New Puppy Checklist: Everything You Need to Know

When you’re bringing a new puppy into your home, you are going to want to be prepared for their arrival. Having the necessities ready will make the first few days, weeks and months run as smoothly as possible.

From toys to grooming supplies - these are the new puppy essentials that every proud new pooch owner needs.

It goes without saying that you’ll need some tasty food for your pup when you bring them home. However, it’s important to make sure you get the right food, as you can’t just feed them anything!

It’s likely that your pup will be sent home with a small supply for their first few days, which will need to be slowly transitioned out with the food you’ll be giving them, as this will help to avoid any digestive upset.

It’s essential to ensure that you get your hands on a complete puppy-specific food for their first few months, as this will provide them with the energy and protein they need to aid their all-important growth, as well as the essential nutrients puppies need to keep them healthy and happy.

Our Lifestage Puppy Turkey & Brown Rice is a great option. With carefully selected turkey, brown and white rice, oats, linseed, minerals, vitamins and seaweed, this complete food will nourish them and ensure they’re getting all of the goodness they need.

Food and water bowls are essential for any new pup. Aside from their obvious uses, they’re also great for teaching your pooch discipline around feeding times, helping them to establish boundaries and understand that they should only be eating food given to them in their bowl.

The Scruffs My First Bowl is a great option, as it’s an appropriate size for your puppy, sturdy and embossed with the sentimental ‘My First Bowl’.

We all know how much puppies just love to play, so you need to make sure they’ve got a variety of toys to keep them entertained and give them something to chew on (other than your furniture and shoes!).

The Nylabone Puppy Chew Starter Kit is ideal for teething pups, as the textured surface works to massage sore gums and help to keep teeth in tip-top condition.

Being an energetic pup is tiring work, so you’ll need to make sure you’ve got a cosy bed for them to get their all-important sleep. It’s important to buy the right size for your pup to make sure they’re as comfy as possible - you don’t want any stray paws hanging out!

The Cath Kidston Bed, Blanket & Bone Bundle will be your pooch’s favourite. The quality material is cosy and will keep your little pup snug whilst they sleep! Throw over the matching blanket and you’ve made your pup the ultimate cosy haven!

Every new dog owner gets to look forward to the joys of toilet training, so puppy pads are an absolute must! They will introduce your pup to the concept of going to the toilet in one place to help prevent any accidents!

The Rufus & Rosie Puppy Training Pads are the perfect option. Ultra absorbent with layer lock protection and odour control, these puppy pads prevent leakage and protect your floors whilst training your new pooch. Made from five absorbent layers, they will prevent any leakage and protect your flooring whilst you’re toilet training your new pooch.

Now that you’re a dog owner, poo bags are going to become your new shopping list staple - welcome to the world of dog parenting!

You’ll need to take a supply out with you every time you go for a walk - there’s nothing worse than being caught short! The Rufus & Rosie Pocket Poop Bags are a great choice, and you can even get a Poo Bag Dispenser to attach to your lead, so you’ll never forget a poo bag again!

Some parents may choose not to use a crate for their new pup, but they do give their own space to chill out in, so they’re definitely worth considering. They’re also great for when you have to leave your pooch unsupervised, as you know they’ll be safe and secure in their little den. The Rufus & Rosie Fold Flat Dog Crate is available in a variety of sizes and is portable too.

Your excitable little pup is going to want to explore everything and everywhere whilst out on your walks, which means puddles, patches of mud and anything else they can sniff out. It’s inevitable that they’ll get a little mucky from time to time, so make sure you’re prepared with a whole host of grooming supplies, to keep them clean such as:

Regular brushing not only keeps their coat in tip-top condition, but it’s an excellent bonding exercise for you both too!

Now, it goes without saying that you’re going to want to get your hands on a collar and lead for your pup so you can go out and enjoy some lovely walks together. Once they’ve been trained to walk on a lead, of course! A collar with an ID tag is the best way to ensure if your dog strays on walks, that you are contactable and can be returned home. Jollyes offers engraving tag services in store, so you can pick up your new collar, tag and lead all in one place!

Just like you would a baby, there’s some things to consider when it comes to your puppy’s new surroundings! Making sure their new home is safe and sound is super important, so proofing the environment is key. Your new puppy will likely be curious, excitable and a little nosey - so ensure anything hazardous is out of reach.

Get down to your puppy’s eye level to spot potential hazards - think dangling cables, tempting houseplants, cleaning products, medication and anything chewable within tail-wagging distance. Secure bins, tuck away stray shoes and use stair gates to create safe zones while your pup learns their den’s rules. A little puppy-proofing now makes for a safer, less stressful time in the future!

Consider setting up a dedicated puppy zone - a quiet space away from busy doorways where they can nap, recharge, and feel secure. A soft, supportive bed, cosy blankets, and a crate (if you’re crate training) can provide that all-important sense of den-like safety. Keep food and water bowls in a consistent spot, offer plenty of safe chew toys to soothe teething gums, and maintain a calm atmosphere during those first few days while they adjust to new sights, sounds, and smells. With a little thoughtful preparation, you’ll give your pup the confidence to explore their new world and plenty of reasons to feel right at home.

Bringing home a puppy isn’t just a big moment for you, it’s a whole family affair! Before your new four-legged bundle of energy arrives, gather everyone together to talk about responsibilities, routines, and realistic expectations. Decide who’s in charge of feeding, walking, training sessions, and those all-important toilet breaks. Deciding this now makes managing your new furry friend less stressful, and sets expectations (as well as reminding the family about how owning a puppy is a big responsibility). Teaching children how to interact gently and respectfully (no tail tugging or interrupting naps) is really important to ensure they have a positive relationship with their puppy. Remind adults in the house that consistency is key when it comes to house rules and training cues. It’s also wise to prepare for a little chaos; chewed slippers and midnight whimpers are all part of the puppy package. With clear roles, patience, and plenty of positive reinforcement, your household will be ready to welcome your new best friend with open arms, and maybe a few extra lint rollers.

One of the most important steps in welcoming a new puppy is registering with a trusted vet and committing to regular check-ups. Early veterinary visits help ensure your pup gets essential vaccinations, parasite prevention, and health screenings at the right stages of development. Your vet will monitor growth, weight, teeth, and overall condition, spotting any potential concerns before they become bigger issues, which means more tail wags and fewer worries for you. Consistent check-ups also give you the chance to ask questions about nutrition, behaviour, and training as your puppy grows. Building a strong relationship with your vet from day one sets the foundation for a lifetime of good health, helping your furry family member grow up strong, happy, and ready to live their best life.

Once you’ve brought your new puppy home, you’ll find that there are lots more things that you need to buy, but as long as you’ve got the essentials, you’ll breeze through your first few weeks as a dog parent! Explore our range in store or online today to treat your pup to everything they need for their new life with you.