New Puppy Checklist: Everything You Need for Your First Dog (2026)

Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting things you'll ever do. It's also a little overwhelming. There's a lot to buy, a lot to prepare, and a lot of conflicting advice online about what you actually need versus what's just nice to have.

This checklist cuts through the noise. Whether you're picking up a puppy this weekend or you have a few weeks to prepare, here's everything you genuinely need — organized by priority — for your new dog's first days, weeks, and months at home.

Before Your Puppy Comes Home

1. A Safe, Comfortable Bed

Your puppy needs a place that's theirs. An orthopedic or plush dog bed provides warmth, comfort, and helps them feel secure in a new environment. Our Beds & Comfort collection includes sofa-style loungers, plush sleeping kennels, and self-warming nest beds — ideal for small breed puppies who love to curl up.

Tip: For very young puppies, a nest-style bed (enclosed on 3 sides) mimics the feel of being with their littermates and helps with separation anxiety.

2. A Collar and ID Tag

Before your puppy goes anywhere, they need a collar and an ID tag with your name and phone number. Our Collars, Leashes & Harnesses collection has adjustable collars suitable for growing puppies, plus no-pull harnesses for when training begins.

Tip: A harness is gentler on puppies' necks during leash training and reduces the risk of trachea damage from pulling.

3. Food and Water Bowls

Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are easiest to clean and don't harbor bacteria the way plastic can. Our Feeding & Bowls collection includes double bowl sets, slow-feeder options, and portable travel bowls for puppies on the go.

4. Puppy Food

Ask your breeder or shelter what food your puppy is currently eating and stick with it for the first week or two to avoid stomach upset. Any diet transitions should happen slowly, over 7–10 days.

5. Grooming Basics

Even if your puppy doesn't need a full groom yet, getting them used to being brushed, bathed, and handled early makes a massive difference. Start with a soft-bristle brush, a gentle shampoo, and a detangling comb. Our Grooming & Care collection has everything you need. See our full dog grooming guide for step-by-step help.

First Week Essentials

6. Crate (Optional but Recommended)

A crate is one of the most effective tools for house training and gives your puppy a safe den to retreat to. Choose a crate that fits your puppy's adult size but use a divider to keep the space small enough to feel secure while they're young.

7. Puppy Pads and Cleanup Supplies

Accidents will happen. Stock up on enzyme-based cleaner (it eliminates odors, which reduces repeat accidents in the same spot), puppy pads for indoor training, and a good poop bag dispenser for walks. Our Hygiene & Cleanup collection covers the essentials.

8. Toys for Play and Teething

Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Without appropriate chew toys, your furniture and shoes become the toys. Stock a few options: a rope toy for tug, a rubber chew toy for teething, and an interactive puzzle feeder to slow down eating and stimulate their brain. Browse our Toys & Enrichment collection for puppy-appropriate options.

9. Vet Appointment

Schedule a vet visit within the first week. Your vet will check for health issues, set up a vaccination schedule, and answer all the questions you'll inevitably have.

First Month Additions

10. Leash and Harness

Once your puppy has their initial vaccinations, it's time to start exploring the world. A no-pull harness is the ideal starting point for leash training. See our guide to choosing a dog harness for sizing and fit advice.

11. Puppy Training Treats

Small, soft, high-value treats are the foundation of positive reinforcement training. Tiny pieces (the size of a pea) work best — your puppy gets the reward signal without filling up between meals.

12. Travel Essentials

If you plan to take your puppy anywhere — to the vet, to family visits, on road trips — a car seat cover protects your upholstery, and a portable water bottle and bowl keep them hydrated on the go. See our Travel & Outdoors collection for road-trip-ready puppy gear.

The One Purchase You'll Never Regret

Among all the practical items on this list, one stands apart: a custom portrait of your new puppy. This sounds like a luxury, but it's one of those gifts you'll treasure for the rest of your life — because puppies grow up so fast, and the way they look at you in those first weeks is something worth capturing forever.

Our custom pet portrait options — watercolor or classic oil painting — let you turn a great photo of your puppy into a hand-crafted piece of art. From $49.99. Delivered within 8–14 calendar days.

Tip for the best puppy portrait: Get a clear photo at their eye level, in natural light, when they're calm and alert. That alert, curious expression they have when they hear an unfamiliar sound — that's the one worth capturing. See our pet portrait photo guide for detailed tips.

New Puppy Checklist Summary

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