New Puppy Checklist: Everything You Need for Month One
Ease & Co TeamBringing home a new puppy is pure joy — and a steep learning curve. Those first few weeks set the tone for everything that follows, so a little preparation goes a long way. Use this new puppy checklist to get the essentials sorted before day one, then settle into a routine that keeps your pup safe, healthy and happy.
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Key takeaways
- Sort safety and containment first — a puppy explores with its mouth and gets everywhere.
- Get walking gear that fits now and adjusts as your puppy grows.
- Keep fresh water available at home and on the go to support house-training and health.
- Start gentle grooming early so your dog is comfortable with handling for life.
Week 1: Safety and puppy-proofing
Before anything else, decide where your puppy can and can't go. A folding safety gate lets you block stairs or keep the pup in an easy-clean zone while it settles in — without permanent fixtures:
Folding Pet Safety Gate 4-Hook Breathable Mesh Dog Barrier Fence
Getting out and about
Short, positive walks help with socialisation and burning off puppy energy. A retractable leash gives your pup a little freedom to explore while you keep control, and adjusts as they grow:
Retractable Dog Leash Automatic Nylon Multi-Size Puppy Lead
Vet visits and car rides are part of puppy life from the start. A proper car harness keeps your pup secure and settled on the move, which is far safer than a loose puppy in the back seat:
Dog Car Seat Belt Safety Harness Breakaway Collar Travel Leash Kit
Feeding and hydration
Puppies need constant access to fresh water, especially while house-training. A portable bottle-and-bowl combo makes it easy to offer a drink on walks and trips without carrying a separate dish:
800ml Portable Dog Water Bottle with Bowl - Travel Dispenser
Start grooming early
The sooner your puppy gets used to brushing and nail care, the calmer they'll be about it for life. An all-in-one grooming kit lets you introduce handling gently, a few minutes at a time:
8-Piece Dog Grooming Set: Self-Cleaning Brushes, Nail Clippers & Files
Frequently asked questions
What should I buy before bringing a puppy home?
At minimum: food and water bowls, a collar and leash, a bed, a safe containment area or gate, grooming basics, and appropriate puppy food. Sorting these before day one makes the transition smoother.
When can I start walking my puppy outside?
Talk to your vet — many recommend waiting until your puppy is fully vaccinated before walking in public areas. In the meantime, focus on socialisation at home and short garden sessions.
How often should I groom a puppy?
Brief, frequent, positive sessions beat long ones. A quick brush several times a week and gradual introduction to nail care builds lifelong tolerance for grooming.
How do I keep my puppy safe in the car?
Use a dedicated car harness or secured carrier rather than letting your puppy roam loose. It's safer for the dog and less distracting for the driver.
Setting up for success
Nail the basics — safe spaces, the right walking gear, easy hydration, and early grooming — and the rest of puppyhood gets a lot easier. Find more essentials in the Pet Supplies collection, and if there's a cat in the house too, don't miss our cat feeding and hydration guide.