New Puppy Checklist: 15 Essentials for the First Week

Bringing home a new puppy is joyful — and hectic. Between first-night whimpers and inevitable potty accidents, having the right supplies ready makes all the difference. Here are the 15 essentials every new puppy parent needs for a smooth first week.

Feeding Essentials

1. Puppy-Specific Food

Puppies need calorie-dense food formulated for growth — adult dog food won't cut it. Ask your breeder or shelter what the puppy has been eating, and buy a small bag of the same brand to avoid an abrupt diet change.

2. Stainless Steel Food and Water Bowls

Stainless steel bowls are durable, dishwasher-safe, and resist bacteria better than plastic. Choose a weighted or non-slip base so an excited puppy can't flip it.

3. Training Treats

Small, soft treats are the currency of puppy training. Keep a pouch handy from day one for rewarding good behavior, from sitting calmly to going potty outside.

Sleep and Comfort

4. A Crate (and a Cozy Blanket)

A properly sized crate — just big enough to stand, turn, and lie down — becomes your puppy's den and your best house-training tool. Toss in a soft blanket that smells like home for extra comfort on the first nights.

5. A Comfortable Dog Bed

Even with a crate, a dedicated dog bed gives your puppy a defined "place" to settle outside the crate. Look for a washable cover; accidents happen.

Health and Grooming

6. Puppy Shampoo and Grooming Basics

Start grooming routines early — even brief handling builds a lifetime of easy vet and grooming visits.

7. ID Tag and Collar

Your puppy should wear a collar with an ID tag showing your phone number from the very first day. A lightweight, adjustable collar is best for tiny necks.

8. A Vet Appointment

Not a product, but essential: schedule a vet visit within the first few days. Bring any vaccination records from the breeder or shelter so your vet can map out the puppy's shot schedule.

Training and Enrichment

9. A 6-Foot Leash

Start leash training early with a lightweight 6-foot leash. Skip retractable leashes for now — they teach pulling and offer less control around traffic and other dogs.

10. Chew Toys

Puppies chew — it's how they explore and soothe teething gums. Stock up on safe chew toys in different textures to protect your shoes and furniture.

11. Puzzle or Enrichment Toys

A tired puppy is a good puppy. Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys burn mental energy, which matters just as much as physical exercise.

12. Potty Training Supplies

Puppy pads (for apartments), poop bags, and an enzymatic cleaner are non-negotiable. Enzymatic formulas break down the proteins that draw puppies back to the same spot — regular cleaners only mask the smell.

Safety and Home Setup

13. Baby Gates

Limit your puppy's world at first. Baby gates keep them out of dangerous areas — stairs, kitchens, rooms with chewable cords — while they're still learning the house rules.

14. Bitter Apple Spray (Cord and Furniture Deterrent)

A taste deterrent sprayed on furniture legs, shoes, and cords teaches your puppy what not to chew, saving both your belongings and their safety.

15. A Puppy-Proofed Home

Before pickup day, get down to puppy level and scan for hazards: loose cords, toxic plants, small objects, and open trash cans. Fifteen minutes of puppy-proofing prevents a week of close calls.

Your First Week, Simplified

With these 15 essentials ready, you can focus on what matters: bonding, routine, and patience. The first week sets the tone for your puppy's whole life — a little preparation goes a long way.