New puppy checklist
Before a puppy comes home you need a crate or pen, a bed, food bowls, the food they already eat, a collar and lead, chews, enzyme cleaner and a chosen potty spot — plus a plan for the first night. Tick things off below; the list remembers where you got to on this device.
Supplies
The house
Paperwork and people
The first day
What you do not need yet
- A big bed. Young puppies chew and pee on beds. Blankets until they are reliable.
- Lots of toys at once. Three or four, rotated, hold attention better than a basket of twenty.
- Pee pads, unless you live high up with no quick way outside. They teach that indoors is fine.
- A retractable lead. A plain light lead teaches loose walking much better.
Questions to ask the breeder or shelter
- What food, how much and at what times?
- When did they last eat, drink and pee before handover?
- Where have they been sleeping, and with whom?
- What have they already met — children, other dogs, traffic, the vacuum?
- Which health records and microchip details come with them?
After the checklist
The next pages to read are the first night, the first week and the 8 week old puppy schedule. The socialization checklist is the other list worth printing.
Questions people ask
What do I need before bringing a puppy home?
A crate or pen, a washable bed or blankets, food and water bowls, the food the puppy already eats, a collar or harness with an ID tag, a light lead, a few chews, enzyme cleaner, training treats and poo bags — plus a chosen potty spot and a plan for the first night.
What size crate should I buy for a puppy?
One that fits the adult dog, with a divider so the space can start small. A puppy should be able to stand, turn around and lie down, but not have room to use one end as a toilet.
Should I change my puppy's food when they come home?
Not straight away. Keep the same food and times the breeder or shelter used for at least the first week or two. If you want to switch later, do it gradually and ask your vet.
Do I need puppy pads?
Usually not. If you can get outside quickly, going outside from day one is faster. Pads can be useful in a flat high up or in a pen while you are at work, but they teach that going indoors is fine.
When should I book the first vet visit?
Choose a vet before the puppy comes home and ask them when they would like to see a new puppy. Bring the health records and microchip details you were given.
What is the best day to bring a puppy home?
The start of a few days off, picked up in the morning. That gives the puppy a whole day to explore before the first night, and you a few days to set the routine.
Puppy Routine is not veterinary advice, and neither is this page. Anything about your puppy's health or a behaviour that worries you is a conversation with a veterinarian or a qualified, reward-based behaviour professional.