Bringing home a pup is exciting—and a little chaotic. This new puppy checklist covers the practical basics you’ll want ready before your puppy’s first night at home. If you’re building a puppy shopping list, use this as your day-one guide (and a handy way to avoid last-minute panic buys).
Before you pick up your puppy
A good set of starter supplies begins with a plan. Ask the breeder or rehoming organisation what food your puppy is currently eating, what routine they follow, and whether they’re used to a crate, pen, or sleeping with littermates. Keeping things consistent for the first week can reduce tummy upsets and stress.
Make a quick “first 48 hours” kit so you’re not scrambling after you arrive home: a collar and lead, ID tag, poo bags, a safe chew, and wipes or paper towel. If you’re shopping in one go, start with the curated basics in our puppy supplies category.
- Paperwork: microchip details, transfer forms, vaccination record (if provided), breeder notes
- Travel home: crate or seat-belt restraint, towel/blanket, water for longer drives
- House rules: decide sleeping spot, toilet spot, and “no-go” areas before puppy arrives
First-night mini schedule (simple and realistic): plan a calm evening, a toilet trip immediately on arrival, a small meal at the usual time, then short play and a final toilet break before bed. For the first few nights, expect 1–2 overnight toilet trips depending on age—set an alarm so you can take your pup out before they’re fully awake and frantic.
Sleep setup and home safety
Your puppy’s first nights are easier when their sleep space is calm, contained, and predictable. Choose either a crate, a puppy pen, or a gated laundry—then set it up with washable bedding and a safe chew. In many Australian homes, tile floors can be chilly in winter, so add a blanket layer for warmth.
For sizing, aim for a space your pup can stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably—without so much extra room that they can toilet at one end and sleep at the other. If your puppy will be medium to large as an adult, consider a setup that can be adjusted as they grow (or use a pen to give a little more room while house-training).
Puppy-proofing is part shopping list and part to-do list. Put shoes away, keep kids’ toys off the floor, and secure power cords. Block access to stairs and balconies, and restrict access to anything toxic or tempting (like pot plants and cleaning products).
- Sleep & containment: crate or pen, washable bed, spare blanket, baby gates
- Toilet setup: enzyme cleaner, pee pads (optional), outdoor lead for quick trips
- Safety: cord covers, lidded bin, secure fencing and gate latches
Feeding, grooming and daily care
Keep meals simple at first. Start with the same food your puppy is used to, then transition gradually if you plan to change. A common approach is a slow change over about a week, watching stools and appetite as you go. Measure portions using a scoop or scales, and use part of their daily food allowance for training so you don’t overdo treats.
For gear, focus on durable, easy-to-clean items. Stainless-steel bowls, a non-slip mat, and a food storage container help with hygiene—especially in warm, humid weather. For grooming, introduce handling early with short sessions: paws, ears, mouth, and brushing. Keep it upbeat and brief, and stop before your puppy gets wriggly or stressed.
- Feeding: food and water bowls, food storage container, measuring scoop, gentle puppy treats
- Grooming: soft brush/comb suited to coat type, puppy shampoo, nail clippers or grinder, pet-safe wipes
- Clean-up: enzyme cleaner, lint roller, laundry bags for bedding
Quick tip: Put one bowl of fresh water in the main living area and another near the sleep space. Puppies can dehydrate faster than adult dogs, especially during an Australian summer or after an energetic play session. If your pup seems unusually tired, is vomiting, has diarrhoea, or won’t drink, contact your vet for advice.
Training, enrichment and play
Training starts the moment your puppy walks in. Stock up on a few reward options (small treats and a favourite toy), then focus on the essentials: toilet routine, name recognition, gentle lead skills, and calm alone time. Keep sessions short—think 1–3 minutes—multiple times a day.
Enrichment prevents boredom chewing and helps puppies settle. Rotate toys rather than leaving everything out at once. Choose a mix of textures and “jobs” like sniffing, licking, and gentle chewing.
- Training: flat collar or harness, lead, long line for backyard practice, treat pouch, clicker (optional)
- Enrichment: puzzle feeder, lick mat, snuffle-style toy, tug toy, squeaky toy (supervised)
- Chewing: puppy-safe chews, teething toys you can chill in the fridge
If you’re building your day-one essentials as you go, it’s worth browsing puppy supplies to match items to your pup’s size, coat, and chewing style.
Health basics: prevention and first aid
Good routines now save hassle later. Along with regular grooming and nail care, plan your parasite prevention early—fleas and ticks can be active year-round in many Australian regions, and mosquitoes that spread heartworm are common after rain and in warmer months.
Have a simple home first-aid kit for minor mishaps (like a scratched paw) and for being prepared when your puppy inevitably finds trouble. Keep it in a labelled container that’s easy to grab.
- Parasite prevention: vet-grade flea, tick and heartworm prevention suited to your puppy’s age and weight
- First aid basics: saline pods, non-stick gauze, cohesive bandage, blunt scissors, digital thermometer, tick remover tool
- Admin: reminder system for prevention dates, nail trims and grooming
Thermometer safety note: only take your puppy’s temperature if your vet has advised you to and you’re confident with the method. Use a pet-safe digital rectal thermometer (not a glass one), apply a water-based lubricant, and keep your puppy secure to prevent injury. If you suspect heat stress, poisoning, bloat, breathing difficulty, uncontrolled bleeding, or your puppy is unusually weak or unresponsive, seek urgent veterinary help rather than relying on at-home checks.
As you finalise your puppy starter kit, prioritise prevention and safety items first, then add extras like spare beds and more toys once you know your puppy’s preferences.
What NOT to buy (or do) at the start
- Unsafe chews: avoid very hard items that can crack baby teeth, and don’t offer chews small enough to swallow. Choose size-appropriate options and supervise, especially with enthusiastic chewers.
- Rawhide and unknown “mystery” chews: some can swell, splinter, or be hard to digest. If you’re unsure, ask your vet what’s suitable for your pup’s age and chewing style.
- Tiny toys or loose parts: small squeaky toys, ribbon-like pieces, and easily shredded soft toys can become choking or blockage risks. Supervise play and remove damaged toys promptly.
- Toxic foods and plants: common hazards include chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions/garlic, xylitol-containing products, and many ornamental plants. When in doubt, keep it out of reach.
- Overwhelming your puppy: too many visitors, too much handling, or long play sessions can lead to overtired zoomies and nipping. Keep day one calm and predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I buy before my puppy comes home?
Start with the essentials: a safe sleep space (crate/pen), bowls, food, collar/harness and lead, ID tag, poo bags, cleaning supplies, and a few toys/chews. Set up gates and a toilet area before arrival so day one feels calm and organised.
How many toys and chews does a puppy need at the start?
Begin with 4–6 items: two chew options, two interactive/play toys, and one enrichment feeder. Rotate them every couple of days to keep novelty high without cluttering the floor.
When should I start flea, tick and heartworm prevention?
Many pups can begin prevention early, but the right option depends on age, weight and local parasite risk. Choose a vet-grade product that matches your puppy’s current size and set reminders so you stay consistent.
Ready to shop your day-one new puppy checklist? Explore our puppy supplies to stock up on the basics, and chat to your vet if you’d like help tailoring prevention to your area.