New Puppy Checklist

Are you ready for the long-term investment that comes with owning a happy & healthy dog?

From the moment you pick up your new furry friend, the expenses begin. There’s a long list of essential puppy items you’ll need right away. Like a comfy bed, food and water bowls, high-quality puppy food, toys for teething, a collar and lead, and even toilet training pads. These initial costs can add up quickly as you prepare to make your home safe and welcoming for your pup.

But it doesn’t stop there!

• Vet bills – From routine health check-ups and vaccinations to flea treatments and worming. You also need to budget for microchipping, pet insurance, and spaying or neutering.
• Lifetime costs – This includes regular grooming, replacing worn-out toys, premium food, and possibly doggy day care or training classes.
• Emergencies – Unexpected vet visits do happen so having a financial safety net is crucial.

Taking the time to plan and understand these costs means you can give your puppy the best start in life without financial stress.

Is everyone in your family truly ready to help?

Bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting decision, but it’s one that needs the full support and commitment of everyone in the household. Puppies aren’t just cute companions. They are a big responsibility and their health and happiness depend on consistent care from all the family.

It’s important to ask yourself:

• Is everyone on board?
• Will everyone help with the day-to-day tasks that come with raising a puppy?
• Will a puppy will fit into your family’s lifestyle?
• Will everyone help with the routine of feeding, walking, grooming, training and cleaning up every day.
• Do you have young children who need to be taught how to safely play with a new pet?
• Are there older family members who may get annoyed with a boisterous pup?
• How will the responsibilities for the dog be shared?

This is one of the most important things to do when considering a dog…Having an honest conversation with your family.  A united, prepared household makes for a happy, well-adjusted dog and owner.

When bringing a new puppy into your home, it’s essential to think about both their physical and emotional needs. Here are some points to consider when planning for their safety and comfort:

• Space for a Growing Dog: Puppies grow quickly, so it’s important you have enough space for them to move around as they become larger. A growing dog needs room to play, explore and release their energy. If you live in a flat or have limited space, be sure to plan for daily walks, playtime and exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
• Secure Garden: A safe, secure garden is the ideal place for a dog to play. Puppies tend to be escape artists so make sure it is fenced off properly. Ensure that your fence is tall enough and that there are no gaps they could squeeze through. Puppies, especially those in the teething stage, may try to chew on fencing or escape attempts, so it’s essential to regularly inspect your garden regularly.
• Safe Sleeping Spaces: All dogs need a quiet and comfortable space where they can retreat and relax. This should be a designated area that is free from distractions and dangers. A dog bed in a corner or crate that they feel safe in can be perfect.
• Puppy Proofing: Puppies are naturally curious creatures. They love to explore which can lead to some risky behaviour. Puppy-proofing your home is essential. Electrical cords, sharp objects, chemicals, and small items that could be swallowed should be kept out of reach. Attaching baby gates to areas you don’t want you puppy to be or buying a puppy pens is ideal to keep then safe when you’re not in the room to supervise them.
• Chewing Habits: Puppies, especially during teething, will chew on anything they can find. This will include furniture, shoes, and electrical wires given the chance. Buying plenty of appropriate chew toys to satisfy their natural chewing instincts can help.

So, you have decided you are getting a puppy. Now it’s time to go shopping! There are many puppy essentials you will need to help your new family member settle in.

Our Pre Puppy checklist contains all the essential items you will need to buy before you pick up your pup.

• Puppy Car Seat / Harness
• Adjustable Collar
• Lead
• ID Tag
• Food & Water Bowl 
• Complete Puppy Food
• Dog Bed
• Puppy Pads
• Puppy Toys

Puppy Car Seat / Harness – A puppy car seat or harness will allow you to attach your pup with a seatbelt to prevent them moving around the car. Keeping you and them safe on the journey home.

Adjustable Collar – Puppy’s grow daily so an adjustable collar is essential so that you can easily adjust as they get bigger.

Lead – Getting your dog used to a lead from day one is best. It’s an essential piece of kit especially when your pup is untrained. Retractable leads are ideal at this early stage as it lets them explore outdoors while still staying safe and within your reach.

ID Tag – Required by law, ID tags will be attached to your dog’s collar with its name on it and your contact details. ID tags are important as they help others get in touch with you if your puppy ever decides to wander off.

Food & Water Bowls – Food and water bowls come in plastic, ceramic and stainless steel. The type and style you choose will depend on the breed of pup you are welcoming. Bigger pups need bigger bowls. A separate bowl is needed for their food and water.

Complete Puppy Food – A high quality complete puppy food is needed to give your dog the best start in life. Puppy food is needed for dogs up until 12 months old to help give them all the nutrients they need to become a happy, healthy dog.

Dog Bed – Puppies need lots of sleep in the early years so buying a comfy dog bed for them to use is ideal. Whether you place it on the floor or in a dog crate, a bed will help provide extra layers of comfort and support for their growing bodies.

Puppy Pads – Puppy Pads are essential when toilet training. Puppies will have accidents as they learn the rules of the house but with super absorbent puppy pads you can keep the mess to a minimum.

Puppy Toys – Puppies love to play so having a variety of toys on offer is a great way to keep them mentally and physically entertained. Enrichment toys and activities are key for all dogs.

As well as your puppy essentials, there are also a variety of other products you may want to consider purchasing to help keep your new dog safe, happy, healthy and entertained. 

• Dog toothbrush and toothpaste
• Puppy shampoo
• Flea & Worm Treatment
• Carpet cleaner
• Poo bags
• Brush
• Grooming wipes
• Chew toys
• Dog balls
• Puppy pen
• Dog crate
• Baby gate
• Dog training treats
• Dog blanket

You will want to get your new furry friend seen by a vet to do a health check and discuss microchipping, vaccinations and neutering.

By researching and choosing a vet early on will make this process simple. Below are 5 things to consider when choosing a vet:

• Distance – In emergency cases it is always good to be close to you vet practice
• Opening Hours – Consider your working hours and if they are open at suitable times for you.
• Prices – Vet pricing varies depending on areas so ensure you are aware of their pricing structure.
• Specialist Vets – Do they specialise in particular animals? Can they do more in depth treatments on site?
• Extra Services – Some vets also offer training and grooming so it is worth while asking.

Personal recommendation is also a great way of choosing a vet as this will give you confidence your new puppy will be taken care of.

Purchasing pet insurance will help cover veterinary treatment and medical expenses if your pup gets injured or becomes ill. Having this in place will mean you will always be able to get medical help for your dog in any circumstances.

Depending on the policy you take out it can also help with dental treatment costs, loss of a pet if it gets stolen as well as third party damage that your pet may have caused. Make sure you do your research to make sure you choose the best policy for you.

With 15 years of experience under our collars, Bruce’s continue to strive to learn about dogs and what makes them happy.

We have a variety of puppy services on offer to help your and your puppy through their first few months. As well as a premium puppy day care, we can introduce your puppy to dog grooming too.

Contact us today to learn more.