We may earn a commission from links on this site, at no extra cost to you. Details
Puppy Essentials & Checklists

The New Puppy Essentials Checklist

A free printable new puppy checklist: the essentials to buy before day one, what to skip, and the exact products we recommend.

Save to Pinterest
Fluffy puppy lying with a green ball

Shop this list

Black lab puppy cuddling a plush toy Double-Door Folding Crate with Divider The divider grows with your puppy, so you buy one crate, not three. Check price on Amazon Puppy chewing a toy in a backyard Extra-Wide Walk-Through Gate Blocks off stairs and the kitchen without stepping over it. Check price on Amazon Golden puppy in the grass Enzyme Stain & Odor Spray Breaks down urine so puppies don't return to the same spot. Check price on Amazon Puppy curled up inside a food bowl Stainless Steel Non-Slip Bowls Doesn't hold odors or scratch like plastic; dishwasher safe. Check price on Amazon Woman walking a small white terrier on a leash No-Pull Harness Front clip gently redirects pulling instead of choking. Check price on Amazon Woman walking a small dog across a field 6-Foot Standard Leash The leash trainers recommend. Skip retractables for puppies. Check price on Amazon Dog chewing a blue toy Puppy Teething Chew Softer texture made for baby teeth. Check price on Amazon Dog holding a ball in its mouth Classic Rubber Treat Toy (Puppy) Stuff it, freeze it, and get some quiet time. Check price on Amazon

We earn a small commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

The checklist

Tick items off as you go. Your progress stays saved in this browser.

Download the PDF

0 of 29 done

Sleep & safe spaces

Potty training

Food & water

Walking & ID

Chewing & play

Grooming & health

Car ride home

What you can skip (for now)

  • Expensive beds. Puppies chew them. Use a washable crate pad until chewing calms down.
  • Retractable leashes. They teach pulling and are hard to control.
  • Big bags of food. Start with what the breeder or shelter fed, and switch slowly.
  • Piles of plush toys. Two or three good chews beat ten stuffed toys.

Keep reading

Puppy chewing a toy in a backyard ChecklistPuppy-Proofing Your Home, Room by Room A room-by-room puppy-proofing checklist so your new dog stays safe and your shoes survive. Dog sniffing bowls of food on a table Free printableFoods That Are Toxic to Dogs: The Complete List The expanded list of foods toxic to dogs, sorted by how serious they are, plus where they hide and what to do in an emergency. Shiba Inu puppy lying in the grass Quick list16 Human Foods That Are Safe for Dogs Safe human foods for dogs: healthy snacks from your fridge, how to serve them, and the one rule to remember.