New Puppy Checklist: Everything You Need Before Bringing Your Fur Baby Home

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The Ridolz Team

December 4, 2025

New Puppy Checklist: Everything You Need Before Bringing Your Fur Baby Home

Bringing home a new puppy is one of life's greatest joys. But walking into the pet store unprepared? That's how you end up spending $500 on things you don't need.

Here's your complete, no-fluff checklist organized by priority.

🔴 Day One Essentials (Non-Negotiable)

These items should be ready BEFORE puppy arrives:

Food & Water

[ ] Stainless steel bowls (2) - Skip plastic, it harbors bacteria

[ ] Puppy food - Same brand the breeder/shelter used (transition slowly)

[ ] Treats - Small, soft training treats

Sleep & Safety

[ ] Crate - Size matters! Big enough to stand and turn

[ ] Crate pad or bed - Washable cover is essential

[ ] Baby gates - Block off unsafe areas

Potty Training

[ ] Puppy pads - For accidents (and there WILL be accidents)

[ ] Enzyme cleaner - Regular cleaners don't eliminate odor

[ ] Poop bags - Buy in bulk, trust us

Identification

[ ] Collar with ID tag - Include your phone number

[ ] Microchip appointment - Schedule with your vet

🟡 First Week Needs

Walking & Exercise

[ ] Leash (6 ft standard) - Skip retractable for now

[ ] Harness - Easier on puppy necks than collars

Grooming Basics

[ ] Puppy shampoo - pH balanced for dogs

[ ] Brush - Type depends on coat

[ ] Nail clippers - Start handling paws early!

Health & Wellness

[ ] Vet appointment scheduled - Within first week

[ ] Vaccination records - Get from breeder/shelter

🟢 Nice to Have (First Month)

Enrichment & Training

[ ] Kong or puzzle toy - Mental stimulation is crucial

[ ] Chew toys - Puppies NEED to chew

[ ] Training clicker - Makes training easier

[ ] Snuffle mat - Great for mealtime enrichment

Comfort Items

[ ] Blanket with littermate scent - Ask breeder for one

[ ] Heartbeat toy - Helps with first-night anxiety

[ ] Playpen - Safe space when you can't supervise

❌ Skip These (Waste of Money)

Fancy designer beds - They'll outgrow it or destroy it

Too many toys at once - Start with 3-4, rotate weekly

Expensive grooming tools - Basic works fine for puppies

Grain-free food - Unless vet-recommended (linked to heart issues)

Retractable leashes - Less control, more tangles

💰 Budget Breakdown

| Category | Budget Range |
|----------|-------------|
| Food & Bowls | $30-50 |
| Crate & Bedding | $50-100 |
| Collar, Leash, Harness | $30-60 |
| Potty Supplies | $20-40 |
| Grooming Basics | $20-40 |
| Toys & Enrichment | $30-50 |
| Total | $180-340 |

Pro Tips From Experienced Puppy Parents

1. Buy duplicates of things that need washing (bed covers, towels)
2. Puppy-proof like you're baby-proofing - They chew EVERYTHING
3. Start training day one - Puppies are sponges
4. Take lots of photos - They grow SO fast
5. Be patient - The first two weeks are the hardest