Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s most joyful moments. That tiny ball of fur is about to fill your home with laughter, love, and a few happy messes. But before your new best friend crosses the threshold, it’s important to be fully prepared.
Having all the essential puppy supplies on hand will make the transition smoother for both of you, setting the stage for a happy, healthy life together. This new puppy checklist covers everything you’ll need, from cozy dog beds and fun puppy toys to grooming tools and travel gear, ensuring you’re ready for the big day.
Puppy Essentials Checklist
Creating a safe and welcoming environment starts with a solid foundation of puppy care essentials. This list covers the must-have puppy items you'll want to have ready from day one.
Food and Water Bowls
Your puppy will need their own designated bowls for meals and fresh water. Look for sturdy, non-slip bowls made from stainless steel or ceramic. These materials are easy to clean, durable, and less likely to harbor bacteria than plastic. Having separate, appropriately sized bowls helps establish a consistent feeding routine.
Puppy Food and Treats
A high-quality diet is the cornerstone of your puppy's health. Choose a puppy food formulated for their specific breed size and age to support their rapid growth and development. Check with your veterinarian or the breeder for recommendations. For training and bonding, stock up on small, healthy treats. Reward-based training is a fantastic way to build a positive relationship with your new companion.
Comfortable Dog Bed
Your puppy needs a safe, comfortable space to call their own. A cozy dog bed provides a sense of security and a designated spot for rest. Consider a machine-washable bed for easy cleanup. Pet cave beds for dogs are a great option, as the enclosed design can help anxious puppies feel more secure as they adjust to their new surroundings.
Puppy Toys for Playtime
Play is crucial for a puppy's mental and physical development. A good puppy starter kit should include a variety of toys. Look for chew toys for puppies to satisfy their chewing instincts, smart toys for dogs to provide mental stimulation, and soft plush toys for comfort. Rotating their toys will keep them engaged and prevent boredom.
👉 Explore our collection of the best puppy toys to find the perfect mix for your new friend.
Puppy Collar, ID Tag, and Leash
Even if your puppy is too young for long walks, it's important to get them used to wearing a collar with an ID tag. The tag should include your name and phone number. Choose a lightweight, adjustable collar that won't irritate their skin. A standard 6-foot leash is perfect for training and short potty trips. We recommend soft collars for small dogs to ensure maximum comfort.
Puppy Carrier for Travel and Vet Visits
A puppy carrier bag is a non-negotiable for safe travel, whether you're heading to the veterinarian or on a family adventure. Choose a carrier that is well-ventilated, secure, and large enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around in. Getting them comfortable with their carrier early will make future trips much less stressful.
Puppy Grooming Supplies
A basic grooming kit for puppies is essential for keeping them clean and healthy. Your kit should include a gentle puppy shampoo, a soft-bristle brush, nail clippers, and dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush. Regular grooming is a great bonding activity and helps you check for any skin issues or pests.
Puppy Clothes and Seasonal Wear
While not just for fashion, cute puppy clothes can be very practical. A light sweater or coat can keep a short-haired puppy warm during chilly weather, while a rain jacket can make potty breaks in the rain more pleasant. Puppy costumes can also be fun for special occasions!
Cleaning Supplies and Training Pads
Accidents will happen. Be prepared with pet-safe enzymatic cleaners that eliminate odors to prevent your puppy from returning to the same spot. Always keep dog poop bags on hand for easy cleanup during walks or backyard potty breaks. Puppy training pads can also be a helpful tool during the house-training process, especially for apartment dwellers.
Health Essentials
Before your puppy comes home, schedule their first vet appointment. Keep a file with their vaccination records, microchip information, and your vet's contact details. A basic pet first-aid kit is also a wise investment for handling minor scrapes or injuries.
Setting Up Your Home for a Puppy
Preparing for a new puppy involves more than just buying supplies; it's about creating a safe and structured environment.
Puppy-Proofing Tips
Puppies are curious and explore the world with their mouths. Get down on their level to spot potential hazards. Secure loose electrical cords, move toxic plants out of reach, put away small items they could swallow, and lock up cleaning supplies and medications. Use baby gates or barriers to keep your puppy out of restricted or unsafe areas.
Creating a Safe Sleeping Area
Designate a quiet, draft-free area for your puppy's bed or crate. This will be their den—a personal sanctuary where they can retreat when they feel tired or overwhelmed. Placing their bed in a crate can help with house-training and provide an extra layer of security.
Designating a Play Zone
Please set up a specific area in your home where your puppy is allowed to play with their toys. This helps protect your furniture and teaches your puppy boundaries. A durable, easy-to-clean mat can define the space and make cleanup simple.
Training and Socialization Essentials
Early training and socialization are critical for raising a well-behaved, confident adult dog.
Basic Commands and Crate Training
Start with simple commands like "sit," "stay," and "come" using positive reinforcement. Keep training sessions short and fun. Crate training is an invaluable tool for house-training and creating a safe space for your puppy. Introduce the crate as a happy place with treats and toys.
Socializing with People and Other Pets
Safely expose your puppy to a variety of new sights, sounds, people, and vaccinated, friendly dogs. Positive early experiences between 3 and 16 weeks of age are crucial for preventing fear and aggression later in life. Always supervise interactions to ensure they are positive.
Reward-Based Training with Toys
Toys are a powerful tool for reward-based training. Use a favorite toy to reward good behavior or to redirect unwanted chewing. Interactive puzzle toys can challenge their mind and make them work for their treats, which is a great way to burn off puppy energy.
Grooming and Hygiene Basics
Establishing a regular grooming routine is key to your puppy's long-term health and well-being.
Bathing, Brushing, and Nail Care
Start grooming sessions early to get your puppy accustomed to being handled. Use a gentle puppy shampoo for baths, brush their coat several times a week to prevent matting, and trim their nails regularly to avoid discomfort.
👉 Find everything you need in our complete puppy grooming collection.
Cleaning Ears and Teeth
Check your puppy's ears weekly for redness or odor and clean them with a vet-approved solution. Begin brushing their teeth a few times a week with dog-specific toothpaste to establish good dental hygiene habits for life.
Grooming Schedule for Puppies
Create a simple schedule. A weekly brush-down, bi-weekly nail trim, and monthly bath is a good starting point for most breeds. Daily tooth brushing is ideal. A consistent routine makes grooming a normal and stress-free part of their life.
Travel and Outdoor Preparation
Being prepared for adventures outside the home ensures your puppy stays safe and comfortable.
Safe Carriers for Puppies
For car travel, a secure carrier or a dog seatbelt harness is essential for safety. A good puppy carrier bag should be sturdy and comfortable, making trips to the park or vet a breeze.
👉 Browse our durable and comfortable puppy carrier collection.
Comfortable Collars and Harnesses for Puppies
As your puppy grows and is ready for walks, a harness can be a great alternative to a collar, as it prevents pressure on their delicate neck. Make sure any collar or harness fits properly; you should be able to fit two fingers between it and your puppy’s body.
👉 Shop for soft collars for small dogs and puppies in our collar collection.
Seasonal Outfits and Protection
Consider your climate when preparing for outdoor time. Paw balm can protect their pads from hot pavement or icy sidewalks. A cooling vest can help in the summer, while a warm coat is a must for winter walks.
👉 Check out our cute puppy clothes for all seasons.