night, especially during those first few weeks.

Soothing Spray

Finally, every bedroom, or more specifically the bed, can be a very calming place for your bulldog puppy, especially if you use a soothing spray. There are different calming/soothing sprays. Some use pheromones that are very similar to a nursing bulldog and has been very good at soothing a troubled bulldog puppy. Use for about 4 weeks until your puppy gets used to being at home.

How do I take care of my bulldog puppy?

While you may have the supplies for your bulldog puppy, taking care of him will be a bit more involved than simply running out to the store. Thankfully, daily care is quite easy and all you need to do is schedule it. For bulldog puppies, you should feed him 3 times a day. In addition, short exercise and play periods should be done throughout the day. For care, make sure you brush your bulldog puppy’s coat on a daily basis while young, so he gets used to it. Once he is socialized to the brush, it can become a weekly activity. Teeth should be brushed daily and make sure you use a high-quality toothpaste designed for dogs. You should also wipe and dry his wrinkles on a daily basis to prevent yeast infections in the wrinkles.

How often should my bulldog puppy play?

How often your bulldog puppy should play is really dependent upon how old he is. The general rule of thumb is 5 minutes for every month of age times twice a day. This means that a 2-month-old puppy should only have play sessions for 10 minutes at a time twice a day. Walks should be kept short, but you can also play with some awesome toys. In fact, bulldog puppies love toys, but they do need some heavy-duty toys since they have strong jaws. One toy that I strongly recommend for a bulldog puppy is the Grubber Fetch and Tug toys and you can quickly tire your bulldog puppy out, while bonding with him, with a fun game of fetch and tug of war.

Do I need house training supplies for my bulldog puppy?

When it comes to house training supplies, I always believe that all you need is a leash and collar. Personally, I never train a puppy to puppy pads, although that often means a lot of middle of the night forays into the backyard. However, puppy training pads can be a life saver if you have a hard time getting up during the night or you live in an apartment where a yard isn’t easy to access.

In addition to puppy training pads, I’d recommend having a cleaning bucket full of supplies. Paper towel, spot cleaners and odor eliminators are must haves for that cleaning bucket so that messes are cleaned up quickly and easily.