New Puppy Essentials Checklist (First 30 Days)

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!