Congratulations on your new puppy!
Getting a new puppy is an exciting but nerve-wracking time – there’s just so much you need to think about and buy!
Don’t worry though, we’ve created the ultimate puppy checklist with everything you’ll need to buy to help you out. We’ve even put together a checklist of everything you need for bringing your puppy home for the first time.
Things to get before your puppy comes home
To make sure it’s all smooth sailing when your new puppy arrives home, we recommend getting everything ready and set up before they arrive home.
Whilst it may be tempting to spoil your new bundle of fluff to everything in the pet store, it’s best not to go overboard whilst your pup is still young. You’ll need time to find out what toys and treats your puppy loves and as they grow so fast, you’ll find it won’t be longer before you have to buy things like beds and harnesses in bigger sizes.
When it comes to toys, we recommend buying one of each type, e.g. squeaky toys, chew toys, ropes, plush toys, etc. This way you can find out what your puppy really likes to play with best and avoid spending loads of money on toys that they don’t enjoy. Puppies are also notoriously destructive, so try and resist the urge to buy expensive items that might not last very long!
New puppy checklist:
- A crate and/or a cosy bed
- An adjustable collar and/or harness
- A lead
- Collar ID tag (legal requirement in the UK)
- A puppy pen
- Puppy food
- Non-slip food and water bowls
- Puppy safe treats, including training treats
- Car seatbelt restraint (did you know it’s illegal to drive with a dog that isn’t properly restrained?)
- Cosy blankets
- A comfort toy like a heartbeat teddy (this represents your puppy’s litter mates and makes them feel less alone on their first few nights)
- A variety of toys (squeak, chew, rope, plush, etc)
- Enrichment toys like snuffle mats and puppy Kongs that can be stuffed with food/treats
- Puppy toothbrush and toothpaste (Not the human versions!)
- A brush and comb for grooming (You want to get them used to this from day one)
- Puppy pads for toilet training
- Poo bags
- Enzymatic cleaners (for any indoor toilet accidents)
Things you’ll need when bringing your puppy home
The first car ride home can be a very scary experience for your new puppy. They’re being taken away from their mum and litter mates and going home with strangers. For many puppies, it’ll likely be the first time they’ve been in the car for a long journey.
To make that first journey to their new home that little bit easier, we recommend taking the following with you:
- A snuggly blanket
- A car seat (if you don’t want them riding on your lap)
- Variety of toys to entertain them with
- Poo bags
- A towel and grooming wipes in case of any toilet accidents
- Puppy food and bowls (depending on how long your journey is)
- A collar and lead (again depending on how long your journey is and if you need to stop for a toilet break, etc.)
Brining your new puppy home is both exciting and scary but totally worth it. Your life is about to be turned upside down but in the best possible way. We hope you enjoy your new puppy!
