New Puppy Checklist

October 7, 2026

Get everything ready before your puppy comes home. In the UK, dogs must be microchipped by eight weeks old, and your vet will advise on vaccinations and when it's safe to go out.

Check advice with your vet, as every puppy is different.

Bringing Your Puppy Home: The First Journey

The car journey home is often a pup's first big adventure, and it can be a bit overwhelming. Make sure they have a safe, secure space in the car, a crate is ideal, or a car harness if they're happy with it. Bring an old towel or blanket from their previous home for a familiar scent, which can be really comforting. Keep the car calm and quiet, and be prepared for potential car sickness, especially on longer trips. A little planning here helps start their new life with you on a positive note.

Consider making a few stops on a longer journey for a quick toilet break, but ensure it's in a safe, quiet area away from other dogs if your puppy isn't fully vaccinated yet. Have some water available in a travel bowl, but don't overfeed them before or during the journey to minimise upset stomachs. Once you arrive, lead them straight to your designated toilet spot in the garden before bringing them inside. This helps set up good habits from day one.

Socialisation and Early Training Foundations

Once your vet gives the all-clear, careful socialisation is key to raising a well-adjusted dog. This isn't just about meeting other dogs; it's about positive experiences with different sights, sounds, people, and environments. Short, positive exposures to new things can build confidence. Think about enrolling in a local puppy class, it's a fantastic way for them to learn manners around other pups and for you to pick up invaluable training tips. Always keep these encounters positive and don't push them if they seem overwhelmed.

Early training should be all about fun and positive reinforcement. Focus on basic commands like 'sit,' 'stay,' and 'come,' using high-value treats and lots of praise. Keep sessions short, frequent, and upbeat to hold their attention and make learning enjoyable. Remember, consistency is more important than long, drawn-out sessions. Establishing clear boundaries and expectations from the start will make future training much smoother and strengthen your bond with your new furry family member.

What to buy

Bed and a crate
Food and water bowls
Puppy food matching what they ate before
Collar, ID tag and lead
Chew toys
Poo bags and enzyme cleaner

Puppy-proofing

Lift cables and shoes
Block stairs with a gate
Secure bins
Move toxic plants

The first week

Register with a vet
Start toilet training
Keep the first night calm
Short, positive play sessions

New puppy card messages

Congratulations on your new best friend!
Welcome home, little one!

Key things to remember

Prep before day one.
Book the vet.
Patience with toilet training.

Frequently asked questions

Does my puppy need to be microchipped?

Yes, in the UK dogs must be microchipped by eight weeks old.

What is a good example of new Puppy Checklist?

"Food and water bowls" is one of 16 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.

Can I copy these messages word for word?

Yes. Everything on this page is free to copy, print and read out - no permission or credit needed. Changing one detail so it fits the person is all we would suggest.

How long should a card message be?

One to three lines suits most cards. Write the message before the name so you can start again if it goes wrong, and if you run out of room, carry on inside the back cover rather than shrinking your handwriting.

What's the best way to introduce my puppy to other pets?

Introduce them gradually and always supervise initial meetings closely. Allow existing pets to get used to the puppy's scent first, perhaps by swapping blankets. Keep interactions short, positive, and in a neutral space. Ensure each animal has an escape route if they feel overwhelmed, and never force an interaction. Your vet or a professional behaviourist can offer tailored advice for your specific household.

How do I choose the right puppy food?

Stick with the food your puppy was eating before you brought them home for the first few weeks to avoid an upset stomach. If you decide to change their diet, do so very gradually over several days by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old. Look for complete puppy food appropriate for their age and breed size, and always follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging, adjusting as needed for your puppy's activity level.

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