The Ultimate New Puppy Checklist

How to Prepare for Your New Puppy:
A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a new puppy is one of the most exciting and joyous times. Full of pep, wonder, and pure joy, puppies make everything a little better. Here’s everything you need to know before you bring your new puppy home to ensure they’re safe, comfortable, and ready to tackle everything life has in store for them.

Have supplies ready

Before you bring your puppy home, it’s a good idea to have all of your supplies set up and ready to go. Our new puppy checklist includes:

Collar, harness, and leash
Food and water bowls (stainless steel or ceramic)
High-quality dog food (see the food section!)
Training treats
Comfy bed
Crate (with a divider)
Toys (chew toys, stuffed toys, enrichment)
Grooming tools (brush, shampoo, nail clippers)
Poop bags
For new puppy owners we love Puppy Brain by Kerri Nichols!
Its the best puppy book around!

Download our Favourite Puppy Items here!

Establish veterinary care

Finding a veterinarian you know and trust will make your vet visits so much easier. If you don’t already have a family vet, ask friends or family for recommendations. Once you find your preferred vet, take your puppy in for a checkup and to establish their shot schedule to make sure they stay on track with their vaccinations. You can also ask your vet about diet, nutrition, and any other puppy questions that transpire! It’s also a good idea to find an emergency vet nearby, in case something happens. Keep their address and phone number saved on your phone or on your fridge so it’s nearby in case you need it.

Set up a safe space

Giving your pups an area to chill out and decompress in helps them stay relaxed and give them a place to rest in when they get overstimulated. A kennel with a blanket or cover over the top simulates a den, and can help pups feel safe and relaxed (plus, kennel training your pup is a great skill that will likely come in handy in the future). You can also set up a bed in a small room or X pen if you don’t have a kennel, just make sure there’s nothing they can chew on or get into in the space. Try turning off the lights and playing some calming music. You can have your pup take short naps in their space to get used to it, and then try having them spend more time there, like while you go run errands or go out to dinner. Training your pup to sleep in their kennel or room will also help them to develop a routine and understand when it’s time to wind down and go to sleep.

Safe socialization

Proper socialization is integral to a puppy’s growth and wellbeing. When done right, socialization can help build your puppy’s confidence, courage, and cognitive skills. Puppy socialization needs to start right away allowing your dog to see and hear new places & things. Allow your dogs to meet other well-behaved puppies through carefully monitored interactions like in puppy training classes or playdates in the park. We recommend starting playdates as soon as your puppy has their second set of vaccines. Make sure to monitor their body language to make sure they aren’t overly stressed, anxious, or overstimulated. If you have other pets at home, start with slow intros. Let your original pets meet your new puppy at their own pace and allow them to have access to their typical spaces so they don’t feel like their space is being invaded on. Give your pets multiple days to meet each other and get used to cohabitating. You can allow them to switch spaces, and swap the rooms that they’re in to let them get used to each other’s scent.

Pick the right food

Starting your pup early on a high-quality food will help ensure your dog flourishes

throughout their life. Make sure to pick a food specially formulated for puppies, since puppy food contains DHA and other vital nutrients to help them grow. Foods with high-quality proteins, balanced carbs and fats, higher calorie count, and smaller bite sizes are also ideal. The amount of time your dog should stay on puppy food depends on the breed and size, but typically puppies can transition to adult food around 12 to 18 months. Ask your vet about when you should transition your pup to adult food.

Our top pick for puppy food is Open Farm!

They offer a grain free and a grain inclusive formulas that offer a protein packed diet. Chicken based or Fish based formulas available as well.
Open Farm also offers freeze dried, stews & gently cooked puppy formulas to cater to every dogs preference.

Shop our Open Farm Puppy Collection!

Dog proof your house

Safety first when it comes to bringing puppies home! Remember, they’re masterminds at getting into just about any and everything.

Everything is a chew toy to Puppies!!

Make sure cords, medicine, cleaning supplies, breakable objects, and any toxic foods (like chocolate or grapes) are out of reach. Remove toxic plants and keep small objects, like coins or buttons, out of reach to prevent choking hazards.

You can install baby gates to block off restricted areas and create safe puppy zones. Consider protecting furniture edges with covers or deterrent sprays to prevent chewing.

Have a training plan

Setting up a plan for training means setting your puppy up for success. As soon as they are old enough and have had their second round puppy shots, it’s a good idea to enrol them in a training class so they can learn basic commands and how to be on their best behaviour! Yes we said second round of vaccines as it's critical to start the socialization process prior to 16 weeks!

We offer group puppy classes as well as our Pawsitive Puppy Program! This program is our 4 week intensive puppy training program where your puppy comes to us daily for 4 weeks, they play at daycare and receive private training sessions from us while they're here!

We recommending finding a trainer prior to bringing your puppy home!

Celebrate small wins

Remember to reward your dog for the little wins along the way! Give them a treat or praise when they’re doing something good, like chewing on a bone or pottying outside. Constant praise is a great way to reinforce good behaviour. For example, once your dog realizes they get a treat every time they sit, they’ll start to sit without you saying a command, pre-emptively knowing you’ll give them a treat. Puppies are super smart and can pick up on things really quickly, so use this training power to your advantage to get a level-up on good habits. Positive reinforcement also helps strengthen your bond with your dog, as it helps to create a positive association to you.

Be patient

While having a new puppy is a lot of fun, there are of course going to be some challenging and frustrating moments. It can take time for your dog and you to settle into a rhythm together. It’s okay to be overwhelmed! Remember to breathe and that the puppy moments are only temporary. You’ll miss them when they’re gone!

Having a new puppy can be a rollercoaster, but we’re with you every step of the way! From toys and treats to training classes, we’ve got your back. Stop in store to learn more about how we can help you on your puppy journey (and make sure to bring your pup in so we can say hi!).

Until next time,