When you make the big decision to buy a puppy, it’s helpful to plan ahead. It’s not just about what kind of food and water bowls the puppy will need. Finding a good breeder or rescue centre is crucial, as is checking for health problems, and getting your puppy enrolled into a good puppy training class too. Young puppies can be very hard work, and there is a lot to organise.
If you’re a first time owner, this guide outlines the key steps you can take even before your puppy arrives. If you’re more experienced, you can use this puppy checklist UK as a helpful reminder to prepare for a smooth journey as your puppy grows into a calm, confident adult dog.
Here we'll guide you through the essential socialisation, early learning and even tips to make vet visits easier.
What to do when you first get a puppy dog?
Schedule a visit for a check-up with your vet as one of your very first steps. Your puppy will make many trips to the vet during their lifetime. Vaccinations, preventing health problems, a healthy diet and of course, meeting people for the first time will all benefit your puppy. Your pup may already be microchipped, or your vet can help advise you on this as it is legal requirement.
Plan who will help support your puppy's care. Contact a groomer, a registered, qualified positive reinforcement puppy trainer, a dog walker and a dog day care too. You never know when you will need additional pet care and there are a lot of services out there now that can help support your puppy’s care as they grow.
How do I go about getting my new puppy?
Aim to bring your puppy home at around 8–9 weeks of age. Check the Kennel Club website for accredited breeders, who should carry out health checks and screening for breed-specific issues such as heart murmurs and any other breed related health issues.
All puppies are cute, but not all have had a positive start in life. Pet shop puppies are thankfully a thing of the past, but you should always see the puppy with its mother.
You can also contact your local rescue centre, puppy litters do become available.
Puppy checklist UK: Everything you need to get started
- Register with a local vet: book an initial health check and discuss vaccinations, microchipping, and parasite prevention
- Join a positive-reinforcement puppy training class: early training builds confidence and good behaviour
- Download the ZigZag puppy training app: offers expert advice, training plans and daily guidance for the critical first weeks
- Choose suitable food and water bowls: stainless steel or ceramic are hygienic and long-lasting
- Set up puppy gates: block off stairs and keep your puppy safe in designated areas
- Provide a dog crate: a secure space for your puppy to rest, feel safe, and assist with toilet training
- Get the right puppy food: ask your vet or breeder for advice on a nutritious, age-appropriate diet
- Take out pet insurance: vet bills can be expensive; insurance gives peace of mind from day one
- Arrange pet care services: research local groomers, trusted dog daycares, and reputable pet shops
- Plan ahead for holidays: contact home boarders, pet sitters and boarding kennels for somewhere safe to place your puppy in advance for future trips
- Puppy-proof your home: make your house puppy safe, tidy loose cables, secure bins, remove toxic plants, and store household cleaners safely
- Create a socialisation plan: introduce your puppy to people, children, traffic, new environments, and other dogs
- Stock up on enrichment toys: use treat-dispensing toys, foraging mats and safe chew toys to keep them stimulated
- Assign care responsibilities: decide who feeds, walks, trains, plays with and cleans up after your puppy each day
- Keep a routine and record milestones: puppies thrive on routine. Track vaccinations, training progress, and feeding times
How to find a puppy
Ideally, adopt a puppy from a rescue shelter, as there are always young dogs that need a loving home. While you may have a specific breed in mind, temperament and size are more important factors when choosing a puppy that suits your lifestyle.
If you’re set on a particular breed, the Kennel Club’s list of accredited breeders is a good place to start.
Be cautious with online listings. Always see the puppy with their mother (and ideally the father). Ensure the breeder meets all animal welfare requirements and genuinely prioritises the puppies’ health and wellbeing. Avoid sellers who seem more interested in profit than the animals.
Puppies that haven’t had enough early human interaction can develop behavioural issues. Even if the litter looks cute, trust your instincts, if something feels off, walk away.
Bringing a puppy home
Young puppies need a lot of rest, so you must provide a safe, cosy place for them to sleep. A dog crate provides an enclosed space, along with a larger puppy pen surrounding it, which is ideal to help with toilet training too. The goal is for a happy pup, so always provide a tasty chew toy inside their crate so they settle. You can transfer the crate to your car and simply take the crate for the ride with puppy safely secured within.
Although everyone in the family will be excited that there is a young puppy at home, you must keep your puppy safe. Do not let young children pull or scare the puppy, or overtire them. Instead, great socialisation comes from sensible house rules.
Be prepared for hard work. A new puppy is a non-stop whirlwind of waking, sleeping, eating, drinking and of course, toileting! Plan for plenty of socialisation with other dogs and lots of contact with people. Puppies need to learn that the presence of people is fun and enjoyable, and a wide variety of humans too. Pass them from person to person, with a treat to help them have a positive experience.
What's a good age to get a puppy?
This varies slightly by breed, but in general, puppies are ready for new homes from 8–9 weeks old. After 11 weeks, puppies may find it harder to adapt to new experiences due to natural developmental changes. Delayed socialisation, often caused by late vaccinations, can increase the risk of behavioural issues later on.
What should you not do when getting a puppy?
- Don’t buy a puppy just because you feel sorry for it: it may not be the right match, and you risk encouraging unethical breeding
- Don’t ignore possible health problems: breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs are prone to breathing issues that can affect quality of life
- Don’t delay socialisation: it’s essential in the first weeks and months and continues for years
- Don’t skip pet insurance: vet bills can be high, and cover gives peace of mind
Where should a puppy sleep the first night?
Your puppy will likely feel nervous on their first night. A crate with soft bedding and safe chew toys offers security and comfort. Dim the lights and stay nearby at first, gradually moving away as they settle into their new home. Sweet dreams, little pup!
Bringing a puppy into your life is exciting, but it also comes with responsibility. With the right preparation, guidance, and support, you’ll be setting your new companion up for a happy, confident start. From finding a vet to starting training, this puppy checklist UK has you covered, and if you need a little extra help in those early weeks, the ZigZag puppy training app is a great tool to have by your side.
