New Puppy Checklist — What You Actually Need
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Getting a new puppy is brilliant and overwhelming in equal measure. The internet is full of enormous lists. Most of it you don't need straight away.
Here's the honest version.
Get these before they arrive
Collar and ID tag — In the UK it's a legal requirement for dogs in public to wear a collar with the owner's name and address. Sort this on day one.
Lead — A standard 1.2–1.8m lead is fine to start with. Avoid retractable leads until lead manners are established.
Harness — Kinder on a puppy's neck than a collar clip during walks. Our Adjustable Harness, Lead and Collar Set is soft cotton and adjustable, so you can fine-tune the fit as your puppy grows.
Food and water bowls — Stainless steel is easiest to keep clean. See our Feed and Hydrate collection.
Bedding — Something soft and washable. You will be washing it frequently.
Poop bags — You need more than you think. Our Scented Poop Bags with Dispenser clip onto any lead.
Training pads — Useful for the first few weeks, especially overnight. Our Disposable Training Pads are absorbent and easy to use.
Useful but not urgent
- Treat pouch — our magnetic treat pouch makes training sessions much smoother
- Toys — start with two or three and see what they like
- Grooming brush — getting puppies used to brushing early makes a real difference later
- Nail clippers — introduce these gently; many puppies are sensitive about their paws
Things that can wait
- Retractable lead (wait until lead training is solid)
- Lots of toys (puppies have preferences — buy more once you know what they like)
- Expensive bedding (wait until they've stopped chewing everything)