Why Preparation Matters
Bringing home a new dog is one of life’s most exciting moments – but without the right preparation, that joy can quickly turn to stress. Our complete new dog checklist helps you skip the last-minute panic so you can focus on what really matters: building a loving bond with your newest family member. Whether you’re adopting a rescue or welcoming a puppy, this new dog essentials checklist will help your dog feel safe, comfortable, and right at home from day one. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to prepare:
Walking Essentials
- Leash – This doesn’t have to be anything fancy. I recommend a basic six foot leash.
- Collar and ID – This is essential for all dogs, but more so for your rescue dog. If your new dog were to get out of the home he could become scared and disoriented. Make sure you have a dog tag with his name and your number in case one of your neighbors find him. People are more likely to call the owner than the shelter.
Feeding Supplies
- Bowl: Stainless steel lasts forever and can be sanitized by running it through the washer.
- Food: Animal Shelters tend to feed a mixture of donated foods to the animals in their care. When choosing a food, read the label. Choose foods that include healthy meats as well as actual foods. Dogs, like people, can not survive on supplements alone.
Health & Safety Must-Haves
- Veterinarian: There are many amazing vets around the area. Establish a relationship with your vet as soon as you get your dog. Even if you do not need to take them in, call and let your vet know you have a new family member.
- Heart worm/Flea and Tick Medicine: Prevention is key for keeping your pup healthy. After you find a vet, make sure you get the right dosage of heart worm medicine and a flea/tick preventative, even if you have a mostly indoor dog.
Grooming Basics
- Supplies: Brush, nail clippers and tooth brush. These tools will save you constant trips to the salon while keeping your dog happy and healthy.
Resting Areas
- Crate: If you want to crate your dog make sure you talk to someone in the store about sizing and functionality for your dog. To crate or not to crate is up to you.
- Dog Bed: This gives your dog a place of their own outside of the crate to relax. This will also establish a place for them when you start training and want to make it a routine for your dog to go to their spot.
Enrichment Items
- Toys: There’s LOTS of great toys available on the market. Soft plush squeaky toys, durable Kong toys, rope tug toys etc. You’ll go through countless toys in your dog’s lifetime and you’ll learn which are their favorite. Just make sure they’re the right size for your dog to limit choking hazards.
- Treats: Have a variety of treats for your dogs. Everything from the classic dry biscuit to yummy softer treats.
First Weeks With Your New Dog
You can expect to spend the first several weeks just getting to know your pup and helping them learn a steady routine. In this time make sure you reach out to your veterinarian and dog trainer to discuss any behaviors you do not understand, ask for help choosing a good food and to sign up for a Foundations or Manners 101 class to continue building the bond between you and your new dog!
Quick Tip: Neighborhood Familiarization
It’s always a good idea to get your new dog familiarized with their new area. Take them on walks with different routes around your house and neighborhood. This helps them learn different ways to get back home if they get out, especially if they are a rescue and have been in several locations in their lifetime.
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