The Ultimate New Puppy Owner’s Checklist

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.

⭐ 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.

At the very least, we recommend third-party liability insurance. The Dogs Trust Companion Club offers excellent cover for £25/year (£12.50 if you’re over 60), including a 24-hour Vetfone™ advice line and a Canine Care Card.

We do not insure our dogs (other than Dogs Trust liability cover), 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 £20. Some will transfer for free.

Veterinary Costs

Your puppy will need:

• Nobivac DHP vaccination at 12+ weeks (one and done for life) – £30–£40

• Consultation fees – variable

• Health check – £40–£60

Expect to spend £100–£200 for the first few visits (London 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 (this is what we use).

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

• Adaptil diffuser

• Natural calming supplements

• Heartbeat cuddle toys for easier first-night settling

  
  

Support Around Vaccination Time

Giving Milk Thistle two weeks before and two weeks after the vaccination helps support and detox the liver.

⭐ Feeding & Nutrition ~ Puppy Food

Stick to the food your puppy has been weaned onto:

CSJ Little Champ Puppy Food

Buy some before your puppy arrives.

Transition to another food at 6+ months 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

• Raised stainless-steel bowls (aid digestion and reduce spills)

• Dog-proof food storage bin

• Secure kitchen bin or one stored behind closed doors

⭐ Toilet Training, Cleaning & Hygiene

Essentials

• Poop bags (strong, tie-handle, unscented)

• Enzymatic cleaner – crucial to prevent repeat marking

• Pet-safe disinfectant

• Kitchen rolls, mop & bucket

  
  

We also recommend using an antiviral parvovirus-killing disinfectant

Pee Pads

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 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.

Kong Toys

Essential for:

• Mental stimulation

• Crate training

• Calm, independent time

  
  

Fill, freeze, and enjoy!

⭐ Travel & Safety ~ Legal Requirements

Puppies must be safely restrained in the car.

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

• 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

• Collapsible food & water bowls

• Travel water bottle

• Dog travel bag (keeps everything organised)

⭐ Health, First Aid & Supplements

First Aid Kit

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.)

• Manuka honey & purple spray – wound care

• Antifungal cream (with Clotrimazole) – ringworm or fungal issues

• Seaweed/Kelp – urinary health & dental benefits

• Ear cleaner – infection prevention

• Joint supplements – for growing puppies (especially Shepherds), active dogs or seniors

• Raspberry Leaf Tablets – for unspayed females during seasons or phantom pregnancies

  
  

Parasite Control (Natural Options)

• Natural food supplements

• Raw organic pumpkin seeds

• Faecal testing every 3–4 months for peace of mind

⭐ Outdoor Essentials

• Pee post + training spray

• Bug-repellent spray (use after shampooing or alone)

• Microfibre dog towel or drying robe (essential after beach trips—salt must be rinsed out)

⭐ Collars, Leads & ID Tags

• Collar (22–30 cm / Size Small for puppies)

• Lead (update as pup grows)

• ID tag by FlexiTag

  
  

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

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

Choose a non-dangling tag to prevent noise irritation and snagging.

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 🐾