Whether it’s your first ever new pup, or it’s been a few years since you’ve welcomed a new best friend into your home, it’s always a good idea to start with a comprehensive new puppy checklist. Your checklist ensures you’re prepared for puppy the day you bring them home, and that you can focus on all that good stuff without worrying if you have everything you need.
New Puppy Checklist Essentials
There are a number of essentials that should be on every new puppy checklist. These are those things you’ll need immediately, and if you’re prioritizing some items over others on your list, this is exactly where you’ll want to start. Some essentials that should go straight to the top of your new puppy checklist are:
- A sturdy and safe crate – At the top of this list should be a sturdy, safe, and comfortable crate. Not only will this crate serve as a space for puppy to be kept safe when you’re unable to keep an eye on them, it’s also going to be your puppy’s bed, their safe space, their protection while riding in the car, and your most valued housebreaking tool. The crate your choose should be sized to suit their growth needs, it should be crash-tested to ensure travel safety, and it should be escape-proof to ensure it’s able to do its job in keep your pup secure when they need to be secured.
- A crate pad – Puppy is coming into your home and experiencing all sorts of new things, so it’s only natural they’ll be seeking a little comfort once in a while, too. A durable crate pad ensures their crate is a safe, comfortable, and cozy space they’ll retreat to for relaxation. For puppies, it’s crucial to choose a crate pad that’s durable, that’s water-resistant, and that gives them that bit of softness they’re looking for. While durable crate pads can stand up to many destructive dogs, they aren’t recommended for puppies during the teething stage.
- Food and water bowls – A growing puppy is going to have an appetite, and you’ll want to make sure you find the perfect vessels they can use to refuel after playtimes and training sessions! When seeking out food and water bowls, look for those that are sturdy and untippable, as your new pup will likely bound over to their bowls with quite a bit of enthusiasm during mealtimes. Additionally, opting for stainless steel bowls is preferred to ensure the bowls are easy to wash, durable, and don’t harbor bacteria.
- Treats and food – The right puppy food will set your new best friend up with a healthy foundation for life. Choose a food that is appropriate for their size and age, as food pieces that are too large can serve as choking hazards for small pups. Asking the breeder, shelter, or previous owner what food they've been using will help your pups tummy transition smoothly. Additionally, puppies will have specific nutritional needs when compared to adult dogs, so a food that caters to puppies will ensure they have all of what they need for healthy growth and development. When selecting a specific brand or blend of puppy food, consult with your veterinarian to make sure you’ve chosen the best possible formula for health and longevity. Training time with puppies will be a fun time, and it’s even more fun with great treats your puppy loves! Look for treats that are small and able to be given frequently, as it’s those positive reinforcements that really drive home training positive behaviors. Opt for healthy treats that use natural ingredients, and don’t be afraid to try a few to see what types or flavors your pup loves the most.
- Harness, collar, leash, and ID – Even for the most experienced and attentive pet owners, accidents can happen. Invest in a comfortable and high-quality collar for your puppy as well as an ID tag to ensure your puppy can be identified should they slip away. The collar should be durable and made from a natural material to limit any risk of skin irritation, and the ID tag should be clear, made from stainless steel, and include your name, address, and phone number. While you’re housebreaking and walk training your pup, it’s the leash and harness that will be your new best friend. A comfortable harness that can be left on for frequent “potty” trips is ideal, and the leash should be kept short enough that your pup can be kept close by but does allow just enough space to sniff and roam as they explore their outdoor environments.
Second Tier Puppy Checklist Supplies
With your crate, crate pad, bowls, treats and food, and leash, collar, tags, and harness taken care of, you can then start thinking about the next tier of supplies on your new puppy checklist. These are necessary items, but they’re those essentials that perhaps don’t all need to be ready to go the day you bring your new pup home. The items that should go on the “second tier” of your new puppy checklist are:
- Toys – There are few things puppies love more than a great play session! Toys for puppies should be safe for heavy chewers, especially if they’re in that teething stage, and they should be appropriately sized for smaller mouths, but not a choking hazard. Toys are important not just for the bonding experience of play, but also as a reward for spending quiet time in the crate or for successful training. Some puppies even prefer toy time to treat time, and a favorite toy can be just what they need to really cement those new tricks.
- Puppy toothpaste and toothbrush – Oral health and hygiene are just as important to dogs as they are to humans, and many pet owners don’t realize this until it’s too late. According to the AMVA, or the American Veterinary Medical Association, pet dental health has a direct impact on your pet’s overall health. Many dogs don’t particularly enjoy having their teeth brushed, but acclimating puppies to regular dental healthcare routines early helps them to get used to a process that will benefit them all throughout their lives. When selecting a toothpaste and toothbrush, opt for one that is sized correctly and formulated for puppies.
- Grooming supplies – How high on your list grooming supplies should be will depend on your dog. For longer haired dogs, like a Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd, regular brushing and grooming is crucial to your dog’s overall health. For shorter coated dogs, like a German Shorthaired Pointer or Labrador Retriever, they can be a little lower on your priority list. Like regular tooth brushing and dental care, getting your pup used to grooming early will set them up for success for the rest of their lives. For longer coated dogs, a detangling puppy shampoo and slicker brush is a great place to start. For puppies with short coats, a gentle shampoo and de-shedding brush may be better suited to your (and your pup’s) needs. Gentle grooming early on will ensure they’re confident and equipped to handle baths and brushings throughout their lives.
- Blankets – Puppies love a good blanket! Blankets aren’t just comfort items for puppies, they can also be useful training tools as well. You can use a blanket to help train your dog to “stay”, as well as giving them somewhere to “go to place”. “Go to place” is a command that tells your dog to go to their area and stay in that spot, which is incredibly useful when taking your dog on vacations, to friends’ homes, or in any unfamiliar environment. The blanket serves as their “place”, and it’s their easy to transport relaxation area they can take comfort in when they are in spaces where bringing a crate may not be feasible.
Puppy Checklists Aren’t Just About The “Stuff”
While your immediate puppy checklist might look like a whole lot of “stuff”, there are other items to consider as well. After you have your first and second tier items taken care of, there are a few other considerations you should add to your new puppy checklist as well:
- Start researching veterinarians – The bond your dog will share with their veterinarian is a special one. During wellness check-ups and sick visits, your dog will look to your veterinarian as a friend they can trust. Research local veterinarians in your area, see what breeds they have experience treating or handling, and choose one that fits your needs and the needs of your new puppy.
- Look into pet insurance – Pet insurance can be a lifesaver if your dog or puppy ever finds themselves in trouble. Puppies love to sneak, explore, and chew, and you might find yourself in a situation where you’re facing big vet bills with little notice. Pet insurance assures these emergencies are significantly more manageable. Research different policies and providers, and make sure the policy you choose also works with your vet office.
- Rearrange your schedule – Puppies need a lot from their pet parents, especially during that crucial first year. It’s normal to have to adjust your schedule a bit to accommodate your new family member. Work with others in your household and create new schedules that work with everyone as well as your new puppy. As your puppy grows up and becomes more independent, it’s likely your schedule will be able to adjust to a more comfortable new normal.
Having your new puppy checklist prepared is key to having the most positive experience as soon as you bring your new puppy home. With these key points in mind, you’re giving your new best friend the best possible start.