New Puppy Checklist: Everything You Need for the First Week

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Bringing home a new puppy is joyful, chaotic and a little overwhelming. A bit of preparation makes the first week far smoother — for you and for your pup. Here’s everything to have ready, how to puppy-proof, and what the first few days should look like. (When it’s time to teach the basics, our vet’s guides to potty training and training 101 will help.)

The shopping checklist

Feeding

• Food (ideally the same brand the breeder/shelter used, to avoid tummy upset)
• Food and water bowls (stainless steel or ceramic are easiest to clean)
• Puppy treats for training

Sleeping & safe space

• A crate sized so they can stand, turn and lie down (dividers let it grow with them)
• A comfy bed and a couple of soft, washable blankets

Toileting

• Puppy pads (especially for apartments)
• An enzymatic cleaner for the inevitable accidents

Walking & ID

• A flat collar and lead — or a harness for small or flat-faced breeds
• An ID tag; arrange microchipping if not already done

Play & teething

• Chew toys (teething puppies chew everything — give them the right outlet)
• A couple of enrichment/puzzle toys

Grooming

• A brush suited to their coat, plus puppy-safe shampoo and nail clippers

Puppy-proof your home

• Get down to their level and look for hazards: trailing cables, small swallowable objects, gaps behind furniture.
• Secure or remove toxic houseplants, cleaning products and medications.
• Use baby gates to limit access while they learn the rules.
• Tidy away shoes, cables and anything chewable — assume everything at floor level is fair game.

The first week: keep it calm

• Ease them in. A new home is a big change. Keep visitors and noise to a minimum for a few days.
• Start the routine straight away. Regular meals, frequent toilet trips (every 1–2 hours for young pups), naps and gentle play build security fast.
• Begin gentle handling and short training. Reward-based, five minutes at a time — sit, name recognition, and getting used to the crate.
• Expect broken nights. A ticking clock, a warm blanket and the crate near you at first all help.

Sort these vet basics early

• Book a first vet check soon after they arrive.
• Confirm the vaccination and worming schedule — and remember puppies aren’t fully protected until their course is complete, so check with your vet before mixing with unknown dogs.
• Microchipping and (later) neutering — discuss timing with your vet.
• Start a parasite-prevention plan (fleas, worms, and ticks where relevant).

The bottom line

Have the essentials ready before they arrive — food, bowls, a crate and bed, toileting supplies, a lead and chew toys — then focus the first week on a calm, consistent routine and an early vet visit. Get those right and you’ll set your puppy (and yourself) up for a happy start.