New puppy checklist

Is there anything more exciting than welcoming a new bundle of furbaby joy into your home and heart? We think not. We also know there’s a lot to think about before your new pup arrives. 

From puppy toys to food, here’s our new puppy checklist to make sure you have everything you need.

New puppy checklist essentials

Writing your new puppy shopping checklist? It’s always a good idea to get prepared and make sure you have the essentials. From puppy gates to choosing the best puppy food, you’ll want to make sure to have the following:

Food and water bowls

Dog bowls are essential to any new puppy checklist and there are many options out there for you to choose from, including travel options for keeping your puppy hydrated on-the-go. 

It might seem obvious but different pups need different bowls because of their size, eating style or medical needs.

If you're welcoming a large dog breed into your home, chances are they’ll benefit from having a slightly raised dog bowl so they can comfortably drink without having to bend their head too close down to the floor. Messy slurper? Consider a non-slip silicone mat to make sure they aren’t sliding all over the floor. 

It’s a trial and error process and you may end up with several different bowls before you get the right one for your pup, so take into account how much food and water your puppy needs, and go from there.

Puppy food

Choosing the best puppy food for your dog is a tricky process and as we said above, can take some trial and error before you land on the right one. Do you shop grain-free, or try them on raw? Dry food or canned?

Whatever route you decide to go down, keep in mind that your puppy needs a balanced diet packed with nutrients they need to develop into a strong, healthy dog.

Depending on their size and energy levels, your puppy may need up to twice the daily amount of nutrition consumed by adult dogs so whatever type of food you get, make sure it’s 100% complete and balanced puppy food. If you’re unsure at any time about the type of food that’s best for your pup, ask your vet for advice. 

Puppy treats, including training treats

Any treat you give your pup should be small enough for them to chew, ideally bite-sized for their smaller mouths to handle. The smaller pieces will also be easier to digest in their smaller stomachs.

As they get older small amounts of lean meats like turkey and chicken are good and make tasty training morsels for food-driven pups. Cooked or raw veg like broccoli and carrots are great too. 

Adjustable collar

A new puppy checklist wouldn’t be complete without a new collar. A padded, adjustable one is perfect as it’s nice and soft against your pup's skin and will grow with them. Bonus points if you pick a brand with a reflective detailing for added visibility on nighttime walks.

Puppy leash

Picking the right puppy leash is a must for any new puppy checklist. Some pups chew and pull, while others need to be kept close to avoid mischief. 

For training, you can’t go far wrong with a long nylon leash. The 15 feet long leashes are perfect for recall training and walks in the park. 

Heavy chewer? Go for a tightly-webbed nylon option that’s nice and thick to protect against tiny teeth. Alternatively, if your pup is a puller a shock-absorbing bungee cord will help reduce the strain on both the leash and on you when your pup pulls, while still giving you control. 

Puppy toys

There’s a great selection of puppy toys out there to choose from. Whether it’s an interactive puzzle toy or a delicious chew toy, there’s something for every pup to enjoy. 

Chew toys 

Puppies love to chew so give them plenty of options with some durable chew toys. It keeps them busy and stops them from attacking your favourite slippers.  

Chase toys 

For puppies with lots of energy, chase toys like balls and Chuckit help get all that extra energy out.

Interactive toys 

For high boredom pups, an interactive toy like a treat puzzle or a snuffle mat will keep their brains stimulated for a while. 

Plush toys 

What pup doesn’t love a soft toy? Let your new arrival snuggle down with a comforting plush toy at nap time. 

Crate and sleeping bed

Crates

Whether you decide to crate train, are planning to travel with your pup, or just want to use one in the car for vet appointments, a good crate is a must-have. Pick a collapsible crate with a moveable wire divider that can grow with your pup and be stowed away easily when not in use. 

Sleeping bed

Getting the right sleeping arrangements for your new pup is essential for making them feel at home. New puppies can feel a tad lonely in their first few weeks without their birth mom, so a comforting space to retreat to can help bring a sense of comfort as they settle into their new home.  

Here’s our top picks for beds: 

Doughnut beds

With their raised edges and cosy textures, doughnut dog beds are perfect for your puppy to cuddle up against. They’re a great option if your pup is a little nervous as the raised edges help give them safety and security. 

Memory foam 

Memory foam beds are another popular choice for pups. The relaxing memory foam provides excellent levels of comfort for your pooch and you can often buy them custom made to their specific size and shape, which helps make them feel even more relaxed. Memory foam beds are incredibly durable too, perfect for heavy chewers. 

Dog grooming products

Puppy brush 

Even low-shed breeds need to be brushed from time to time and regular grooming is a great way of getting your pup used to being handled early. Pick a brush with gentle rubber bristles to massage and comb your dog’s coat. It goes without saying, if you have a breed that requires regular grooming then it’s important to brush through their fur every day to avoid knots and improve circulation.

Shampoo 

Getting them used to water early is essential because it helps minimise fear in the long run. A great way to help them enjoy bath time is with a gentle puppy shampoo. Pick a tearless shampoo in a calming scent with no nasties like parabens for a shiny, clean coat.

Top tip: For long haired pups or those with coarse, wiry fur texture we recommend introducing your pup to the groomer at around 10-12 weeks. Not only does this make sure their coat stays in tip top condition but it gets them used to the experience with minimal stress.

Puppy toothpaste and toothbrush

Puppy dental hygiene is important and it’s good to get started as early as possible. Go for a set with meat-flavoured toothpaste, a dual-sided toothbrush and a finger brush to get your new arrival used to their mouth being touched.

Stain and scent remover

Accidents are a guarantee and you’ll need some products to help remove stains and scents from your furniture and carpets. There’s a wide variety of things available to help conquer odors and stains including upholstery shampoos. Don’t forget to pick up a great vacuum too – one with useful pet attachments is a must. 

Bitter apple spray

Non-toxic bitter apple spray is a deterrent to discourage your pup from chewing. The spray is safe to use on your furniture, fabric and even your dog's fur to stop them from nagging at their skin. 

Poop bags

Poop bags are a necessity for any new pup owner. Opt for an environmentally-friendly option with some compostable and biodegradable bags. 

Puppy gate

Being able to limit your puppy’s access to the rest of your home while you puppy proof everything is essential. They still stay safe and sound nearby. 

Puppy pads 

Accidents are bound to happen as you housebreak your pup. Absorbent and protective, puppy pads are a great option for those in between training times.  

ID and tags

Easily identify your pup with the help of a dog ID tag, just in case they escape. Make sure it's up to date and includes all the important information, such as your address and phone number. There’s plenty of cute tags to choose from, too!

So there you have it, your comprehensive new puppy checklist. Once you’ve checked off everything you need off your list, you’re ready to welcome your new pup to your home. Just sit back and watch chaos ensue. 

Here at TrustedHousesitters, we have all sorts of guides to help you look after your new puppy, whether it's when to start puppy training classes or how to find a sitter for your dog. And if you want to start pet sitting yourself, you can head this way to find out more information on becoming a TrustedHousesitters member.