FREE Printable New Puppy Checklist
Bringing home a new puppy feels a lot like bringing home a toddler who runs on espresso and thinks your couch is a chew toy 😅. It’s exciting, chaotic, and full of love — all rolled into one adorable, wagging package.
When our family brought home our first puppy, we thought we had everything ready. Spoiler alert: we didn’t. Within the first hour, we realized we’d forgotten poop bags, had no clue where the baby gates were, and our new best friend was gnawing on the corner of the coffee table.
That’s when I decided every new puppy parent needs a simple, well-organized checklist — something printable, easy to use, and not overwhelming. So here it is: the FREE Printable New Puppy Checklist — your ultimate checklist for welcoming your new furry family member with confidence.
This printable has a minimalist design with a modern look (perfect for any dog mom aesthetic 🐾) and a handy portrait layout that fits standard US Letter paper. It’s made for personal use, easy to print at home or open in Adobe Acrobat Pro, and not for commercial purposes.
Ready to make your new dog home feel like home-sweet-home? Let’s jump in.
Getting Ready for Your New Puppy Home
Before your puppy sets one paw inside, it’s time to puppy-proof your house. Think of it like baby-proofing — but with more fur and far fewer naps.
When we brought our pup home, we thought we were prepared. Then, ten minutes later, we found her proudly parading around with a sock. Lesson learned: preparation is everything.
Here’s how to create a safe, happy environment:
- Set up a safe area — Puppies need enough room to rest, eat, and explore. Use baby gates or a playpen to block off unsafe zones.
- Designate resting areas — Place a cozy dog bed or puppy bed in a quiet corner. Add a few plush toys for comfort.
- Hide the hazards — Cords, cleaning supplies, and small objects are all fair game to curious pups.
- Plan for potty time — Keep puppy pads or potty pads in a designated area.
- Keep cleanup tools handy — You’ll want poop bags, a pooper scooper, and maybe a small bucket of patience. 😅
✨ Pro Tip: Keep your vet’s number, emergency contact information, and your own phone number and email address near your puppy’s area — just in case.
Your new puppy checklist even includes a section for these essentials, so you can tick them off as you go.
Puppy Supplies You’ll Actually Use
Puppies come with a long shopping list — and while the pet store aisles are full of cute stuff, not everything is necessary. Here’s what’s truly worth your time and money (and a few things I learned the hard way).
Food & Feeding Time
Puppy food is a top priority. Ask your breeder or shelter what brand your pup has been eating — switching foods too quickly can upset tiny tummies. Transition slowly to a quality dog food for best results.
Dog bowls made from stainless steel are durable, easy to clean, and last a long time — no weird odors, either!
One of our best tips: A spoonful of peanut butter is a great way to distract a squirmy pup during bath time or nail trims. It’s also my secret weapon for quieting chaos during video calls. What is important to buy peanut butter that is especially for dogs – without any sweeteners!
Comfort & Sleep
Your puppy’s first night might be… emotional (for both of you). A soft dog bed or puppy bed helps create comfort and security. Add a blanket that smells like their new home or their littermates.
Keep the safe area cozy with plush toys and maybe a nightlight if your pup gets lonely.
Playtime & Mental Stimulation
Puppies are tiny bundles of energy, and they need ways to burn it off. Stock up on dog toys, puppy chew toys, and puzzle toys in a variety of shapes.
Tennis balls are classic, but don’t underestimate the power of a bully stick or a squeaky dog toy.
Our pup’s favorite toy was a rubber chicken that squeaked so loudly the neighbors probably knew his play schedule. We laughed, we cried, and we hid the chicken by week three. 😅
Grooming & Health
Start early with grooming supplies to make it a normal part of your puppy’s routine:
- Nail clippers for those fast-growing puppy claws.
- Dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste (no mint — try poultry flavor!).
- Gentle puppy shampoo and deterrent sprays to protect your furniture.
- Ask your vet about tick prevention and other preventive care.
Good dental care is an important part of your puppy’s overall health, so build that habit early.
Cleaning & Potty Training
Welcome to the glamorous side of puppy parenting: poop bags, poop bag holders, and puppy pads!
Keep potty pads near your pup’s sleeping area and celebrate every successful potty outside with positive reinforcement (and tasty treats).
A pooper scooper is another good idea — it’ll save your back during outdoor cleanups.
The First Week: Surviving (and Enjoying) Puppy Parenthood
The first day and first week are a roller coaster. You’ll experience joy, exhaustion, and more tiny puddles than you ever imagined.
Our first night? Let’s just say there were multiple potty breaks, lots of whining, and a brief moment where I considered moving my mattress to the living room floor. But by day three, we found our rhythm.
Here’s what worked:
- Create a routine — puppies thrive on consistency. Feed, walk, and nap around the same times each day.
- Crate training — it’s a better way to teach independence and helps with potty training.
- Positive reinforcement — praise and tasty treats encourage good behavior far faster than scolding.
- Set boundaries — use baby gates to limit where your pup can roam.
You can use a first-week tracker to record feeding times, potty breaks, and naps — a sanity-saver for tired puppy parents!
Building Good Behavior Early
Teaching good behavior starts from day one. Puppies are like sponges — eager to learn and quick to form habits.
Start with crate training, short sessions of positive reinforcement, and patience. When your puppy sits on command or walks nicely on a leash, celebrate with a tiny tasty treat or a dab of peanut butter.
If you’re unsure where to start, the American Kennel Club has excellent resources for different breeds and training styles.
Our puppy hated the crate at first. We made it cozy with a blanket and a favorite plush toy, and within two weeks, it became his nap palace.
Your can also write down training goals and milestones — because celebrating progress keeps you both motivated.
Health, Vet Care & Legal Musts
Vet visits might not be your pup’s favorite thing, but they’re an important part of responsible pet parenting.
Book that first appointment as soon as you bring your pup home. Discuss:
- Vaccinations and tick prevention
- Microchipping (often a legal requirement)
- Diet and quality dog food options
- Dental care and grooming
Don’t forget an identification tag with your phone number and email address — it’s your pup’s lifeline if they ever wander.
Add your vet’s info, emergency contacts, and next appointment date to the new puppy checklist for easy tracking.
Good idea: Keep copies of vaccination records or order confirmation pages from puppy supplies in one folder for reference.
At-Home Tips for Happy Puppies
Your new furry friend will bring joy, laughter, and, yes, chaos. But a few simple at-home tips can make life easier:
- Rotate dog toys to keep things interesting.
- Offer several resting areas around the house so your puppy can nap nearby while you work.
- Brush daily — it’s bonding time and helps with shedding.
- Let all family members help with feeding and training.
Our pup learned “sit” in the kitchen — mainly because that’s where the tasty treats live. 🍪
Well, good behavior takes hard work, patience, and consistency. Every small victory counts.
FREE Printable New Puppy Checklist
Introducing our FREE Printable New Puppy Checklist! 🎉
Here’s what’s inside this ultimate checklist:
Download it, print it, and tape it to your fridge — it’s a great way to stay organized as your new best friend settles in.
Takeaway
Congratulations on your new furry family member! 🐾 Whether you’re a first-time dog mom or adding another wagging tail to your pack, you’re in for a joyful (and occasionally muddy) ride.
Sure, there will be accidents, chewed slippers, and 2 a.m. zoomies — but there will also be tail wags, warm cuddles, and memories that last a long time.
So grab your puppy checklist, stock up on poop bags, and get ready for endless love from your new best friend.
Here’s to good behavior, belly rubs, and a house full of happy barks! 🐶💕
