New Puppy Checklist: What To Know Before You Bring Them Home

You’re a new puppy parent — congrats! There’s nothing better than adding a new furry friend to your family.

Even though this time is incredibly exciting, it can also be a bit stressful.

How should you prepare? What do you need to have ready before they arrive?

Luckily, we’re helping you answer these questions and eliminate the worry. We’ve compiled a new puppy checklist full of things you’ll need for your new best friend.

Let’s dig in!

Your New Puppy Checklist

Before You Bring Your Puppy Home

Prior to your furry friend arriving home, here are a few things that you should do to prepare:

1. Research: Do some quick research on your puppy’s breed to know more about their personality and temperament. This way there are no surprises as they adjust into your home!
2. Puppy-Proofing: Make your home puppy safe by removing anything that can be harmful or toxic. Place chemicals and cleaners in out of reach places, move the chocolate to the cabinet and place your favorite shoes on the highest shelf!
3. Choose a Veterinarian: Your puppy is going to need ****regular check-ups and vaccinations. Find a veterinarian with great credentials and that you can trust.
4. Identification: Keep your puppy safe with a collar and ID tag. This will help in case they get lost, you may even want to consider getting your puppy microchipped.
5. Pet Insurance: To keep your puppy protected no matter what, get them covered with a pet insurance policy as soon as you bring them home. The best time to get pet insurance is when your dog is a puppy, luckily it’s quick and easy to get them set up with Fursure Pet Insurance! Get your quote today.
6. Crate and Playpen: Purchase a crate for housebreaking and a puppy gate to keep your dog confined to certain areas while they get adjusted.
7. Bedding: Make their crate cozy or get a comfortable bed for your puppy to sleep on.
8. Food and Water Bowls: Grab some bowls for your puppy to eat and drink out of.
9. Puppy Food: Your puppy’s nutrition is important, buy them high quality food to promote their health and growth.
10. Treats: All puppies deserve treats and you can use these for training and rewards.
11. Leash and Collar or Harness: You’ll need to keep your puppy close while outside, so make sure you have the right collar or harness and a leash.
12. Toys: Keep your puppy entertained with soft and chewy toys.
13. Grooming Supplies: Keep your pup’s fur groomed with a quality brush and shampoo.
14. Potty Training Supplies: Puppies have accidents, so make sure you have the essentials including pads, poop bags, cleanup supplies and a designated spot for them to use outside.
15. Training Supplies: Training your puppy is hard work, but rewarding! Consider watching videos, reading books or even bringing them to a puppy class for extra help.

On The Day You Bring Your Puppy Home

1. Welcome Home: Your puppy is home! Give them a warm welcome and make them feel comfortable
2. Exploration: Let your puppy check things out and explore, but make sure you keep an eye on them.
3. Food and Water: Pick an area in your house where your puppy can access their food and water. Try to keep this area consistent to help with training.
4. Toilet Breaks: Your puppy will need frequent potty breaks, especially after eating, drinking, and waking up, so make sure to take them out often.

During The First Few Weeks of Puppy Life

1. Socialize: Keep your puppy active and introduce them to new people, animals, and environments to help them learn how to socialize.
2. Training: Jumpstart basic training by teaching them commands like sit, stay, and come.
3. Regular Feeding Schedule: Be consistent with their feeding schedule which will help them maintain and establish good habits and patterns.
4. Health Check: Visit your trusted veterinarian for your first puppy checkup to talk about vaccinations and their general health.

Things You Should Always Remember as a Puppy Parent

1. Exercise: Your puppy needs activity to keep them healthy. Make sure they get enough exercise and playtime each day.
2. Training and Obedience: Continue training your puppy on your own or hire a personal dog trainer. This is incredibly important to help them maintain and learn good behavior and manners.
3. Regular Vet Visits: Get acquainted with your vet and keep up with regular visits for check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care.
4. Pet Insurance: Save money on any vet bills that may arise by getting your puppy set up with a pet insurance policy. Give your furry friend the coverage they deserve, Fursure is here to help.
5. Grooming: Keep your pet clean and looking good with regular brushing and grooming.
6. Dental Care: Keep your puppy's teeth heathy by brushing them regularly and purchasing dental chews.
7. Socialize Your Pup: Stay active and social with your pup and continue to introduce them to new experiences and people.
8. Give Your Pup Lots of Love: There’s no limit to the amount of love, attention, and quality time you should give your puppy. Shower them with affection, they’re the perfect addition to your family!