Preparing for the arrival of a puppy: complete checklist 2026
Preparing for the arrival of a puppy: a complete checklist to get off to a good start
The arrival of a puppy is an exciting time, but it requires careful preparation. Here's your complete checklist to welcome your new companion in the best possible conditions.
Before the puppy arrives (1 week before)
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Secure your home:
- Put away electrical cables and dangerous objects
- Remove poisonous plants (lilies, azaleas, oleanders)
- Block access to the stairs if necessary
- Secure household products and medications
Prepare your space:
- Choose a quiet place for its sleeping area
- Set up a puppy playpen for the first few weeks
- Designate a "pee" area if you have a garden
- Prepare a secure room for when you're away.
Essential accessories
Food :
- Double stainless steel bowl (water + food)
- Puppy-specific kibble (same brand as the breeder initially)
- Small educational treats
- Absorbent mat under the bowls
Sleeping arrangements and comfort:
- Bed or basket adapted to his adult size
- Soft blanket with the scent of its mother (ask the breeder)
- Comforting plush toy with heartbeat (optional)
- Hot water bottle for the first few nights
Hygiene and health:
- Training mats for potty training
- Poop bags
- Brush adapted to its type of hair
- Nail clippers (or scheduled vet appointment)
- Special puppy shampoo
Education and play:
- Harness and leash adapted to his size
- Collar with identification tag
- 3-4 toys suitable for puppies (plush toy, chew toy, ball)
- Educational Treats
- Clicker for positive education (optional)
Safety and transport:
- Carrier cage or car seat
- Safety gate for stairs
- Car cover
The first 24 hours
The return journey:
- Bring absorbent pads
- Arrange for someone to hold the puppy
- Drive slowly, take breaks if necessary
- Keep the car at a comfortable temperature
Arriving home:
- Let him explore calmly, room by room
- Show him where his food bowls and bed are
- Take him out into the garden immediately so he can relieve himself
- Remain calm and reassuring
The first meal:
- Feed them the same food they would give the farmer.
- Please respect the recommended times and quantities.
- Let him eat in peace.
- Remove the food bowl after 15-20 minutes
The first night:
- Place its basket near your bed for the first few days
- Plan a bathroom break in the middle of the night
- Ignore the crying (unless it's an urgent need).
- Use a hot water bottle to reassure him
The first week: establishing a routine
Regular hours:
- Meals: 3-4 times a day at fixed times
- Bathroom breaks: every 2 hours + after each meal/nap
- Naps: puppies sleep 18-20 hours a day
- Games: short sessions of 10-15 minutes
Toilet training:
- Take it out as soon as you wake up, after meals, and after naps.
- Give warm praise when it's sunny outside
- Never punish an accident
- Clean with an enzymatic product (no bleach)
Early socialization:
- Get him used to everyday noises (vacuum cleaner, TV, etc.)
- Introduce him to different people (gently).
- Wait until the end of vaccinations before going outside.
- Handle it gently (paws, ears, mouth)
Mistakes to avoid
Not :
- Leaving him alone for too long (maximum 2 hours for a puppy)
- Punish him physically or yell at him
- Letting him jump off the sofa (risk of fracture)
- give him human food
- Remove him before the end of the vaccinations (risk of disease).
- Overstimulating him (respect his need for sleep)
Health: Important appointments
-
First week:
- Visit to the vet for a health check-up
- Electronic chip verification
- Vaccination and deworming schedule
Vaccinations (to be followed according to the veterinary protocol):
- 8 weeks: primary vaccination
- 12 weeks: reminder
- 16 weeks: final reminder
- Rabies: according to local legislation
Budget to plan for the first month
- Basic accessories: €150-250
- Food (first month): €30-50
- Veterinarian (visit + vaccinations): €100-150
- Toys and treats: €30-50
- Unforeseen expenses: €100
Total : €410-600 for the first month
Summary checklist
Before arrival:
☐ Secure house
☐ Prepared space
☐ Accessories purchased
☐ Veterinarian contacted
☐ Leave taken (if possible)
D-Day:
☐ Transport cage ready
☐ Towels in the car
☐ Prepared Meal
☐ Fresh water available
First week:
☐ Veterinary visit completed
☐ Established Routine
☐ Potty training has begun
☐ Gentle socialization has begun
Conclusion
Preparing for the arrival of a puppy requires organization, but it's the key to a successful integration. With this checklist, you'll be ready to welcome your new companion in the best possible conditions.
At CaniCosy, you'll find all the essential accessories for puppies: suitable beds, safe toys, bowls, harnesses, and much more. Discover our special puppy selection and start this wonderful adventure with peace of mind!
Welcome to the wonderful adventure of life with a puppy! 🐕❤️
