New Puppy Checklist: Everything You Need in Week One

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting and overwhelming. The first week sets the foundation for your relationship and your puppy's habits. Here's everything you need to prepare before and during that crucial first week.

Essential Supplies to Have Ready

• Crate - Size appropriate for your puppy's adult size (with a divider)
• Food and water bowls - Stainless steel or ceramic are easiest to clean
• Puppy food - Same brand the breeder/shelter was using, at least initially
• Collar with ID tags and a 6-foot leash
• Enzymatic cleaner - Accidents will happen
• Baby gates to block off areas
• Puppy pads (optional - some trainers skip these to avoid confusion)
• Chew toys - Kong, Nylabone, rope toys
• Soft bedding for the crate

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

Get on your hands and knees and look at your home from puppy level:

• Secure electrical cords and outlets
• Remove toxic plants, chemicals, and small objects
• Pick up shoes, socks, and children's toys
• Secure trash cans with lids
• Block access to stairs until puppy is coordinated enough
• Remove or protect furniture you don't want chewed

Day One: Keep It Calm

Your puppy just left their mother, littermates, and everything familiar. Day one should be quiet and low-key:

• Limit visitors - let your puppy settle before introducing lots of new people
• Show them their crate, water, food, and potty spot
• Take them outside to potty every 1-2 hours
• Let them explore one room at a time
• Expect crying at night - put the crate near your bed initially

Establishing a Routine

Puppies thrive on consistency. Establish these routines immediately:

• Feeding times - 3-4 times daily for puppies under 4 months, then 3 times, then 2 times
• Potty breaks - First thing in morning, after meals, after naps, after play, before bed
• Nap time - Puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep per day
• Play sessions - Short bursts throughout the day
• Bedtime routine - Same time, same place, every night

House Training Basics

House training requires patience and consistency:

• Take puppy out immediately after waking, eating, or playing
• Go to the same spot every time
• Use a cue word like "go potty" while they're going
• Praise and treat immediately after they finish outside
• Never punish accidents - just clean thoroughly with enzymatic cleaner
• Supervise constantly or confine to crate when you can't watch

First Vet Visit

Schedule a vet visit within the first 3-5 days:

• Bring any records from the breeder or shelter
• Discuss vaccination schedule and deworming
• Ask about heartworm and flea prevention
• Get a general health check
• Discuss spay/neuter timing

Socialization Window

The critical socialization period is 3-14 weeks. During week one, start gentle exposure to:

• Different surfaces - carpet, tile, grass, concrete
• Household sounds - vacuum (from a distance), TV, doorbell
• Gentle handling - touch paws, ears, mouth
• Different people - varied ages, appearances (after vaccinations allow for public outings)