Puppy Care

How to Prepare Your Home for a New Puppy — Complete Checklist

Bringing home a new puppy is one of life's most joyful moments — and the smoother your preparation, the calmer and happier both you and your puppy will be from day one.

April 1, 2024 · 8 min read

The Week Before Your Puppy Arrives

The more you prepare in advance, the calmer your first day home will be. Spend the week before your puppy arrives puppy-proofing your space, gathering supplies, and arranging your schedule so someone can be home for the first few days.

Essential Supplies to Have Ready

• Appropriately sized crate — the puppy should be able to stand, turn, and lie down, but not much more (this aids in housetraining)
• Puppy-safe playpen or exercise pen for a contained safe zone
• High-quality puppy food (ask your breeder what they've been feeding — continue with the same food for at least 2 weeks)
• Stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls
• Age-appropriate puppy toys — soft plush, rope, and chew toys
• Puppy pad, leash, and collar with ID tag
• Enzymatic cleaner for inevitable accidents
• Small treat pouch for training
• Grooming supplies appropriate for the coat type

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

• Secure electrical cords — puppies will chew anything
• Remove toxic houseplants (aloe, pothos, philodendron, and dozens more are toxic to dogs)
• Lock or elevate cleaning supplies, medications, and chemicals
• Remove small objects that could be swallowed
• Block off stairs if the puppy is too small or young to navigate them safely
• Secure garbage cans
• Check that fencing is secure and has no gaps a small puppy can squeeze through

Setting Up the Puppy's Space

Your puppy needs a defined, consistent space — especially for the first few weeks. Place the crate in a family room or bedroom where they can see and smell people, not in an isolated laundry room or garage. Put a piece of the breeder's bedding (or an unwashed t-shirt you've worn) inside to provide familiar scent and comfort.

The First Day Home

Keep the first day calm and low-key. Limit the number of visitors. Let the puppy explore at its own pace. Take it outside immediately upon arrival and every 30–60 minutes after eating, drinking, waking, or playing. Praise enthusiastically for going outside — this is where housetraining starts.

• Keep the environment calm — no chaos, no crowds
• Introduce one room at a time
• Establish the outdoor bathroom spot immediately
• Offer small amounts of food and water
• Encourage but don't force interaction with children
• Start crate time on day one — brief, positive, and calm

Finding a Veterinarian

Schedule a vet appointment within 3–5 days of bringing your puppy home. Your breeder will provide records of existing vaccinations, deworming, and any health checks — bring all of these to the appointment. Establish a vaccine schedule and discuss parasite prevention, spay/neuter timing, and any breed-specific health concerns with your new vet.

What Star Struck Puppies Provides

Every puppy we send home comes with a detailed puppy packet including feeding instructions, vaccine history, deworming records, health guarantee, and breed-specific care tips. We're also available by phone and text for any questions in the days after your puppy arrives. You're never on your own with a Star Struck puppy.