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Guide · Choosing a puppy

Before your puppy arrives: the checklist for your home

The days before arrival are exciting. If you prepare calmly now, you can focus entirely on the puppy later. This list helps – from shopping to planning the first 48 hours.

Equipment

  • a crate of the right size, for travel and as a retreat;
  • a bed or blanket in a quiet, draught-free spot;
  • food and water bowls, ideally non-slip;
  • the food the puppy currently eats, for the first days;
  • a light harness and a short lead;
  • a few chews and toys of the right size;
  • puppy pads and an odour-neutralising cleaner.

Puppy-proofing your home

  • cables, cleaning products, medicines and small objects out of reach;
  • stairs and balcony secured;
  • toxic houseplants moved away;
  • shoes and treasured items put away;
  • a few runners on slippery floors.

Choose a vet in advance

Find a practice near you before the puppy arrives. Ask for an appointment in the first days and about the rest of the vaccination schedule. Bring the EU pet passport to the first visit, and ask how to register the microchip where you live.

Don’t buy everything at once

It’s tempting to buy everything before it arrives. Hold off on big purchases such as a harness in its final size or an expensive bed: puppies grow fast, and some preferences – den or open blanket, soft or hard toys – only show after a few days.

Planning the first 48 hours

  1. Plan for calm

    Take a few days off if you can. No visitors in the first days.

  2. Vet appointment

    A first visit in the first days, to get acquainted and continue vaccinations.

  3. Agree the rules

    Where does it sleep, is the sofa allowed, who takes it out and when? The whole family does the same.

  4. Registration

    Register the microchip and the dog as your country requires – ask your vet about local deadlines.

Find puppy classes

Good puppy classes work in small groups, with rewards and calm play sessions. Watch a class before signing up and ask from what age and vaccination status puppies can join.

The first training steps at home are described in Training your Poodle; much of it applies to any puppy.

When the puppy comes from far away

After a long journey, the puppy mostly needs peace, water and a place to sleep. Keep the first evening as quiet as possible. All the travel paperwork is explained in Travel & documents.

Any questions?

Message Gianni or Aldo directly on WhatsApp. Tell us how you live and what you are looking for.

Our only location is Barletta, Italy.