Preparing for a New Puppy 2025: Vet’s Checklist for First Time Owners 🐶✨
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Preparing for a New Puppy 2025: Vet’s Checklist for First Time Owners 🐶✨
By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc
Bringing home a puppy is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. From vaccinations to house training to choosing the right gear, there’s a lot to think about. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Woopf. Whether you’re weeks away or picking up your new best friend tomorrow, this step by step checklist will help you prepare your home, your routine, and your heart for puppy life—vet approved.
📦 Puppy Essentials: What to Buy Before Day One
- 🛏️ Bed or crate – safe space for rest and boundaries
- 🥣 Food & water bowls – avoid plastic (use stainless steel or ceramic)
- 🦴 Puppy food – vet-recommended and age-appropriate
- 🎁 Treats – soft, high-value rewards for training
- 🐾 Explorer Harness (size small) – Woopf vetdesigned gear for safe first walks
- 🔗 Bungee Lead – reduces pulling & shock for early leash training
- 🎒 Dual Pocket Dispenser – holds treats & poop bags during walks
- 🧸 Chew toys – redirect biting and soothe teething
- 🧻 Pee pads & cleaning spray – for house training accidents
- 📍 ID tag, microchip & collar
🏠 Preparing Your Home for a Puppy
1. PuppyProof Every Room
- Hide cords, remove toxic plants, secure bins
- Block off unsafe areas (stairs, balconies, etc.)
2. Create a Safe “Puppy Zone”
- Use a crate or pen for downtime and overnight
- Include bed, toy, and water bowl
3. Set Up a Consistent Potty Area
- Indoor pads or outdoor spot—pick one and stick to it
- Take them every 1–2 hours at first
🗓️ Week by Week Puppy Timeline
| Age | Milestone | Checklist |
|---|---|---|
| 8–10 weeks | Arrival & settling | Vaccines, crate training, and gentle socialization |
| 10–12 weeks | Bonding & basics | Leash intro, "sit", "come", potty routine |
| 12–16 weeks | Exploration | Walks, social play, and confidence building |
| 4–6 months | Teething & training | Chew toys, leash manners, obedience work |
👩⚕️ Vet & Health ToDos
- 📅 Book first vet check within 3–5 days
- 💉 Begin vaccination schedule
- 🪱 Start worming & flea prevention
- 🩺 Discuss desexing timeline (based on breed)
🎓 Puppy Training Priorities
- ✅ Name recognition
- ✅ Leash walking (use frontclip harness + rewards)
- ✅ Crate comfort = calm nights and easier toilet training
- ✅ Reward calm behavior at home, not just tricks
Use treats from your Dual Pocket Dispenser during short, daily training sessions.
⚠️ Avoid These New Puppy Mistakes
- ❌ Overwhelming socialization too early
- ❌ Skipping crate training “because they cry”
- ❌ Letting them roam unsupervised indoors
- ❌ Punishing accidents instead of setting a routine
💬 What New Puppy Parents Say
“I printed this checklist before we picked up Luna—lifesaver. We were ready for everything.” – Bella & Luna
“The Woopf harness was the best fit we tried—easy to put on and she didn’t wriggle out like the others.” – Alex & Scout
🎁 Complete Woopf Puppy Starter Kit
- Explorer Harness (Small)
- Bungee Lead
- Dual Pocket Treat Dispenser
👩⚕️ Want a Personalized Puppy Plan?
Send your puppy’s breed, age, and routine, and we’ll send you a vet-reviewed setup with feeding, exercise, and gear recommendations.
Final Thoughts
Preparation is the secret to raising a calm, confident dog. With the right gear, structure, and guidance, you’ll build a strong foundation—before the chewing, barking, or chaos begins.
