New Dog Supplies Checklist for the First Week
Before your dog arrives, prepare somewhere to sleep, food and water, a secure way to travel home and a few basic cleaning supplies. You can buy the extras after you know their size, habits and preferences.
Have these ready before arrival
- Food and water bowls that are easy to wash, with fresh water available.
- A supply of the food the dog is already eating, plus their current feeding routine from the previous carer.
- A washable bed or bedding in a quiet resting area.
- A correctly fitted collar with identification, a suitable harness and a lead for supervised outings.
- Waste bags, washable towels and a pet-suitable cleaner used according to its label.
- Suitable transport equipment for the journey home. An everyday walking harness or open sling is not a car restraint.
Before shopping, ask the rescue or previous carer what the dog already uses. Bring those details and any care records to your first veterinary appointment. Keep medicines, cleaning products, cables and small swallowable objects out of reach.
Check food by its purpose
Choose a complete food suitable for the dog's life stage. The first ingredient and words such as “premium” do not establish whether a food meets your dog's needs. There is no blanket reason in this checklist to exclude corn, wheat or soy. If a health concern requires a particular diet, ask your vet before changing it.
Add these during the first week
- A few appropriately sized toys, introduced with supervision and checked for loose pieces.
- Small training rewards that fit the dog's feeding plan.
- Grooming tools chosen for the coat, with short, gentle introductions to handling.
- A gate or pen if needed to create a safe area without isolating the dog for long periods.
For walking gear, measure the neck and chest before ordering. Our adjustable dog harness and bungee leash set provides both measurements for each size. The elastic lead is different from a fixed-length training lead; choose according to your routine, and recheck fit as your dog grows.
Begin with the loose-leash training guide, then use our walk preparation checklist for outings. Ask your vet when and where a new puppy can safely walk.
Buy optional items for a specific need
A crate may suit a gradual, reward-based settling routine; it should never be punishment. A coat, travel bag, extra bed or puzzle feeder can wait until you know what will be useful. Introduce each item calmly and stop if the dog is uncomfortable.
If a carrying bag becomes useful, compare backpacks, slings and handheld carriers and check your dog's measurements and usable carrier space before buying.
Leave room in the budget for veterinary care and training support. A longer shopping list cannot replace time spent helping your dog settle.