First week with a new dog checklist
What to buy, prepare and do before the dog arrives and through its first seven days at home.
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What it is
A three-part checklist for the start of life with a new dog or puppy: what to have ready before the dog comes home, what to do on the first day, and what to put in place over the following six days. Tick items as you complete them and print the list to keep in the kitchen.
How to use it
Begin with the preparations a few days before the dog arrives. Gather the basic gear, remove things a curious dog could chew or swallow, and choose a veterinarian. On the first day, keep the home calm: show the dog its toilet spot first, then water, then its resting place, and keep introductions to people and pets short and quiet. A dog that seems shy or tired is normal, and it needs a few days to settle.
Over the first week, set a routine. Regular meals, toilet breaks, walks and sleep help a new dog understand its new life. Keep to the food it has been eating, and change it over seven to ten days if you want a different one. Book the first veterinary visit early, ask about vaccines, parasite prevention and microchip registration, and learn which signs mean a call to the vet.
Where it stops being right
Every dog is different. A rescue dog may need weeks to relax, and a young puppy has needs, such as frequent toilet trips at night, that this list only touches. The checklist is general and is not veterinary or training advice. Ask your veterinarian or a qualified trainer about anything that worries you, and check local rules on licensing and vaccination.
Last reviewed November 8, 2026