Bringing a new puppy home is exciting for the whole family and a bit overwhelming! There is so much excitement built up as you anxiously awaiting the day to bring home your new puppy. Before you bring home your new puppy you want to make sure you have everything you need, that is why this new puppy checklist is so important for you to prepare!
If you are still searching for the right puppy be sure to check out the best dog breeds for kids to help you decide.
New Puppy Checklist
Dog Crate
Crates can be one of the best things you buy for your new puppy. It helps so much when you are trying to house train your puppy and it helps prevent lots of accidents. Not only that, but is helps your new puppy get acquainted with the family faster.
Pick a crate that is big enough for them to turn around in and stand up all the way.
No matter whether you decide to crate train or not, a dog crate is great if you are planning on traveling with your puppy or even planning to drive them to their vet appointments.
Adjustable Collar
You will want to make sure you have an adjustable collar. This is important for attaching their name tags and a leash when you start leash training. Be sure you buy an adjustable collar because your puppy will grow quickly and you will need to adjust it often.
Sometimes collars irritate your puppy and can cause them to have breathing problems so you might find yourself having to try out different types until you find the perfect fit!
ID Tags
ID tags are a very important addition to your puppy’s collar.
The information you will want to include on their ID tag is your name, phone number and address. That way if for any reason your dog gets lost or runs away they will have their ID tags so you can be contacted.
Food and Water Bowl
Metal food and water bowls are the best types for new puppies. Metal helps keep bacteria from growing in the bowls. It also is more durable for puppies that like to chew on everything.
Check and make sure the food and water bowl you purchase is large enough to give them constant access to freshwater. This will help you from having to fill up their water bowl every hour!
Poop Bags
A must-have essential for your new puppy checklist are poop bags with a dispenser. Be sure to purchase plenty of poop bags that has a leash clip. This ensures you always have poop bags available when you take your puppy for a walk.
Dog Bed
Every dog needs a nice soft place to sleep. You may want to buy two, one for the room where you want them to lay in and one for the dog crate.
When looking for the perfect dog bed you want to choose one that has a lot of cushion. You also want to make sure that it is waterproof and durable. Remember your new puppy will most likely chew on everything. Be sure to pick something that will not turn into shreds after the first week of your new puppy is home.
Dog Treats
You will find yourself doing a lot of training with your puppy during the first few weeks. So with that being said, be sure to stock up on dog treats. These will be a vital part of helping motivate your new puppy to learn all the things they will need to know when it comes to what they can and can not do inside and outside the home.
Healthy Dog Food
Looking for the right dog food for a new puppy can be tricky. There are so many options to choose from.
You will want to look for a high-quality puppy food that supports your new puppy’s development and is a great source of protein.
Check the bag for the list of ingredients and make sure that the source of protein is listed as the first ingredient! Check out this great resource for finding the best dog food with limited ingredients.
Grooming Tools
Depending on your puppy’s breed will determine the proper grooming tools you will need to buy. Every puppy will need to be groomed. Be sure you are ready with the right brush, dog soap, and supplies!
Don’t forget to buy supplies to take care of your puppy’s dental care as well. You will want to purchase: dental sprays, dog toothbrushes, dental chews on your new puppy checklist!
Puppy Pads
Puppy pads are essential with a new puppy. These pads will help you train your pup where to pee or poop if they can not make it outside. These also come in handy if you are gone and they are not outside. Puppy pads teach them where to do their business. They also make clean up easier for you.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Flea and tick prevention can be purchased as medication, or as a collar. It is important to talk to your vet about the method you are thinking about using. Depending on the age of your puppy they may not be able to take certain medications to prevent fleas and ticks.
Play Toys
Your puppy will have so much energy. Toys will be the perfect way to help them burn off some of that energy.
Start with a huge selection of toys so they have a variety to choose from. This also helps you learn what types of toys your puppy likes. Pick toys they can chew, chase, and interact with.
Cleaning Supplies
A new puppy means most likely will mean a lot of accidents at least at first. You want to make sure you have a variety of cleaning products to clean up any mess that comes your way.
If your house has any carpet or rugs you will want to buy a brush and pet carpet spray to treat the stains. You might even want to invest in a carpet cleaner to help with the messes.
New Puppy Checklist for Your Home
By now you have all your new puppy essentials, so now it is time to puppy proof your home!
Ways to Puppy Proof Your Home
- Secure loose wires (so they do not chew them)
- Pick up all of your children’s toys and put away (and keep away!)
- Remove any breakables from low surfaces
- Secure any hanging fabrics like curtains that they will be able to pull on
- Put away all house plants
- Lock away up all chemicals
- Clean up and secure backyard