Your New Puppy Checklist: Essentials for New Pet Parents

By: Sara Ondrako, Certified Canine Behavior Consultant

Congratulations, you're a new puppy parent! Part of the fun in bringing home a new puppy is shopping for cute fluffy beds that match your decor, creative toys, matching leash-collar-poop bag ensembles, and other items that will make your puppy feel right at home. 

As a behavior professional, I love to be prepared for all things puppy when a new fluffy bundle of joy joins the family (or not-so-fluffy if you have a hairless Xoloicuintle pup). Puppyhood can be super fun, but it can also be quite exhausting at times. My years of experience in puppy parenting have helped me compile a go-to checklist for bringing your new pup home! This list has everything you need to start your puppy's new life on the right paw.

Nutrition

• Puppy food

• Dog treats

• DHA/EPA

Puppies love eating, but it's not simply about what tastes good. Choosing high-quality food for your dog can help set them up for a lifetime of health and wellness. With the guidance of several board-certified veterinary nutritionists, here are the things that I now look for when curating a puppy's diet:

• Puppy food containing limited ingredients, with a whole-meat protein listed first (bonus if they add in organs such as heart and liver).
• Avoid puppy food and dog treats where peas, legumes, lamb, and novel proteins such as kangaroo or bison are among the first ten ingredients on the bag.
• Puppies whose diets contain Omega 3s (DHA and EPA) have been shown to out-learn puppies not given Omega 3 supplements during development. These Polyunsaturated fatty acids (aka PUFAs) are essential for cognitive function. Add Native Pet's once-daily Omega Oil to your puppy's food to boost their brain function.
• Human-grade food means that all ingredients are cooked separately, so each component reaches a maximum nutritional value (isn't over-cooked or undercooked), and the quality of the meat is fit for human consumption (doesn't contain diseased or rendered animals).
• Whether you choose kibble, freeze-dried raw, or fresh food, incorporating safe, fresh foods and limited ingredient supplements for variety can ensure your puppy is getting a healthy mix to feed their gut, brain, and body. Some examples include lightly boiled (skin-on) sweet potatoes, plain boiled chicken, raw broccoli, blueberries, pomegranate, pumpkin powder, fresh sardines, and organic plain greek yogurt.

When picking out morsels that will communicate to your puppy, "yes! I love that behavior; do that again!" the options are limitless. I primarily use high-quality puppy kibble to load up my pouch of training treats and then pick three higher-value treats to sprinkle into the kibble. Most of the time, the puppy will receive a piece of kibble as a reward. Every once in a while, a super tasty treat will be delivered, keeping them engaged and happily motivated. Always remember, with treats - moderation is vital. Some training treats are like eating a cupcake when you have a sweet tooth, while the healthier options are like eating fruit to satisfy a sweet craving. It's okay to have a cupcake every now and then, but the bulk of your pup's treats should be healthy options with limited ingredients.

Training Supplies

• Puppy Training Classes
• Hands-free leash
• Collar (with identification)
• Longline
• Treat Pouch / Bait Bag
• Tug Toy and/or Ball
• Poop Bags

Puppies are like little sponges - they constantly absorb information and learn at an incredible pace. Start by finding a reputable positive reinforcement trainer. You should also sign up for group puppy classes or private lessons with a socialization (social exposure) component. You can find a certified dog trainer through the IAABC or CCPDT directory. 

The first two weeks with your puppy at home is the honeymoon phase. It's considered the adjustment or getting-to-know-you period, in which you establish daily routines, start bonding, and build the foundation period of your relationship. Embrace the honeymoon phase, and schedule your training to begin after those two weeks. Be aware that trainers often book a few months in advance, so you may want to schedule your classes before your puppy arrives. 

Here are my go-to supplies to make training with a new puppy as easy as possible:

• A hands-free leash allows you to tether your puppy to you whenever they are not in their crate, outside in a fenced-in area, or being directly supervised off-leash. Tethering speeds up training by providing a constant opportunity to reward behaviors you want to see repeated and interrupt those that you want to redirect. I use a hands-free leash with every new puppy I work with; it's incredibly effective when combined with crate training to speed up potty training. 
• A dog collar with identification is critical if you choose to wait until your puppy is fully-grown to implant a microchip. I recommend an all-fabric martingale collar, so the puppy doesn't accidentally slip out of the collar. Whether embroidered or on an ID tag, identification is essential in case of an accidental escape. You should include your puppy's name and your phone number on their collar. I recommend soft or metal tags lined with a silicone band, so the dog's sensitive ears aren't bothered by the constant jingling.
• A Long Line is a very long leash that gives your puppy freedom (a great confidence booster) while also allowing you to safely teach your dog recall. I suggest the 30-foot biothane long lines because they are easy to clean. I recommend avoiding retractable leashes or flexi leads unless instructed by a professional dog trainer because these can lead to severe injuries for both puppy and pet parents if not utilized safely. 
• Treat pouches can help you quickly reward positive behavior while keeping up with your puppy's fast-moving brain. I look for extra compartments for keys and biodegradable poop bags. You'll want to bring poop bags everywhere you go to clean up after your puppy responsibly, and your treat pouch is one of the most convenient places to carry them.
• Tug Toys and/or Balls can keep puppy training fun and exciting! I recommend tightly woven tug toys. Avoid loose strings, so your pup is less likely to ingest the threads, which could require surgery to fix. I generally pick toys with various scents, textures, and colors to see what my puppy responds to the most.

Equipment I avoid with puppies:

• No-pull harnesses can significantly restrict the mobility of your puppy. This is a problem because their growth plates (soft cartilaginous areas that will solidify with age) have yet to close and are susceptible to damage during development. Damage can lead to permanent bone deformities. 
• Prong collars and stimulation (electronic) collars are frequently used to add pain or discomfort to "correct" negative behaviors. Using pain and discomfort in training young puppies can degrade trust and lead to aggressive behaviors (often owner-directed) later in life. If planning on positively conditioning a remote collar, wait until at least nine months of age, work with a dog professional specializing in positive reinforcement, and pair the low-level collar stimulation with a verbal cue.

Grooming Essentials

• Dog Shampoo

• Puppy Wipes

• Nail Clippers and/or Dremmel

• Brush

• Dog Toothpaste

• Toothbrush 

Aside from keeping your puppy clean and smelling fresh, practicing grooming from an early age with positive reinforcement (adding yummy treats during grooming sessions) can help puppies grow into more confident dogs. They'll know what to expect when being handled by veterinary staff, groomers, or even strangers. It can also really pay off to practice early if you, at some point, have to treat an ear infection by administering ear medication, or perhaps your dog's anal glands have to be expressed as they age.

For bathing, shampoos can really dry your puppy's skin out. I opt for fragrance-free and limited-ingredient shampoos that clearly list all ingredients, and I only bathe my dogs every 4-6 weeks. If you must have that fresh from the groomer scent, opt for more natural scents, such as lavender and chamomile extracts, to avoid artificial chemical perfumes or dyes.

Puppy wipes help keep over-bathing at bay and provide an easy way to prevent outside mud from getting inside. I love using a paw washer for especially dirty days. Most of the time, allergens your puppy brings in, dirt from romping in the grass, and the occasional stepped-in poop can be quickly dealt with using puppy wipes. As with the shampoos, I recommend unscented (or naturally scented) sensitive wipes. You can also use baby wipes; just be sure to dispose of them in the garbage and never the toilet system.

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so it makes sense that nail clippers do too. The choices can be overwhelming, but after over 25 years of trimming nails, my go-to nail clippers for dogs of all sizes are heavy-duty, stainless steel basic clippers. They come in various colors and with and without guards to avoid accidentally clipping into the sensitive quick. Clipping alone can leave sharp edges that can scratch and cut you or get caught in clothing or fabric. For this, I recommend using a dremel to file their nails down. The cone head attachment, or Christmas tree attachment, is easiest for grinding access around the nail. 

Toothpaste and toothbrushing are essential to introduce early on in your puppy's life. It will make oral hygiene a breeze as your puppy ages and save you thousands of dollars over its lifetime in professional dental cleanings. I recommend using toothpaste that the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approves. Toothbrushes with longer handles make reaching your pup's back teeth easy and prevent accidental bites to your fingers. 

Teething, Toys, and Enrichment:

• Rubber Chew Toys

• Long-lasting Chews

• Puzzle Toys

From the moment those little needles erupt into the gum line through about six months of age, your puppy will be teething. For this reason, you'll want safe teething toys stashed throughout the house. Keeping them handy will allow you to quickly grab and redirect those puppy teeth when they try chewing on inappropriate objects, such as shoes and pant legs. This can help the puppy-biting phase not be so ruff! I recommend rubber dog toys since they are more gentle on the gums than hard plastic and are considerably less likely to fracture teeth. The Kong is my favorite rubber chew toy for experimenting with enrichment recipes to keep my puppy's brain and belly happy. 

Have fun selecting enrichment toys such as puzzle toys, puzzle balls, snuffle mats, and other puzzle games that will provide much-needed mental stimulation daily. I often opt for enrichment pieces with which I can incorporate their meal to make mealtime more fun for my puppy.

Long-lasting chews, like Native Pet's Yak Chews, can be helpful when your puppy is experiencing a higher drive to chew. Some puppies and adult dogs find comfort in settling down with a chewy snack to help relax after a taxing day of learning, exploring, or just being a dog.

Other General Essential Supplies:

• Dog Crate / Kennel

• Dog Bed and/or Crate Mats

• Dog Food and Water Bowls

• Cleaning Supplies

• Playpen

The crate or kennel is one of the best ways to keep your puppy safe when not directly supervised and to help them get comfortable with independent time. Puppies get better rest and recovery when separated into another room away from family interruptions. Better sleep contributes to more efficient learning and better behavior. If your puppy needs to be potty trained, choose a crate that allows enough movement to stand up, turn around, and lay down. Crate training is superior to alternative potty training methods, such as using potty pads. If your puppy is already potty trained, feel free to give them plenty of room to move about in their crate. I look for options with doors on two sides and an adjustable divider so the crate can grow with the puppy. 

While dog beds may not seem essential to new puppy owners, I add this to my must-have list because they give your puppy a dedicated place just for them. They can be handy for teaching cues like "place," giving your puppy a go-to spot for independent chewing or enrichment, and preventing your pup from using your pile of blankets as their next snooze spot. 

When selecting food and water bowls, I recommend materials that are easy to clean and less likely to harbor harmful bacteria. Stainless steel is the go-to, and I suggest ones with a rubber or silicone-lined bottom so the puppy doesn't flip the bowl over. Due to their porosity, plastic bowls harbor the most bacterial growth, followed by ceramic bowls. Any bowl you choose, porous or not, will be fine if you regularly wash your dog's bowl after meals, just as you would your own dinner plates. Elevated dog bowls are best for large breed puppies to avoid neck and back issues from repetitive bending down to eat.

If this is your first new dog, you may need to review your cleaning supplies to make room for safe puppy supplies. Animals tend to be sensitive to harsh cleaning products, so avoid strong chemicals like bleach-based cleaners and those with perfumes and dyes. For occasional messes that may occur while still house-training your puppy, use a urine-specific stain remover enzyme cleaner such as Nature's Miracle to break down the urine thoroughly and discourage your puppy from returning to that spot again. For outdoor sanitation, a pooper scooper can be a helpful tool to keep smelly stuff at a distance while cleaning the yard. 

When you can't have your puppy tethered to you and want to encourage independent play under supervision, puppy gates or playpens are an excellent way to accomplish this indoors or outdoors. Add a soft crate mat, bed, and puppy toys to their play area. Playpen time is the perfect time to roll in clicker training. Clicker training is a prevalent form of dog training that involves shaping behaviors with positive reinforcement. The clicker makes the timing of reinforcement easy and effective when you aren't right next to the playpen to reward your dog for positive behaviors.

Essentials for the Adjustment Period

• Maternal Appeasing Pheromones / Calming Scents

• Something from their prior home

• Probiotics

During the honeymoon phase, your puppy may be excited to be home with you, but the initial get-to-know-you period can still be stressful. You'll want to ensure your puppy gets plenty of naps in its crate. You can also take the following steps for a smooth transition:

• An Adaptil (Maternal Appeasing Pheromone) collar and/or natural (no additives) calming scents, such as pure lavender and chamomile room sprays or diffusers, can help your pup adjust smoothly.
• An article of clothing or blanket from their first home can ease the transition by bridging the former comfort with the new.
• Adding probiotics to your puppy's food for the first couple of weeks can calm the upset stomach and diarrhea that may be triggered by the sudden change in their environment. I like to incorporate probiotics in my puppy's diet during their initial transition, during any other potentially stressful times, and during any course of antibiotics.

Medical Care

• Schedule the First Veterinary Appointment

• Heartworm and Flea Preventive

• Pet Insurance / Financial Preparation

• Pet First Aid Kit

You may have heard the saying - prevention is the best medicine. Your puppy will receive vaccinations to protect them from common diseases. I recommend scheduling your first appointment immediately since getting in with your veterinarian can take some time. You'll also want to stay on top of the window for boosting vaccines to improve their effectiveness. 

Bring your puppy for fun visits to the hospital, where no procedures or handling occurs between your scheduled puppy physicals and vaccine visits. Exploring around the lobby or treatment rooms and accepting yummy treats from the front desk staff can help them grow more comfortable in these environments. 

During your first visit, your veterinarian can help you choose the best heartworm and flea prevention for your puppy. Most come as treats and are given orally every 30 days. Heartworm disease is so common because it is easily transmitted by mosquitos that bite your dog. Curing the disease requires painful and expensive treatment with a lingering possibility of permanent pulmonary damage. Heartworm disease can cause your dog to collapse and perish abruptly if left untreated. However, it is entirely preventable by keeping your puppy current on heartworm prevention. 

Medical care can quickly add up, especially if an emergency requires hospitalization or surgery. While no pet parent wants to think about the possibility of something like that happening to their beloved furry family member, every pet parent should be prepared financially in case it does. 

There are several health insurance coverage plans to choose from. Whether or not your puppy has any possible pre-existing conditions, such as a broken limb, being a brachycephalic breed, or surviving parvovirus, the best plan for you may vary from company to company. Several sites offer comparisons of coverage and price quotes to explore options. 

Lastly, be prepared to handle minor puppy scrapes and tumbles at home with a pet first aid kit. Whether you make your own pet first aid kit or order one pre-made, it pays to be prepared for the cuts, the bug bites, and things like mild allergic reactions. Having a first aid kit handy can save you an expensive hospital visit for the easy stuff. 

Bringing a new puppy home is so very exciting! Knowing what essentials you'll need and having your supplies on hand can make starting your journey with your new canine companion significantly more enjoyable. With your checklist complete, you can spend more time cuddling, playing, and teaching so many fun things to your new best friend. 

The Complete Checklist for New Puppy Essentials:

Nutrition

• Puppy food

• Dog Treats

• DHA/EPA

Training Supplies

• Puppy Training Classes

• Hands-free leash

• Collar (with identification)

• Longline

• Treat Pouch / Bait Bag

• Tug Toy and/or Ball

• Poop Bags

Grooming Essentials

• Shampoo

• Puppy Wipes

• Nail Clippers and/or Dremmel

• Brush

• Dog Toothpaste

• Toothbrush 

Teething, Toys, and Enrichment:

• Rubber Chew Toys

• Long-lasting Chews

• Puzzle Toys

Other General Essential Supplies:

• Dog Crate / Kennel

• Dog Bed and/or Crate Mats

• Dog Food and Water Bowls

• Cleaning Supplies

• Playpen

The Adjustment Period Essentials

• Maternal Appeasing Pheromones / Calming Scents

• Something from their prior home

• Probiotics

Medical Care

• Schedule the First Veterinary Appointment

• Heartworm and Flea Preventive

• Pet Insurance / Financial Preparation

• Pet First Aid Kit