New Puppy Checklist: The First Week, Sorted

The first week sets the tone for everything after it. Here's a simple order of operations so nothing important gets missed in the excitement.

Before they arrive

• Puppy-proof the house. Cables tucked away, cleaning products up high, small chewable objects picked up, bins secured.
• Set up one calm space. A crate or bed in a quiet corner gives your puppy somewhere to retreat to.
• Buy the basics: collar and lead, food and water bowls, the food they're already eating, safe chew toys, and a proper ID tag.

Day one

Keep it quiet. Skip the visitors for a few days. Show your puppy where the water, bed and toilet spot are, and let them explore at their own pace. Start the routine you actually intend to keep — puppies learn the schedule you use, not the one you plan.

Book the vet early

Arrange a first check-up within the first few days. Discuss vaccinations, worming, flea treatment, neutering timing, and microchipping if it hasn't been done. Ask what your puppy can safely do before their vaccinations are complete.

Sort identification properly

Puppies are fast, curious and surprisingly good at slipping through gaps. Identification should be in place from day one, not "once they're settled."

• Microchip — permanent backup, readable by vets and shelters.
• Collar tag — what lets an ordinary person who finds your puppy contact you immediately.

A smart QR tag is useful here because puppy details change constantly in the first year — weight, vet, even your own phone number. You update it yourself online instead of re-engraving a disc. We explain the difference between tags and chips in this comparison.

Start the good habits now

• Toilet training: outside after every sleep, meal and play session, and praise the moment they get it right.
• Alone time: short absences from day one prevent separation anxiety later.
• Handling: paws, ears and mouth, gently and often, so vet visits are easy.
• Socialisation: new sounds, surfaces and calm people — within your vet's guidance.

Plan for when you're out

Puppies shouldn't be alone for long. If work means long days, line up a walker or sitter early rather than in a panic. You can find verified local providers in the Kingston's app.

Take your time, keep it calm, and enjoy it — this part goes quickly.