Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting days there is. A little planning makes it easier for everyone, puppy included. Our family has raised Maltipoo, Morkie and Shichon puppies on our farm near Hersey, Michigan since 2004, and we’ve helped a lot of families get ready for their first day together. Here’s everything to have ready before your puppy comes home.
Your New Puppy Checklist
Good news: every Michigan Puppy puppy comes home with a starter kit, including a sample of the food your puppy is eating, a blanket that smells like the litter and a favorite toy, so a few items on this list are already covered. See everything included with every puppy.
Sleep and Safety
Crate (small enough to feel cozy, with a divider if your puppy has growing to do)
Soft crate pad or bedding
Exercise pen or baby gates
An old T-shirt that smells like you
Food and Water
Puppy food (the same food your puppy is eating now)
Stainless steel food and water bowls
Small, soft training treats
Food storage container
Potty Training
Puppy pads
Enzyme cleaner for accidents
Paper towels
Poop bags
Walks and ID
Harness (safer than a collar for toy breeds)
Lightweight leash
Collar with an ID tag
Travel carrier for car rides
Grooming and Health
Slicker brush and comb
Nail clippers
Gentle puppy shampoo
Puppy toothbrush and toothpaste
Soft cloth for wiping eyes
Play and Chewing
Several kinds of chew toys
A puzzle or treat toy
Soft toys for cuddling
Bitter apple spray for furniture legs
Puppy-Proof Your Home
Puppies explore with their mouths. Before pickup day, get down at puppy level and look around:
Cords and cables Tuck them out of reach or cover them.
Small objects Socks, hair ties, kids’ toys and anything else small enough to swallow.
Plants and chemicals Move houseplants, cleaners and medicines up high. Many common plants are toxic to dogs.
Shoes and laundry Close closet doors and keep laundry baskets off the floor.
Stairs and high furniture Block stairs, and help small puppies on and off the couch. Jumping down is hard on tiny legs.
Trash cans Use cans with lids, or keep them behind a door.
Before Pickup Day
Book a vet visit. Schedule a checkup for the first few days your puppy is home.
Set up your puppy’s spot. Put the crate and pen in a room where your family spends time, so your puppy feels included.
Agree on family rules. Decide who feeds and walks the puppy, and which words you’ll use for “sit,” “come” and “outside.”
Plan the ride home. Bring a carrier, a towel and a second person to keep the puppy company.
Clear your schedule. Try to be home as much as possible for the first few days.
The First Night and the First Week
1The first night
Put the crate next to your bed so your puppy can hear and smell you.
Take your puppy out to potty right before bed.
Young puppies may need a potty break once during the night.
Some crying is normal. Comfort your puppy calmly, and never scold.
7The first week
Keep a routine for meals, naps and potty breaks.
Take your puppy out after every meal, nap and play session.
Keep visitors few and calm while your puppy settles in.
Start simple training: their name, crate time and “sit.”
Getting the Kids Ready
Puppies and kids are best friends, and growing up with a puppy teaches children kindness and responsibility. Little puppies are fragile, though, so talk with your kids before pickup day about how to treat their new friend. At Michigan Puppy, our own children help play with and care for every puppy, so your puppy will already be used to kids. Here are a few simple rules that keep everyone safe:
Sit on the floor Hold the puppy only while sitting down, so a wiggly puppy can’t fall.
Gentle hands Pet softly, and never pick the puppy up by its legs.
Let sleeping puppies sleep Puppies need lots of naps to grow.
No chasing Let the puppy come to you.
Wash up Wash your hands after playing.
Help out Fill the water bowl or help at feeding time.
New Puppy FAQs
What do I need before bringing a puppy home?
At minimum: a crate, bedding, puppy food, food and water bowls, puppy pads, an enzyme cleaner, a harness and leash, an ID tag, a few chew toys and basic grooming tools.
How do I puppy-proof my house?
Get down to puppy level and remove anything they could chew or swallow: cords, socks, small toys, houseplants and cleaners. Block stairs, and keep trash cans covered.
Should my puppy sleep in a crate the first night?
A crate next to your bed is a good choice. Your puppy feels safe and close to you, and it helps with house-training.
How often does a new puppy need to go potty?
Young puppies need to go out often: after waking up, after eating, after playing and every couple of hours in between.
When should I take my new puppy to the vet?
Within the first few days home is a good rule. Bring the health records that came with your puppy.
Ready to meet your new puppy?
We raise Maltipoo, Morkie and Shichon puppies on our family farm near Hersey, Michigan. Every puppy is vet checked and microchipped and comes with a 1-year genetic guarantee. Pick up at the farm, get delivery across Michigan and nearby states, or use a flight nanny.
