This post will help you create a new puppy checklist before getting your new family member! Bringing home a new puppy is such an exciting time—full of cuddles, playtime, and responsibilities! To make sure you’re all set for your pup’s big arrival, we’ve put together a checklist covering everything from scheduling your first vet appointment to purchasing food!
Congratulations on your new puppy! The first few days/weeks are a big transition for both you and your puppy. Having a well-prepared new puppy checklist can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth transition for both of you during those crucial first days and weeks together.
This post is all about a new puppy checklist
1. Create a Safe and Comfortable Living Space
Before your puppy arrives, designate a cozy area for them to sleep and relax. Whether you choose a comfortable dog bed or a crate, make sure it’s placed in a quiet corner of your home where your puppy can retreat for some rest.
You will also want to puppy – proof your home. Puppies are like babies and can find even the smallest things! Check out my post with the best ways to puppy proof your house {RELATED POST: 5 Best Ways To Puppy Proof Your House}
Puppy-proofing Tips:
- Remove any small objects, electrical cords, or household items that could be hazardous if chewed or swallowed.
- Use baby gates to block off areas of your home that are off-limits to your puppy.
- Check for plants that are toxic to dogs and remove them or keep them out of reach.
2. Puppy Supplies
Making sure you have all the right things for your new puppy will definitely help those first few days go smoother! There are some crucial things you will need like a crate, food, toys, and stain and order remover to name a few! You can find my complete new puppy shopping list here {RELATED POST: 15 Best New Puppy Supplies}
3. Nutrition & Feeding
Having the proper food and vitamins for your new puppy is definitely at the top of things you will want to check off your new puppy checklist!
Choose a high-quality puppy food that is appropriate for your puppy’s age, size, and breed. Puppies have specific nutritional needs, so consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet plan.
Most puppy foods are heat processed into kibble and do not have a complete form of vitamins and minerals for your growing puppy. Due to this, I highly recommend using NuVet Vitamins. With over 33 different herbs, vitamins and anti-oxidants they are the best choice on the market. They are not heat processed, use only human grade ingredients, and are are manufactured in a HUMAN grade lab. You can read my complete post and order these vitamins here : {RELATED POST: The Best Dog Vitamins}
Feeding Essentials:
- Purchase food and water bowls that are the right size for your puppy.
- Establish a regular feeding schedule to help regulate their bathroom habits.
- Treats are great for training but use them in moderation to avoid overfeeding.
3. Healthcare & Scheduling Your First Vet Appointment
As soon as your know the date your new puppy will be coming home, call your vet! Some vets are booked out several weeks/months, so calling sooner than later is advised. You should bring your puppy to the vet within the first two weeks of getting him, even if he does not need any shots/medicine.
This first visit is crucial for ensuring your puppy is healthy and also so that your vet can see the condition the puppy came to you in. It is very important for your vet to see that the puppy is healthy and establish a baseline. If your puppy came to you healthy but then a few weeks after getting him, he got sick, ate something poisonous, etc… your vet would have no way of knowing if the puppy came to you with an issue, or developed it after coming home.
At this first appointment your vet will also be able to schedule all your follow-up appointments to be sure your puppy gets all his shots, stool checks, deworming medicine etc.
Healthcare Puppy Checklist:
- Discuss vaccination schedules and preventive treatments for parasites like fleas and ticks.
- Ask about spaying or neutering if your puppy hasn’t already been altered.
- Set up a plan for regular check-ups and emergency care if needed.
4. Create a Schedule
Creating a schedule for a puppy is crucial not only for establishing routines but also for promoting healthy habits, ensuring they receive proper care, socialization, and training. A well-structured daily routine will help to accelerate the training process due to the consistency you will be giving your puppy.
It is important to be realistic with the timeline you create and make sure that this schedule is something that will work for you and your family. If there are days that you know you are busier than normal, see if a family member or friend can help out the first few weeks with bathroom breaks, play time etc. Staying consistent the first few weeks is crucial for having a well trained puppy.
I have a complete post with a sample puppy schedule and timelines that you can check out here : {RELATED POST: New Puppy Schedule : The Key To Success}
5. Training & Socialization
Early training and socialization are crucial for your puppy’s development! As soon as your puppy comes home with you, training should begin! An 8 week old puppy is more than capable of learning basic commands like come, sit and down.
While you can, and should work on training at home, it is extremely beneficial to also supplement with puppy obedience classes. This will help your puppy learn to listen to you while there are new distractions of other dogs, kids, toys etc. all around them.
Exposing your puppy to a variety of environments, people, and animals is priceless. This exposure helps them become comfortable and confident in different situations, reducing the likelihood of fear or aggression as they grow older. Introducing your puppy to new experiences gradually and positively reinforces their social skills and adaptability.
Training Tips:
- Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behavior.
- Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come.
- Socialize your puppy with other vaccinated dogs to help them become well-adjusted and confident.
6. Patience & Bonding
Above all, be patient as your puppy adjusts to their new home and routines. Building a strong bond with your puppy takes time and consistency. The first two weeks tend to have a lot of trial and error as both you and your new puppy get used to each other and the new routines!
Bonding Tips:
- Spend quality time with your puppy through play, training, and cuddling.
- Learn to recognize your puppy’s cues and body language to better understand their needs.
- Be patient with house training and other behaviors as your puppy learns and grows.
Final Thoughts
Bringing a new puppy into your home is a rewarding experience that requires careful planning and preparation. By following a comprehensive new puppy checklist, you can ensure that your puppy feels safe, loved, and well-cared for from the moment they arrive. Enjoy this special time with your new puppy and cherish the moments as you build a lifelong bond together.
