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I still remember the day I brought home my first pup, Chloe. Her tiny paws, floppy ears, and boundless energy melted my heart instantly. But within a few hours, I realized, I wasn’t as prepared as I thought. She cried at night, chewed everything in sight, and had an accident on my favorite rug.

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If you’re a new puppy parent, you don’t have to repeat my mistakes. That’s why I’ve created this Puppy Starter Checklist to cover everything you’ll need to welcome your furry friend home with confidence.

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At the end of this post, download your FREE Puppy Checklist PDF so you can shop with ease.

Essential Puppy Supplies

Before your pup steps paw into your home, these items should be waiting:

1. Crate – A safe, cozy den that helps with house training and keeps your pup secure when unsupervised. I love investing in a versatile one that doubles up for me to use when I travel.
   
   
   
   • ✅ Recommended: MidWest iCrate Starter Kit
     
     
2. Quality Puppy Food – Puppies need nutrient-rich food for growth and development. Stick with vet-approved brands. Our family friend who happens to be a vet advices that less is more. Limit ingredients to just 2 whenever you refer to the ingredient lists.
   
   
   
   • ✅ Recommended: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Food
     
     
3. Food & Water Bowls – Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are durable and easy to clean.
   
   
   
   • ✅ Recommended: Frisco Stainless Steel Bowls
     
     
4. Leash & Collar/Harness – A lightweight leash and properly fitted collar or harness are a must for safe walks.
   
   
   
   • ✅ Recommended: PetSafe Nylon Leash + Adjustable Harness
     
     
5. Toys (Chew + Interactive) – Puppies love to chew, so give them toys to save your shoes and furniture. Chloe received her favourite toy as a gift and has been bringing her own pup companion everywhere she goes.
   
   
   
   • ✅ Recommended: KONG Puppy Toy
     
     

Section 2: Health Must-Haves

Your pup’s health starts on day one. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Veterinarian Visit – Book your first vet appointment within the first week for vaccinations and a wellness check.
   
   
2. Flea & Tick Prevention – Puppies are magnets for parasites. Protect them early.
   
   
   
   • ✅ Recommended: Seresto Puppy Collar
     
     
3. ID Tag + Microchip – Accidents happen. Make sure your pup always has identification.
   
   
   
   • ✅ Recommended: Engraved ID Tag (BONUS: this engraved tag comes with a lifetime replacement too!)
   • Because I had an additional Tag from Apple Store and am using an iPhone, I used this instead.
     
     
4. Puppy-Safe Grooming Kit – Nail trimmers, puppy shampoo, and a gentle brush are non-negotiables.
   
   
   
   • ✅ Recommended: Groomer’s Best Puppy Kit
     
     

Section 3: Training Basics

Training from day one builds good habits and strengthens your bond.

1. Training Pads – Expect accidents! Pads help manage the mess while potty training.
   
   
   
   • ✅ Recommended: Training Pads (Size is ideal especially at the very beginning stage and I wanted to start with a smaller quantity first)
     
     
2. Clicker – Clicker training is one of the fastest ways to teach commands.
   
   
   
   • ✅ Recommended: PetSafe Clik-R Trainer
     
     
3. High-Value Treats – Small, soft, and tasty treats keep your pup motivated.
   
   
   
   • ✅ Recommended: Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats (Tried and Tested)

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Final Checklist + Free Download

Puppies bring joy, chaos, and unconditional love, but with the right gear, you’ll be ready for anything.

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👉 Download your FREE Puppy Starter Checklist PDF and keep it handy for your shopping trip.

With this guide, you can stop stressing and start enjoying every snuggle, tail wag, and puppy kiss. 🐾

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👉 If you’re still thinking of a suitable name for your pup, try our very own Name Generator Smart Tool

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