Preparing to bring home your puppy

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting milestone, and a little preparation goes a long way in helping your puppy feel safe, comfortable, and confident in their new home. Your puppy has spent their first weeks surrounded by their mother, littermates, and familiar routines, so the transition to a new environment can be a big adjustment.

Before your puppy arrives, we recommend setting up your home with the essential supplies and a designated space where they can rest, eat, and begin learning their new routine. Having everything ready ahead of time will help make the first few days smoother for both you and your puppy.

Remember, puppies thrive on consistency, patience, and structure. Preparing in advance allows you to focus on bonding, training, and enjoying this special time with your new family member. Below is a list of recommended items to have ready before your puppy’s homecoming day.

Puppy preparation checklist

Essential supplies

• Crate: appropriately sized, with divider if needed, and a comfortable crate bed
• 1-2 dog beds: Think about where your family spends the most time...you'll want a comfy space for your poppy in that area
• Food and water bowls: We recommend adjustable height and stainless steel
• High-quality puppy food: Puppies go home with 2 cups of Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken and Rice Formula
• Puppy training treats: Small bites
• Adjustable collar: At 8 weeks their necks are tiny!
• 4–6 ft leash
• ID tag with your contact information
• Poop bags

• Slicker brush
• Metal comb

• Grooming wipes

Potty training and home setup

This section will vary based on how you intend to raise your puppy.

• Litter tray with pine pellets: This is how we train from 4-8 weeks, but you can transition to whatever method works best for your family

• Puppy pads: if you intend to train this way
• Outdoor potty area or grass patch if needed

• Puppy playpen or baby gates: to create a safe puppy area

• Bell for door training: if you intend to train this way

• Floor cleaner: regardless of how prepared you are, there are going to be accidents

Comfort and transition items

Your puppy will come home with a plush toy and small blanket with the litter scent.

• Soft toys

• Puppy-safe teething toys

• Durable chew items: like bully sticks or yak chews
• Snuggle toy or heartbeat toy: said to help with first nights away from littermates

• Puzzle toys: these are great for development and enrichment, and keeping your puppy engaged will also help with their transition to a new home

Other optional items

You might find these useful as well.

• Car seat or travel crate
• Seatbelt tether for car rides
• Puppy camera for monitoring
• Dog-safe laundry detergent for bedding
• Storage container for food

• Treat pouch for training