Preparing for a New Puppy – Vet’s Ultimate Checklist for First-Time Owners
In this article
<h1>Preparing for a New Puppy – Vet’s Ultimate Checklist for First-Time Owners</h1>
<p>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.</p>
<p>I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of <a href="https://woopf.com" target="_blank">Woopf</a>. 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.</p>
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<h2>📦 Puppy Essentials: What to Buy Before Day One</h2>
<ul>
<li>🛏️ <strong>Bed or crate</strong> – safe space for rest and boundaries</li>
<li>🥣 <strong>Food & water bowls</strong> – avoid plastic (use stainless steel or ceramic)</li>
<li>🦴 <strong>Puppy food</strong> – vet-recommended and age-appropriate</li>
<li>🎁 <strong>Treats</strong> – soft, high-value rewards for training</li>
<li>🐾 <strong>Explorer Harness (size small)</strong> – <a href="https://woopf.com/products/explorer-harness" target="_blank">Woopf vet-designed gear</a> for safe first walks</li>
<li>🔗 <strong>Bungee Lead</strong> – <a href="https://woopf.com/products/bungee-lead" target="_blank">reduces pulling & shock</a> for early leash training</li>
<li>🎒 <strong>Dual Pocket Dispenser</strong> – <a href="https://woopf.com/products/explorer-dual-pocket-dispenser" target="_blank">holds treats & poop bags</a> during walks</li>
<li>🧸 <strong>Chew toys</strong> – redirect biting and soothe teething</li>
<li>🧻 <strong>Pee pads & cleaning spray</strong> – for house training accidents</li>
<li>📍 <strong>ID tag, microchip & collar</strong></li>
</ul>
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<h2>🏠 Preparing Your Home for a Puppy</h2>
<h3>1. Puppy-Proof Every Room</h3>
<ul>
<li>Hide cords, remove toxic plants, secure bins</li>
<li>Block off unsafe areas (stairs, balconies, etc.)</li>
</ul>
<h3>2. Create a Safe “Puppy Zone”</h3>
<ul>
<li>Use a crate or pen for downtime and overnight</li>
<li>Include bed, toy, and water bowl</li>
</ul>
<h3>3. Set Up a Consistent Potty Area</h3>
<ul>
<li>Indoor pads or outdoor spot—pick one and stick to it</li>
<li>Take them every 1–2 hours at first</li>
</ul>
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<h2>🗓️ Week-by-Week Puppy Timeline</h2>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Milestone</th>
<th>Checklist</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>8–10 weeks</td>
<td>Arrival & settling</td>
<td>Vaccines, crate training, gentle socialization</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10–12 weeks</td>
<td>Bonding & basics</td>
<td>Leash intro, "sit", "come", potty routine</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12–16 weeks</td>
<td>Exploration</td>
<td>Walks, social play, confidence building</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4–6 months</td>
<td>Teething & training</td>
<td>Chew toys, leash manners, obedience work</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<h2>👩⚕️ Vet & Health To-Dos</h2>
<ul>
<li>📅 Book first vet check within 3–5 days</li>
<li>💉 Begin vaccination schedule</li>
<li>🪱 Start worming & flea prevention</li>
<li>🩺 Discuss desexing timeline (based on breed)</li>
</ul>
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<h2>🎓 Puppy Training Priorities</h2>
<ul>
<li>✅ Name recognition</li>
<li>✅ Leash walking (use front-clip harness + rewards)</li>
<li>✅ Crate comfort = calm nights and easier toilet training</li>
<li>✅ Reward calm behavior at home, not just tricks</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Use treats from your <a href="https://woopf.com/products/explorer-dual-pocket-dispenser" target="_blank">Dual Pocket Dispenser</a> during short, daily training sessions.</strong></p>
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<h2>⚠️ Avoid These New Puppy Mistakes</h2>
<ul>
<li>❌ Overwhelming socialization too early</li>
<li>❌ Skipping crate training “because they cry”</li>
<li>❌ Letting them roam unsupervised indoors</li>
<li>❌ Punishing accidents instead of setting a routine</li>
</ul>
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<h2>💬 What New Puppy Parents Say</h2>
<blockquote>“I printed this checklist before we picked up Luna—lifesaver. We were ready for everything.” – Bella & Luna</blockquote>
<blockquote>“The Woopf harness was the best fit we tried—easy to put on and she didn’t wriggle out like the others.” – Alex & Scout</blockquote>
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<h2>🎁 Complete Woopf Puppy Starter Kit</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://woopf.com/products/explorer-harness" target="_blank">Explorer Harness (Small)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://woopf.com/products/bungee-lead" target="_blank">Bungee Lead</a></li>
<li><a href="https://woopf.com/products/explorer-dual-pocket-dispenser" target="_blank">Dual Pocket Treat Dispenser</a></li>
</ul>
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<h2>👩⚕️ Want a Personalized Puppy Plan?</h2>
<p>Send your puppy’s breed, age, and routine to <a href="https://askavet.com" target="_blank">Ask A Vet</a> and we’ll send you a vet-reviewed setup with feeding, exercise, and gear recommendations.</p>
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<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p><a href="https://woopf.com/collections/frontpage" target="_blank">Shop Vet-Approved Puppy Gear at Woopf →</a></p>
