Before Bringing Puppy Home: The Essential Checklist

Puppy-Proof Your Home

Get down on your hands and knees and look at your home from a puppy's perspective. Electrical cords, small objects, and toxic plants are all within reach at floor level. Remove or secure anything that could be chewed or swallowed.

Essential Shopping List

Before pickup day, make sure you have these items ready:

• Crate (correct size): large enough to stand and turn, but not so big that one end becomes a toilet
• Stainless steel bowls: two — one for water, one for food
• Puppy food: the same brand the breeder or shelter uses initially
• Adjustable collar and 1.5m lead: avoid retractable leads for young puppies
• ID tag: with your phone number, ready from day one
• Chew toys (3-4 types): rubber, rope, and edible chews for teething relief
• Puppy-safe detergent: for inevitable accidents on fabrics

Set Up a Safe Space

Choose a quiet room or corner for the crate. Line it with washable bedding. Place a water bowl inside and a chew toy. This becomes your puppy's den — a place they can always retreat to when overwhelmed.

Plan the First 48 Hours

The first two days are about bonding and establishing routines. Limit visitors, keep noise levels low, and take your puppy outside every 2 hours. Expect disrupted sleep for both of you.

First Vet Appointment

Book within the first week. Bring any vaccination records from the breeder. The vet will check for common issues and schedule the next round of jabs.

Prepare the Family

If you have children, teach them gentle handling rules before the puppy arrives: no picking up by the scruff, no pulling tails or ears, and always let the puppy approach first.

Preparation reduces stress for everyone — puppy included. A well-planned first week sets the foundation for a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.