New puppy / first 30 days
The first week with a new puppy.
Tell us the age, adult size, home, and whether there are kids or cats. Get a phased list for pickup day, the first 24 hours, the first week, and the first month.
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Not veterinary advice. Vaccine schedules, food, and health decisions belong to your vet. This list helps you remember the practical stuff.
Your new puppy list
Start before pickup, then take the first week one routine at a time. The list stays in this browser.
No list yet Before the leash
Pick the age, size, and home. We will group the practical prep into four phases you can actually finish.
New puppy / first 30 days
Puppy prep
The first week is a routine problem.
Food, potty, sleep, and one safe room. Everything else can wait until the puppy has settled.
Before pickup
Set up one safe room before the puppy arrives. Cords, plants, trash, medications, shoes, and small objects go out of reach. Put the crate where the puppy can see you but not the whole house. Ask the breeder or shelter what food the puppy is eating and bring some home.
The first 24 hours
Keep it boring. Water, a small meal, a potty break, and rest. Do not invite the whole neighborhood over. A puppy that is overwhelmed may seem fine and then fall apart at bedtime.
Sleep
Young puppies need a lot of sleep. A crate or pen with a soft bed, a consistent spot, and a short bedtime routine helps. If the puppy cries, check for potty first, then keep the visit quiet and brief.
The first week
Write down the feeding and potty schedule and keep it the same for a few days. Book the vet visit. Practice the name, short crate sessions, and gentle handling of paws, ears, and mouth. One calm, vaccinated social visit is enough; skip the dog park.
Kids and cats
Kids sit on the floor and let the puppy come to them; an adult supervises every interaction. Cats get a room, high places, and a slow scent swap. A baby gate gives both species a way out.
Looking for a name? Use the Good Dog Name generator first, then bring the list here for the first month.
Good questions.
Short answers. Your vet and local rules decide the details.
What do I need before bringing a puppy home?
A crate, a washable bed, food and water bowls, the food the puppy is already eating, a collar or harness with an ID tag, a leash, puppy-safe toys, enzyme cleaner, and a safe room. Add a baby gate if you have stairs or a cat that needs space.
How often does a puppy need to go out?
Young puppies often need a potty break every 1–2 hours, plus immediately after waking, eating, playing, and before bed. The schedule stretches as the puppy grows; ask your vet for age-specific guidance.
When should the first vet visit happen?
Within the first few days of coming home, especially for a puppy without complete records. Bring vaccine and deworming paperwork, a stool sample if requested, and a list of questions.
Can I take an unvaccinated puppy to the dog park?
No. Avoid busy dog areas until your vet says the vaccine series is complete. Carry the puppy for safe socialization, or meet one healthy vaccinated dog in a private yard.
How do I introduce a puppy to a cat?
Start with scent swaps and a baby gate, give the cat a room and high places it can reach, and reward calm behavior. Never force a face-to-face meeting; some cats need weeks.
What if I have kids?
Teach kids to sit on the floor, use quiet voices, and let the puppy approach. Keep toys and food separate, supervise every interaction, and give the puppy a quiet place to retreat.