New Puppy Starter Checklist
Everything to sort out in your puppy’s first two weeks at home, so the two of you start off on the right paw.
Before Your Puppy Arrives
- Food & water bowls (stainless steel or ceramic)
- Age-appropriate puppy food (same brand the breeder used at first)
- Collar, ID tag and a 1.2–1.8m lead
- Crate or playpen and a soft bed
- Puppy pads or a toilet spot picked out
- Chew toys and a few enrichment toys
- Enzyme cleaner for accidents
- Grooming brush and pet-safe shampoo
First Week Priorities
- Book a first vet check within 3–5 days of arrival.
- Confirm vaccination and deworming history; schedule the next round.
- Pick one toilet spot and reward every success.
- Keep meals to a fixed routine (3–4 small meals a day).
- Start gentle handling of paws, ears and mouth daily.
- Begin crate training in short, positive sessions.
Puppy-Proof Your Home
- Hide electrical cables and phone chargers
- Move houseplants, medicines and cleaning products out of reach
- Secure bins and low cupboards
- Block stairs and balconies until coordination improves