Bringing home a new puppy is incredibly exciting, but walking into a pet supply store (or browsing online) can quickly become overwhelming. Do you really need a doggy stroller? What kind of brush is best?
To save you time, money, and stress, we’ve cut through the noise and compiled The Ultimate New Puppy Checklist. This list covers the absolute essentials you need to have ready before your puppy walks through the front door.
(Want to print this out for your shopping trip? Click here to download our free PDF version!)
1. Food & Feeding Essentials
Proper nutrition and hydration are priority number one.
-
[ ] High-Quality Puppy Food: Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. Ask your breeder or shelter what food they are currently eating, and buy a small bag of that to prevent stomach upset.
-
[ ] Stainless Steel or Ceramic Bowls: Avoid plastic bowls, as they can harbor bacteria and cause doggy acne. You need one for food and one for water.
-
[ ] Airtight Food Storage Container: Keeps food fresh and prevents pantry bugs from getting in.
-
[ ] Small Training Treats: You will be doing a lot of training in the first few weeks. Look for low-calorie, soft treats that can be eaten quickly.
(Shop Premium Puppy Supplies Here)
2. Sleep & Containment
Creating safe, restricted zones helps speed up potty training and keeps your puppy out of trouble when you can't supervise them.
-
[ ] A Wire or Plastic Crate: Buy a crate that will fit your dog when they are fully grown, but ensure it comes with a "divider panel" so you can make it smaller for now.
-
[ ] Comfortable Crate Mat or Bed: Something soft and machine-washable. (Note: If your puppy is a heavy chewer, you may need to wait on plush beds and use blankets temporarily).
-
[ ] Baby Gates or a Playpen: Perfect for blocking off staircases or creating a safe "puppy zone" in the living room.
3. Potty Training & Cleaning
Accidents are guaranteed. Having the right cleaning supplies will save your carpets and your sanity.
-
[ ] Enzymatic Stain & Odor Remover: This is non-negotiable. Regular household cleaners don't break down pet urine proteins. If a dog can still smell their accident, they will pee there again.
-
[ ] Puppy Potty Pads: Optional, but highly recommended if you live in an apartment or high-rise.
-
[ ] Poop Bags & Dispenser: A dispenser that clips to your leash will ensure you are never caught empty-handed on a walk.
4. Walking & Identification
Safety first! Your puppy should wear identification from day one.
-
[ ] Flat Collar: A simple nylon or leather collar. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably underneath it.
-
[ ] ID Tags: Engraved with your dog's name, your name, and your current phone number.
-
[ ] 6-Foot Leash: Standard nylon or leather is best for training. Avoid retractable leashes, as they teach dogs to pull and can be dangerous for young puppies.
-
[ ] Adjustable Harness: Highly recommended for small breeds or puppies prone to pulling, as it protects their delicate tracheas. (Shop Harnesses & Leashes Here)
5. Grooming & Health
Get your puppy used to being handled early on to make future grooming sessions a breeze.
-
[ ] Puppy-Safe Shampoo: Human shampoo is too harsh for a dog's pH level. Buy a gentle, tearless puppy formula.
-
[ ] Brush or Comb: A slicker brush is great for fluffy dogs, while a bristle brush works well for short-haired breeds.
-
[ ] Dog Nail Clippers or Grinder: Start touching your puppy's paws on day one to get them used to nail trims!
-
[ ] Dog Toothbrush & Enzymatic Toothpaste: Yes, dogs need their teeth brushed! Never use human toothpaste.
6. Play & Enrichment
A tired puppy is a good puppy. Toys provide mental stimulation and keep them away from your shoes.
-
[ ] Durable Chew Toys: Teething puppies need to chew. Rubber toys (like KONGs) are fantastic.
-
[ ] Plush/Comfort Toys: Something soft for them to snuggle with in their crate.
-
[ ] Interactive/Puzzle Toys: Toys that hide treats or require the dog to work for their food burn mental energy fast.
Ready to get shopping?
We’ve curated a special collection of our top-rated puppy products. Shop the New Puppy Supplies here and enjoy fast global shipping straight to your door!