Your new puppy checklist

Patience: Your puppy will take some time to learn the rules.

Puppy food

You’ll need a high-quality food that’s been specifically formulated for puppies to help them grow. They tend to have more delicate tummies than adult dogs.

Puppy treats

Treats are not only a tasty snack for your new pup but also a great training tool too as you can use them as rewards. Bear in mind that you should avoid giving your dog treats too close to their regular meal times, doing so may upset their routine.

Food and water bowls

Which ones you choose will likely depend on the breed of your pup as you’ll need bigger bowls for bigger pups. Depending on how big their breed gets, you may need to increase the size of the bowl as they grow. Make sure you have separate bowls for their food and water.

Adjustable puppy collar

Puppy’s grow constantly so you should make sure you get a collar that you can easily adjust as they get bigger. If your dog needs a harness, make sure that you always have one that fits your dog comfortably.

Lead

A must-have for walks (especially when your pup is untrained), we recommend going for a retractable lead that lets them explore when they’re outdoors while still staying safe and within reach.

Puppy shampoo

They can have quite delicate skin so you should use a shampoo that’s gentle and specially formulated for puppies.

Puppy grooming brush

To keep your pup’s fur tangle-free, a puppy grooming kit is a must. Soft bristle brushes are a great pick, while a glove brush will help make grooming a more relaxing experience. You might also need some scissors for trimming longer fur and claw clippers for keeping their nails nice and neat.

Check out the Groom Room to find your nearest Pets at Home grooming service.

Puppy bed

Your pup will need somewhere cosy for all their naps. Depending on their size, they might prefer a flat bed or a hooded bed. You can go a step further and buy them a soft blanket for extra comfort.

Poop bags

All dogs have to go to the toilet at some point in the day, not picking up after your dog is against the law, so you’ll want to clean it up pronto! Having a large stock of poop bags is key and most are made from biodegradable materials too.

Puppy pads

These are essential for toilet training your new pup. They’re super absorbent and designed to encourage dogs to do their business on them instead of on your floors.

Pee post

A pee post is another great housetraining item that’s designed to help you teach your new pup to pee in just one spot in your garden.

Car guard or harness

If you plan on ever travelling with your puppy by car, it is required, by law, that you securely fasten them for their safety and yours. A harness lets you attach them to a seatbelt while a guard prevents them climbing over onto your backseats if they’re in the boot of the car.

Pet ID tag

Required by law, these are usually metal discs that will have your dog’s name and your contact details on them. Not only do ID tags look smart but they also help others get in touch with you if your puppy ever wanders off.

Puppy pen/ indoor crate

Having a pen or crate is a wonderful training tool and also provides a space for your pet to feel safe and cosy. They can keep them securely contained and out of trouble when you’re not at home or are unable to supervise them.

Toothpaste

Just like humans, it’s important that you maintain the health of your dog’s teeth. Doggy toothpaste is specially formulated to promote healthy gums and teeth whilst tasting nice for your pooch. Alternatives to manual brushing include specially-designed stick-treats that help keep your dog’s dental and mouth features healthy.

Toothbrush

You’ll need a toothbrush to go with the paste! You can either opt for a classic brush or a finger brush that will help you clean their teeth quicker and more easily if they’re squirming or trying to run away.

Teething gel

Puppies will start to grow their baby teeth during their first few weeks and their adult teeth when they’re about five months old. This can often be quite painful which is why you should get some teething gel to help soothe their sore gums.

Chew bone

To help promote healthy tooth growth, a chew bone is ideal. They will encourage your pup to chew in a non-destructive way (e.g. not chew your furniture!) while improving their dental hygiene.

Toys

All puppies love their toys. From balls and chews to Frisbees and soft cuddly teddies, there’s a huge range to choose from that will help keep your new dog fully entertained.

Flea and worm treatment

To make sure they stay healthy and free of fleas, ticks and other nasties, you should purchase treatments that you’ll give to them monthly either in tablet form, as a spray or as a liquid you apply directly to their skin. Our subscribe and save service means that you can keep your puppy flea-free at a discounted price, with treatments delivered directly to your day.

Complete care health plan

In case your puppy gets sick or injured unexpectedly, it’s a good idea to have a health care plan in place at your local vets to help make treatment more affordable. You can normally choose from different types of plan and having one will make sure you get your pet treated quickly and without facing huge fees.