New Puppy Checklist!
Bringing home a new puppy is like bringing home a new baby, except that you don’t get to have a nice shower and registry where family and friends gather and gift you some of the essentials. You may think what does one need other than a leash and food, but you would be surprised at just how much you need. Below is the puppy checklist of most of the essentials you will need. While Pet Insurance and a good Training Program are essential (read 5 Essentials To Make Bringing Home Your New Dog a Success), the checklist below is of the tangible sort.
Amazon and Chewy will be your best friend for the next couple of months.
Also be sure to download the free blank checklist printable at the end of the post to make sure you have everything you need!
Crate/Pen/Gate
Whether or not you decide to crate train at night you will want a place where you can keep pup contained, whether you are going out or need to actually accomplish something. A puppy should not be left to have free reign of the house unattended as it will inevitably get into something. If a crate isn’t for you, or you don’t want to have to continue to buy different sizes as your dog grows, a pen is a great alternative, you can even use it outside when you want to enjoy your backyard. A baby gate is another alternative to keep a puppy in or even out of an area.
Bed
When your dog is not its crate, you will want a soft place for it to take a nap. You can also place its bed within the pen or gated-off area if that is how you are containing your dog. Beware that some dogs are chewers and may chew or rip apart their bed. In that case a raised bed may be best.
If you sign up for Bark Box today you can get a free dog bed while supplies last! Up to a $67 value!
Food and Water Bowls
Self explanatory. In the beginning go with the basics. As you learn more about your pup and its habits you can seek out slobber stoppers and slow feeders.
Food
Consult with your breeder and/or vet on what to start feeding your pup. Dry kibble is usually what you will start off with. Keep it simple in the beginning when pups stomachs are still sensitive and they are yet to be super picky so they will pretty much eat anything you give them. Make sure you are getting the puppy formula of any food.
Poop Bags
You will never have enough. You will find them in every coat pocket. Beware of some of the compostable type bags in winter. When you pick up a lot of snow with the wast sometimes the bags tend to disintegrate before garbage pick up day.
Leash/Collar/Harness/Poop Bag Holder
At the very least you will want a 4’ leash and collar. Harnesses help with walking and protecting the pups neck/throat from pulling but you will need to buy a few as they continue growing. As pup gets more comfortable you will want a 6’ leash and even longer if you decide to train recall and off leash. Bag holder isn’t necessary but will be very helpful. Going for matching and cute colors is all part of the fun, but chew proof is also important.
Treat Pouch/Purse
Your pockets will always have treat crumbs in them. You will always need treats because you will always be training and reinforcing good behaviors. Have you ever carried a stinky salmon treat in your hand or pocket in the middle of summer? Get a treat purse. Also the purse style one listed is so cute I would literally use for an everyday errands purse minus the dog treats.
Treats
Repeated from above, you will always need treats. Always. Get 3 levels of treats. Normal everyday treats, medium goodness and a treat so delicious and given sparingly it will make even the most stubborn of pups come when called.
Paw Balm
Hot pavements burn puppies paws. Cold snow and salty roads also burn puppies paws. Get a good protective balm to rub on their delicate paws at night or before going out for a walk.
Butt Wipes
Trust me. That’s all I will say. Can double down as paw cleaning wipes as well.
Kongs
These will be your lifesavers for whenever you want to get something done or get some peace.
Fill with a little dog safe (no xylitol) peanut butter and plain yogurt, or even a little canned pumpkin, freeze and give to your pup and get some much needed peace. If you really want to utilize them you can feed your pup one of their meals in the Kong. Make sure if you feed dry kibble that you wet it a little before putting in the kong so they can lick it out. No need to freeze the kibble.
Rope Toy
Great for tug of war, which is an excellent form of bonding. They can also chew the toy for teething.
Plush Toy
Some dogs prefer nice soft toys with the squeaker. Always good to have a few kinds of toys to establish how your dog likes to play.
Chew Toy
Your puppy will want to eat and chew everything. A good chew toy can save your favorite pair of sneakers.
Portable Water Holder
If you have any plans on taking your dog away from the house for any length of time you puppy will need water.
Blanket or Mat
Either to protect your couch or to provide a nice play for puppy to take a nap when it doesn’t have access to a bed, such as a day in the park. Also provides warmth and comfort in its crate or anywhere really.
Car Hammock
Protect your car from mud, scratches, dog stink, slobber, hair etc. Pre Will I had a pristine beautiful car. It is no longer, but would be absolutely worse if it wasn’t for the car hammock. It also keeps them from coming up front.
Seat Belt Clip/Harness
I don’t really use this anymore, though i probably should, but in the beginning I used it every time Will was in the car with me. I knew he would stay put and also would be safe with any sudden car stops or god forbid an accident.
Puppy Safe Bones and Chews
Another way to occupy them, soothe them and ease teething issues. I hope for your sake that your puppy doesn’t have the same affinity for the most expensive bones ever like Will does.
Less Essential but Super Helpful
Back up Leash/Collar
Your leash and collar will inevitably get wet, muddy and stinky and you will need to wash it. You will want a back up one. If you are anything like me you will have a basket of leashes and collars, you know…options.
Treat/Feeding Puzzle
More enrichment and peace keeper!
Holee Roller
Puppy will love to chew it, chase it, play tug with it and you can stuff it with paper and treats for enrichment games.
Training Clicker
Super helpful for positive reinforcement training. Many people swear by the clicker as it is a reward marker, instead of having to say “yes” all the time your dog does something good.
Portable Crate or Carrier
Great for overnights or if you want to drop puppy off at grandmas so you can get a break. Carrier’s are good for airline travel, vet visits and pre vaccinated outings since you don’t want them touching the ground very much.
Jacket/Sweater
Puppies are still small and don’t have a lot of weight to them so they can get cold, especially in winter. A good jacket, especially one that protects them from rain is good to have on hand.
Brush/Comb
Getting them used to grooming while young is key and is also a great way to build a bond with puppy. Create a night time grooming routine and use treats to help them enjoy it.
Toothbrush
Again a really good habit to start while they are young. Incorporate into your night time grooming routine. And not I had no idea that a dog needed their teeth brushed either. I thought stinky breath was just par for the course.
Carpet Cleaner
There will be accidents and you will need this. Make sure it is an enzymatic one to really remove the odors that dogs can smell otherwise they will think it is ok to go there again.
I am sure there are a million other things that could be added to this list, but these are what helped me survive the first couple months of a new puppy. Hold on to your wallets!
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