Puppy prep with Sunny Doodles

Bringing a new puppy home is one of life’s happiest moments — and it goes smoother when you’re prepared. Below is a detailed, practical puppy-prep guide organized by category. Use it as a shopping and planning checklist and mark items as you acquire them.

Before you bring your puppy home

- Confirm a vet appointment for the initial check, vaccinations, and deworming. ( your puppy from Sunny Doodles will go home microchipped)  

- Ask me what food, schedule, and routines the puppy is used to; plan a gradual transition. ( this information will be found in family emails I send to you) 

- Puppy-proof your home: secure cords, remove toxic plants, lock cabinets, and block stairways or unsafe carpeted rooms.

Food & feeding

- medium to large bag of the puppy food I use (use for first 30-60 days).  Typically this is purnina pro plan puppy salmon. When looking at foods long term check for an AAFCO statement.

- Measuring cup or digital kitchen scale for accurate portions.  

- Stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls ( dishwasher-safe) — one set.  

- Optional: slow-feeder bowl (for gulpers) or elevated bowls for large-breed puppies.

Sleeping & safe spaces

- Crate (wire or plastic) sized so puppy can stand, turn, and lie down; use a divider to adjust space as they grow. I like to go on the bigger side with a divider.

- Crate mat or WASHABLE pad that fits inside.  

- Comfortable, washable dog bed for outside of playpen and crate (consider adult size for long-term use).  

- Exercise pen or playpen for supervised free time outside the crate. ONLY TALLER THAN 40 inches and typically 8 panels.

- Blankets or towels for comfort (2–3).

Collars, tags & identification

- Adjustable flat collar sized for puppy (check fit daily).  

- Breakaway collar if puppy will be unsupervised while wearing a collar.  

- ID tag with your phone number and a secondary contact.  

Leashes & travel

- 4–6 ft leash (nylon or leather) for walks and training. Long line leash for park play.

- Spare leash to keep in the car.  

- Harness (front-clip or no-pull for training; back-clip for calmer walking) — size-appropriate.  

- Car safety: crash-tested dog harness, travel crate/carrier, or pet seat cover.  I LOVE MY BACKPACK CARRIERS!!!!!

- Travel water bottle or collapsible bowl for outings.

House-training & potty

- Puppy pads or indoor grass pads (short-term use). For families who live in condo or apartments I highly suggest weasy smart potty

. (discount code is Autumn10)  

- Long-handled pooper scooper and poop bags (biodegradable if preferred).  

- Enzymatic cleaner (pet-safe, odor-removing) for accidents. Or I use vinegar and water mix. 

- Stain protector for furniture or washable slipcovers.  

- Treats to reward pottying outside.

Grooming & health supplies

- Puppy shampoo (gentle, pH-balanced).  

- Brush or comb suited to coat type (slicker, bristle, deshedder).  

- Nail clippers or pet nail grinder and styptic powder.  

- Toothbrush to desensitize (start early).     

- Make a list of emergency numbers

Training & behavior

- High-value, small training treats (soft and easy to chew).  

- Treat pouch for walks and training.  

- Clicker (optional) and a training plan, book, or online course.  

- Long training leash (15–30 ft) for recall practice.  

- Puppy socialization plan: enroll in an age-appropriate puppy class and note local, vet-approved playgroups.  

- Calming aids (use with vet advice): wrap/coat, pheromone diffuser (e.g., Adaptil), or white-noise machine. Alexa works great!

Toys & enrichment

- DURABLE chew toys sized for puppies (KONG, Nylabone, bully sticks). 7 DIFFERENT CHEW TOY/TREATS WILL BE NEEDED. My intro puppy class will explain why.  

- Soft comfort toy (no small parts) for sleeping. Typically a snuggle puppy is their favorite.

- Interactive puzzle or treat-dispensing toy for mental stimulation. There are so many treat hiding toys on the market. Get a few. Lick mats are awesome. Or join Bark box for monthly delivery. Also check out my DIY blog post on how to make with items already around your house. 

- Fetch toy and tug toy appropriate to size.  

- Teething-specific toys (coolable varieties).

Safety & home supplies

- Baby gates to block rooms and stairs. Make sure they are tall enough. 40 inches or taller. If your dog is standard size you may want taller.

- Cabinet latches for cleaning supplies and food.  

- Trash can with a lock or heavy lid.  

- Secure storage for human medications, chemicals, and toxic plants.  

- Outlet covers and cord protectors.

Cleaning & maintenance 

- Laundry detergent sanitizer.  

- disinfectant wipes (pet-safe).  

Paperwork & admin

- Folder for vaccine records, adoption papers, microchip info, spay/neuter records, and receipts.  

- Contact list: vet, 24/7 emergency clinic, local animal poison control, and a trainer.  

- Pet insurance information (decide before the first big vet bill).

Optional but helpful

- Airtight food storage container.  

- Puppy-safe chew treats for crate training.  

- Pet camera for monitoring and separation training.  

- Training books/apps and local trainer contact saved.  

- Seat belt tether and crate anchor for frequent travel.  

- Groomer appointment saved for first trim.

Quantities & sizing notes

- Buy smaller quantities of food until you confirm the adult diet but do not transition for 30-60 days. 

- Choose adjustable collars and harnesses and check fit every few days.  

- Rotate 7–10 toys to maintain interest and prevent boredom.  

- Pick a crate with a divider — cheaper than buying multiple crates as your puppy grows.

First-week checklist (do within 7 days)

- Vet visit scheduled or completed.  

- Start a consistent feeding schedule.  

- Begin crate training and basic skills (name recall, leash introduction, sit).  

- Short, positive socialization exposures to people, surfaces, and sounds.  

- Establish potty and sleep routines.

Prepare gradually — spread purchases over days or weeks so your home is calm and ready when the puppy arrives!!!