This checklist helps you get your home, supplies, and routines set up the right way — so your puppy settles in faster and training becomes easier and less stressful.
1) Home Setup Essentials
- Choose your puppy’s main “home base” area (where they’ll spend most indoor time).
- Puppy-proof floors and corners: remove cords, small objects, shoes, and anything chewable. Read: Puppy Proofing Your Home
- Block off no-go zones using a baby gate or exercise pen.
- Set up a quick cleanup station: enzyme cleaner, paper towels, trash bags.
- Pick one outdoor potty spot to keep routines consistent.
2) Crate + Sleep Essentials
- Choose a crate size that allows standing and turning around, but not too much extra space.
- Decide on a simple, safe bedding setup.
- Place the crate in a calm area (not chaotic, not isolated).
- Create a bedtime routine and repeat it every night.
- Learn how to crate train correctly (this prevents common mistakes). Read: Crate Training Puppies
3) Feeding + Daily Routine Essentials
- Pick set mealtimes (routine helps digestion and behavior).
- Measure meals (avoid free-feeding during early puppy training).
- Expect frequent naps — puppies sleep a lot for healthy brain and body development. Read: Why Do Puppies Sleep So Much?
- Start a quick puppy log for the first week (meals, naps, potty, accidents).
- Learn the basics of proper puppy nutrition early. Read: Feeding Your New Puppy
4) Training Essentials (First Skills to Teach)
- Name recognition: puppy looks at you when you say their name.
- Recall foundation: begin “come” training right away. Read: Dog Recall Training
- Calm behavior: teach your puppy to settle quietly (this prevents hyper behavior later).
- Handling practice: paws, ears, mouth briefly — calmly and gently.
- House rules: decide what’s allowed (jumping, furniture, begging) and keep it consistent.
- Want step-by-step training support? If you want a complete online dog training program that covers multiple puppy issues, Read: Best Online Dog Training.
5) Chewing Essentials
- Have multiple chew options ready (rotate them so they stay interesting).
- Remove high-risk items: socks, kids’ toys, remotes, cords.
- If your puppy is chewing everything, address it early before it becomes a long-term habit. Read: How to Stop Puppy Chewing
- Puppy nipping is normal — but you need the right response to stop it quickly. Read: How to Stop a Puppy From Nipping
- Avoid rough hand-play that encourages mouthy behavior.
6) Vet + Wellness Essentials
- Schedule your first vet visit (if not already done) and confirm vaccine schedule.
- Ask about parasite prevention appropriate for your area.
- Decide how you’ll handle grooming basics: brush, nails, bath plan.
- Know red flags that require a vet call (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, refusal to eat).
- If this is your first puppy vet visit, here’s exactly how to prepare. Read: First Time Vet Visit for Your Puppy
- Consider pet insurance early: It can help protect you from surprise vet bills. Read: Compare Pet Insurance the Smart Way
Final note: You don’t have to do everything perfectly — you just need a good setup and a simple routine. Your puppy is learning every day, and with consistency, the first month gets easier fast. You’ve got this!
