Puppy starter equipment checklist: what you really need

A car travel crate in puppy size, a flat bed with a washable cover, two shallow bowls, an XS Y-harness, a two-metre lead and a long line for recall training.

Plus the kennel's familiar food — puppy milk replacer is unnecessary — and a Kong or snuffle mat for quiet occupation.

A soft brush and metal comb, nail clippers, mild dog shampoo, toothbrush with dog toothpaste and a tick remover.

For toy poodle, havanese and maltese a dematting comb is worthwhile; for pomeranians a coarse comb rather than a brush, so the undercoat is not torn.

Secure cables, remove toxic plants, fit a stair gate — especially for the miniature dachshund, stairs are off limits in the first year.

Set up a fixed resting place away from through traffic and lay non-slip runners on smooth floors.

A collar for lead work on small dogs, a retractable lead in the first year, rawhide chews, aversive training collars and a second bed "for later".

Buy larger sizes only once the dog has grown — an XS harness rarely fits longer than four months.