Use our puppy checklist to help you prepare for your new puppy and tick off everything you need to buy before you welcome home your new family member.
Although our guide focuses on puppies, you’ll need many of these items if you’re getting a dog of any age. So please share it with anyone you know who is getting a dog for the first time.
We’ve teamed up with The Dog Coach to give our customers 50% off her online puppy training course. Check out her guide to socialising a new pet during lockdown and how to prevent your pet from getting separation anxiety when you start going back to work. You can also more helpful videos on our YouTube page.
There are plenty of other resources off and online to help get your pet settled in such as training books and apps like Puppr to help you on your training journey.
Here are some items you might want to consider having ready before your pet arrives along with links to where you can buy them from Pets Corner.
Puppy Items For The Home
- Bed - A comfy bed can help your puppy settle in. Make sure you get one that is the right size for your dog with enough room for it to grow into, and stretch out in. Some rescue owners will buy two beds and put them in different places around the house so the dog can choose which suits them best. Once dogs are a bit older, they might like to sleep on a dog mattress.
- Crate - Crates can be used for training during the night to prevent chewing mishaps. They can also be used as a safe haven for a new puppy within the home and some are suitable for keeping your pet safe in the car.
- Food bowl and water bowl - An essential part of your new puppy checklist, owners should get two bowls (one for food and one for water). Look for non-slip designs for maximum stability, perfect for little puppies that like to push their food around. Make sure you always have fresh water available for your puppy.
- Puppy food - Dogs are omnivorous carnivores, which means they're ideally suited to a diet of meat and plant sources. Proteins should make up the majority of your dog's diet and this needs to be from a quality source. If your puppy is a rescue, check for allergies - there are lots of options available. If you’re interested in researching different pet diets, check out our article on alternative pet diets. It’s best to speak with a vet about the appropriate diet for your pet.
- Treats - Treats are useful for reward-based training. Healthy treats can also be a helpful supplement to your growing puppy’s diet.
- Toy and chews - It’s important that your puppy has a range of interesting toys to play with, it will help distract it from other things to chew on like shoes or the sofa. Look for toys that are suitable for your puppy’s size. Kong chews are popular as they have a special teething formula that makes the rubber softer for young, brittle teeth. The chews are ideal for use during a puppy's teething stage and can be stuffed with tempting treats to keep your puppy happy and stimulated.
- Grooming - Get your puppy used to water and being washed and gradually introduce grooming in short sessions. Use a puppy-friendly shampoo and find the right brush for your puppy as different breeds of dogs will require different types of hairbrush. For example, a short-haired puppy may need a rubber toothed brush or a short bristle brush. Breeds with medium to long coats might need a gentle de-tangling every day to keep them knot-free. Check out our video tutorial on how to groom your dog at home.
- Blankets - Blankets are optional but can help protect your furniture and can be soothing for your new puppy. Sometimes the breeder or shelter will give you a small blanket to take away with you to help provide some comfort for your puppy in its new home.
- Puppy pads - These pads (sometimes called pee or potty pads) can help teach your puppy where it is appropriate to go to the bathroom before training it to go outside. Pads are quick-drying and help absorb any leaks and smells.
New Dog Items For Walks And Travelling
- Car harness - Keep your puppy safe during with a car harness. This will help prevent your puppy from wandering around the car and will help to prevent injury in the event of sudden breaking or swerving.
- Harness - Many owners will opt for a harness for walks as they’re designed to pull evenly across the chest, rather than tugging on the puppy’s neck, and provide higher visibility and security with reflective straps. Don’t forget to get a lead for walks and training. Allow your puppy time to become accustomed to any collar or harness you decide on.
- Collar and collar tag - Your puppy’s first collar should be soft and puppy-sized. It is a legal requirement that every dog while on a public highway or in public must wear a collar with the name and address of the owner inscribed on it or a plate or badge attached to it.
- Poo bags - These are essential for dog walks and allow you to safely and hygienically clean up your puppy’s poo. Some owners might opt for a poo bag dispenser that can be attached to your dog's lead so that they are never forgotten.
You can also read and download a checklist of items to get before your puppy arrives from The Dog Coach.