Your New Puppy First Week Checklist
Congratulations on your new puppy! The first week sets the tone for your entire relationship. Being prepared with the right supplies means you can focus on bonding instead of scrambling to the pet store at midnight.
Before Puppy Comes Home
Set up a designated puppy area before arrival day. This means having a crate ready with bedding, food and water bowls filled, and potty pads or outdoor access planned. Puppy-proof the area by removing anything chewable — shoes, cords, small objects.
The Essential Supplies
**Food**: Ask the breeder or shelter what your puppy has been eating and stick with it for the first week. Sudden food changes cause stomach upset. **Crate**: Sized so your puppy can stand, turn around, and lie down. Too big and they'll potty in one end. **Leash and collar**: Even before outdoor walks, get your puppy used to wearing a collar with ID tags.
First Week Tips
- Establish a routine immediately: same feeding times, same potty breaks, same bedtime
- Take your puppy outside every 2 hours and after every meal, nap, and play session
- Crate training from night one — it's harder to start later
- Keep visits from friends and family short — too much stimulation overwhelms puppies
- Start with one room and gradually expand access as they learn the rules
Common First-Week Mistakes
- Giving too much freedom too soon — this leads to accidents and chewing
- Skipping crate training because the puppy cries
- Not scheduling a vet visit within the first 72 hours
- Buying adult-sized everything — puppies need puppy-specific food and gear
- Forgetting enzymatic cleaner — regular cleaners don't eliminate pet odors
Your puppy's first week is about safety, routine, and bonding. Get these right and everything else follows.