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The Ultimate New Puppy Owner’s Checklist

Updated: 9 hours ago

Regularly updated so new owners always receive our most reliable, tried-and-tested recommendations.


Bringing home a new puppy is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. What do I really need? How much will this cost? Am I forgetting something? We’ve all been there!


To make the process easier, we’ve created a comprehensive checklist based on years of experience, trial, error and countless puppies.


We personally own and use most of the items listed below and wouldn’t be without them.


Clickable links take you directly to recommended products. If you have any questions—or if a link has expired—please contact us and we will update it ASAP.





What You Receive When You Bring Home a Swish Sheps Puppy


When you buy a puppy, it’s more than just a dog—it’s a lifetime companion. That’s why we make sure each puppy leaves us healthy, happy and well-prepared for their new home.


Here’s everything that comes with your puppy (dependant upon the age at which you collect them and their breed/mix) and the care we provide:


Health & Veterinary Care


  • Worming at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age + Faecal Worm Check at 12 weeks

    • Recommended re-test at 16 weeks and 20 weeks, then every 3 months to ensure ongoing health

  • Drontal Worming Treatment (if required)

  • Follow-up Faecal Test after treatment (if required)

  • 1 x DHP Vaccination & Health Check at 12+ weeks of age

  • Milk Thistle given 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after DHP Vaccination to support the liver

  • Microchipping before 8 weeks of age (as required by law)

  • Grooming inc. bathing with anti flea/tick shampoo and fed natural parasite preventatives

  • Clear documentation and records for everything including signed and dated puppy contracts, 1 copy kept by ourselves and 1 handed to the owner of the puppy


Genetic & Health Testing worth £271.00



These tests ensure your puppy is genetically healthy and comes from strong, responsible breeding lines, as well as indicating clear or carrier status for future breeding decisions.


*A DNA profile is essentially a unique genetic fingerprint for your dog that stays the same throughout its life. It’s based on hundreds of SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and is used to:


✔️ Establish identity that can’t change (essential for verifying ownership should your dog be lost or stolen, thieves can and sometimes do remove microchips 😞)


✔Verify parentage (even with just one parent tested in some systems)


✔ Serve as a basis for future genetic testing


✔ Provide heterozygosity or genetic diversity info — which can help breeders preserve genetic health over generations


Training & Socialisation


Every puppy receives extensive training and socialisation including;


Handling & Human Socialisation


  • Daily gentle handling from birth: paws, ears, tails, mouths

  • Exposure to multiple humans (adults, children) in a calm environment

  • Positive reinforcement for approaching, touching and interacting with humans

  • Encouraging independence while still providing reassurance


Littermate & Pack Socialisation


  • Play with littermates to learn bite inhibition, body language and appropriate play

  • Interaction with our adult Shepherd Dogs to model dog behaviour and social cues

  • Observation and gentle correction from adult dogs for manners and boundaries


Other Animal Socialisation


  • Gradual introduction to our cat, to promote calm, respectful interactions

  • Monitoring interactions to ensure positive reinforcement and safety


Environmental Socialisation


  • Exposure to different surfaces: carpet, tile, grass, concrete, stairs

  • Introduction to household and other noises: vacuum, washing machine, doorbells, radio, TV, fireworks

  • Short outdoor excursions to quiet streets, parks and gardens

  • Gradual exposure to more stimulating environments by 16–24 weeks (busier streets, more people, mild urban noises)


Transport & Travel


  • Short supervised car trips

  • Positive reinforcement for travel to prevent fear or motion sickness


Basic Obedience & Training


  • Name recognition and recall (“come”)

  • Basic commands: sit, down, stay, leave it

  • Short, frequent training sessions (3–10 minutes)

  • Leash training and calm walking

  • Potty routine

  • Gentle impulse control exercises (“wait,” “gentle,” “no jumping”)

  • Bite inhibition reinforcement


Mental Stimulation & Enrichment


  • Puzzle toys and food-dispensing toys

  • Scent games and exploration activities

  • Supervised problem-solving exercises


Grooming & Handling Habituation


  • Brushing and fur inspection

  • Nail handling and trimming practice

  • Ear cleaning habituation

  • Bath introduction (gentle, positive experiences)


Behaviour & Confidence Building


  • Supervised independent play to encourage self-confidence

  • Gradual exposure to mild stressors to promote resilience

  • Positive reinforcement for calm and confident behaviour

  • Redirection of undesirable behaviours in a safe, controlled way



Supplies for a Smooth Transition


We want your puppy to settle into your home comfortably, so we provide:


  • ‘EzyDog’ Collar & Lead (Suitable for the dog’s size and weight when leaving us)

  • Bedding That Smells Familiar - to help with pup’s house move + Age Appropriate Toys

  • Correct Nutrition & CSJ Follow On Puppy Food


This ensures your puppy has familiar items in their new home and a smooth transition.


The Total Package


All of this is included in the purchase price, giving you peace of mind that your puppy is healthy, well-socialised and ready to start life with you.


Buying a Shepherd Dog from us isn’t just about getting a puppy—it’s about starting with the best possible foundation for a happy, confident and healthy dog.



What You Need to Consider & Prepare For



⭐ Before You Bring Your Puppy Home ~ Travel, Collection or Courier Costs


Factor in petrol, parking, meals, accommodation or courier fees when collecting your puppy. These are often forgotten but should be budgeted for.


Insurance (or Savings)


We recommend having either:


  • An emergency savings account (our personal preference), or

  • Pet insurance


If your puppy is an outcross or mixed breed, insurance is often cheaper due to lower lifetime health risks—so make sure to state this on your application.


We do not insure our dogs so we cannot personally recommend insurers—however, Go Compare is a good starting point.


Avoid purchasing insurance through The Kennel Club, as it is more expensive than going directly through their underwriter, Agria Pet Insurance. We cannot recommend Agria however, due to poor feedback from our puppy buyers.


Microchip Transfer


Transfer fees vary depending on the registry, but should be no more than £30. Some will transfer for free.


Veterinary Costs


Your puppy will need:


  • Nobivac DHP vaccination at 12+ weeks (one and done for life) if not already done by ourselves – £30–£40

  • Consultation fees – variable

  • Health check – £40–£60


Expect to spend up to around £100 for the visit (London prices may be higher).


Always call ahead for prices, avoid unnecessary add-ons, and aim for early-morning appointments when the clinic is clean and quiet.


A home-visit vet is an excellent alternative, it is more expensive but it’s also less stressful and safer.


Puppy Socialisation Before Vaccinations


A puppy stroller is ideal for safe early socialisation and vet trips.


You can also socialise your puppy by:


  • Sitting together in your car boot in a busy car park

  • Watching people, trolleys, cars and prams go by. This also helps your puppy get used to car travel.


⭐ Setting Up Your Home ~ Puppy-Proofing


  • Baby gates (or a large playpen for open-plan homes)

  • Remove or cover all wires/cables

  • Keep items like shoes, remotes and paperwork out of reach

  • Choose a washable-floor room for the puppy’s main area


    Allowing a puppy to roam the full house will frustrate you and delay toilet training.


Calming Aids


Support Around Vaccination Time


Giving Milk Thistle two weeks before and two weeks after the vaccination helps support and detox the liver. If the puppy has been vaccinated by our vet we will have provided this treatment.


⭐ Feeding & Nutrition ~ Puppy Food


Stick to the food your puppy has been weaned onto:



Buy some before your puppy arrives.


Transition to another food at 6+ months (and when pup has been living with you for at least 1 month) if desired.


Estimated cost:


  • Female puppy (adult weight of 25 kg): ~£300/year (£25/month)

  • Large males (up to 40 kg): adjust budget accordingly


Treats & Chews


We love Millie’s Wolfheart natural treats and long-lasting chews—excellent for:


  • Teaching calm behaviour

  • Occupying your puppy during crate or alone-time

  • Naturally cleaning teeth


We do not recommend Dentastix, which contain grains, starches, artificial colours and flavourings that can cause digestive issues.


Feeding Equipment



⭐ Toilet Training, Cleaning & Hygiene

Essentials


We also recommend using an antiviral parvovirus-killing disinfectant


Use only for travel—not for toilet training.


Reusable pads are harder to shred and more eco-friendly.


⭐ Grooming & Coat Care ~ Grooming Kit


  • Slicker brush

  • Bristle brush

  • Nail file

  • Flea comb


    (A kit with nail clippers is handy for home and travel.)


Avoid Furminators, which can damage Shepherd Dog coats.


Wipes & Cleaning


Keep grooming wipes for eyes, ears, paws and muddy moments.


Bathing & Coat Care


  • Use a gentle shampoo that repels fleas, mites, ticks and flies

  • Rinse thoroughly and ensure your dog is completely dry to prevent skin issues.

  • Brush out dry mud instead of over-washing.

  • A dog blow dryer makes drying quicker and safer.


Avoid perfume, aftershave, candles and air fresheners—dogs find strong scents overwhelming and they can trigger allergies.


⭐ Bedding & Toys ~ Durable Bed


Choose a chew-proof bed (Large for females / X-Large for males).


Top with a removable, washable bed or blanket (a luxury throw is included in your puppy pack).


Tough Toys


Super tough chew toys that last a long while, we love these, these and these but there are many options available—durable options that last.



Essential for:


  • Mental stimulation

  • Crate training

  • Calm, independent time


Fill, freeze, and enjoy!


⭐ Travel & Safety ~ Legal Requirements



The Highway Code, Rule 57:


Dogs must be suitably restrained so they cannot distract the driver or injure themselves or you in an emergency stop.


Recommended Options


  • Crash-tested harness (*** Only use a harness on a dog when it is being transported and NOT for walks, as this encourages pulling and unwanted behaviour, stick to a collar and lead ***)

  • Strong, secure crate for the car boot (avoid flimsy plastic/metal)

  • Use a reputable DEFRA approved pet courier if you do not have the correct equipment


Travel Accessories



⭐ Health, First Aid & Supplements



A must-have at home and when travelling. Learn how to use it—local dog first-aid courses are widely available. Kits often include:


  • Tick remover

  • Nail clippers


Useful Extras To Keep At Home


(These are typically cheaper than vet-issued products.)


Parasite Control (Natural Options)


  • Natural food supplements

  • Raw organic pumpkin seeds

  • Faecal testing every 3-6 months for peace of mind


⭐ Outdoor Essentials



⭐ Identification


  • ID tag by FlexiTag with your details ~ this specific tag does not dangle and annoy your dog or get caught on anything which is why it is the preferred type of tag by breeders and those who compete in dog sports.


Do not put your dog’s name on the tag—this can aid thieves.


Include only: surname, house number, street, postcode and phone number.



Final Thought



Preparing properly means you can relax and enjoy those precious early weeks with your puppy. This list reflects what we personally use, trust and recommend to our new puppy families.





Dawn & Phil 🐾

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