New Puppy Checklist: Everything You Need

What can be more exciting than the thought of getting a new puppy? Fun and loveable, they make an excellent addition to any home and once you’ve chosen your furry friend, the wait to bring them into your life can feel like a lifetime! However, a puppy is a huge responsibility and will need constant love and attention - not to mention a whole host of toys, food and accessories to keep them healthy and happy.

So, in those weeks whilst you’re waiting to pick up your fluffy little bundle of joy, you can get prepared with all of the things you’re going to need for your pup to keep them - and you - as happy as can be!

When you’re bringing a new puppy into your home, you are going to want to be prepared for their arrival. Having the necessities ready will make the first few days, weeks and months run as smoothly as possible.

From toys to grooming supplies - these are the new puppy essentials that every proud new pooch owner needs.

It goes without saying that you’ll need some tasty food for your pup when you bring them home. However, it’s important to make sure you get the right food, as you can’t just feed them anything!

It’s likely that your pup will be sent home with a small supply for their first few days, which will need to be slowly transitioned out with the food you’ll be giving them, as this will help to avoid any digestive upset.

It’s essential to ensure that you get your hands on a complete puppy-specific food for their first few months, as this will provide them with the energy and protein they need to aid their all-important growth, as well as the essential nutrients puppies need to keep them healthy and happy.

Our Lifestage Puppy Turkey & Brown Rice is a great option. With carefully selected turkey, brown and white rice, oats, linseed, minerals, vitamins and seaweed, this complete food will nourish them and ensure they’re getting all of the goodness they need.

Food and water bowls are essential for any new pup. Aside from their obvious uses, they’re also great for teaching your pooch discipline around feeding times, helping them to establish boundaries and understand that they should only be eating food given to them in their bowl.

The Stainless Steel Silent Double Diner is a great option. With a non-slip base and sturdy wire frame, it can help to avoid their bowls being tipped over during the excitement of dinner time!

We all know how much puppies just love to play, so you need to make sure they’ve got a variety of toys to keep them entertained and give them something to chew on (other than your furniture and shoes!).

The Pedigree JW Snail Chew-Ee Teether is ideal for teething pups, as the textured surface works to massage sore gums and help to keep teeth in tip-top condition.

Being an energetic pup is tiring work, so you’ll need to make sure you’ve got a cosy bed for them to get their all-important sleep. It’s important to buy the right size for your pup to make sure they’re as comfy as possible - you don’t want any stray paws hanging out!

The Beddies Plush Lounger will be your pooch’s favourite spot. Made from soft velvet and with plush cushioning, it will keep your little pup so snug whilst they sleep - just add a blanket or two for the ultimate cosy haven.

Every new dog owner gets to look forward to the joys of toilet training, so puppy pads are an absolute must! They will introduce your pup to the concept of going to the toilet in one place to help prevent any accidents!

The Pet Living Puppy Pads are the perfect option. Made from five absorbent layers, they will prevent any leakage and protect your flooring whilst you’re toilet training your new pooch.

Now that you’re a dog owner, poo bags are going to become your new shopping list staple - welcome to the world of dog parenting!

You’ll need to take a supply out with you every time you go for a walk - there’s nothing worse than being caught short! The Good Boy Standard Poo Bags are a great choice, and you can even get a Poo Bag Dispenser to attach to your lead, so you’ll never forget a poo bag again!

Some owners may choose not to use a crate for their new pup, but they do give their own space to chill out in, so they’re definitely worth considering. They’re also great for when you have to leave your pooch unsupervised, as you know they’ll be safe and secure in their little den.

Your excitable little pup is going to want to explore everything and everywhere whilst out on your walks, which means puddles, patches of mud and anything else they can sniff out. It’s inevitable that they’ll get a little mucky from time to time, so make sure you’re prepared with a whole host of grooming supplies, to keep them clean such as:

Regular brushing not only keeps their coat in tip-top condition, but it’s an excellent bonding exercise for you both too!

Now, it goes without saying that you’re going to want to get your hands on a collar and lead for your pup so you can go out and enjoy some lovely walks together. Once they’ve been trained to walk on a lead, of course!

Once you’ve brought your new puppy home, you’ll find that there are lots more things that you need to buy, but as long as you’ve got the essentials, you’ll breeze through your first few weeks as a dog parent! Explore our range today to treat your pup to everything they need for their new life with you.