The day you bring your new puppy home is one of the most exciting days of your life. The anticipation is wonderful, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. What do you need? Have you forgotten anything?
At Central Park Puppies, our goal is to ensure your transition into puppy parenthood is as smooth and joyful as possible. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate checklist. Having these essential supplies ready before your puppy arrives will help you feel prepared and allow you to focus on what truly matters: bonding with your new family member.
For the Home: Creating a Safe and Comfy Space
• Crate: Choose a crate that will be large enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around in as an adult. A divider can be used to make it smaller for housetraining.
• Dog Bed: A soft, washable bed to place inside the crate and another for a main living area.
• Food and Water Bowls: Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are recommended as they are durable and easy to clean.
• Puppy Gates: To block off any areas of the home that are not puppy-proof.
• Enzymatic Cleaner: For cleaning up accidents. Standard cleaners won’t eliminate the odors that attract a puppy back to the same spot.
For Mealtime: Nutrition and Treats
• High-Quality Puppy Food: We will provide information on the food your puppy has been eating to ensure a smooth dietary transition. Choose a formula specifically designed for puppies.
• Training Treats: Small, soft, high-value treats that will be used exclusively as rewards for training and potty success.
At Central Park Puppies, we start every puppy on a path to good health. Let us help you continue their journey.
For Walks and Outings
• Collar or Harness: For a small puppy or a flat-faced breed like a French Bulldog, a harness is the safest option as it doesn’t put pressure on their neck.
• Leash: A standard 6-foot leash is perfect for walks and training.
• ID Tags: With your puppy’s name, your phone number, and your address.
• Poop Bags: An essential for every walk.
For Playtime and Training
• Chew Toys: Durable chew toys like Kongs or Nylabones are essential for teething puppies to gnaw on instead of your furniture.
• Interactive Toys: Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys to keep their smart minds engaged.
• Soft Toys: Plush toys for cuddling and gentle play.
For Grooming and Health
• Brush or Comb: Specific to your puppy’s coat type.
• Gentle Puppy Shampoo.
• Nail Clippers or Grinder.
• A Veterinarian: Have a vet chosen and an appointment scheduled for your puppy’s first check-up within a few days of their arrival.
Conclusion: Prepared for a Lifetime of Love
Getting ready for a new puppy is a special part of the journey. By gathering these items ahead of time, you create a safe, welcoming, and enriching environment from the moment they cross your threshold. You’ll be free to simply enjoy the pitter-patter of little paws and the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Your journey to puppy parenthood starts here. We invite you to view our available puppies at Central Park Puppies.
AUTHOR
Ash Perera
For Ash, it has always been about helping people. After earning her masters degree, she worked as a special education teacher in NYC public schools for five years prior to diving in to Central Park Puppies full-time. For more than 8 years now, Ash has been helping families find the perfect puppy for their homes. She serves as a co-founder and chief marketing officer of the online platform Central Park Puppies, a company committed to ethical breeding and a genuine love for all things canine. When she's not busy helping families connect with their dream pups, she is often embarking on adventures with her two daughters, husband, her beloved chihuahua and spunky schnauzer.
