Bringing home a puppy is exciting — and a little overwhelming. Get the essentials sorted before they arrive and the first week is calmer for everyone. This UK checklist covers exactly what your puppy needs, why, and a simple routine to start with. Everything here is in our puppy edit if you want it sorted in one go.
What does a new puppy need in the first week?
The non-negotiables before day one:
- Food and water bowls
- The same food your puppy is already eating (switch slowly later)
- A correctly sized harness and lead
- A flat collar with an ID tag (a legal requirement in the UK in public)
- A comfortable, washable bed and/or a crate
- Toilet-training pads and poo bags
- Safe chew toys for teething
- Grooming basics — a soft brush and puppy-safe shampoo
Feeding essentials
Keep your puppy on the food the breeder or rescue used, then transition gradually over 7–10 days to avoid upset tummies. Use shallow, non-tip bowls, and keep fresh water available at all times. A simple feeding routine (same times each day) speeds up toilet training.
Walking and training gear
Even before vaccinations are complete, you can introduce a soft harness indoors so your puppy gets used to wearing it. A harness is gentler on a puppy's neck than a collar for lead work. Get the fit right from the start — our no-pull harness guide and harness sizing chart walk you through measuring and fitting.
Sleep and comfort
Choose a washable, chew-tolerant bed for the early weeks — accidents and teething are guaranteed. Many owners use a crate as a safe den for naps and overnight; line it with soft bedding and something that smells of home. See our dog bed buying guide for sizing.
Grooming and cleaning
Start gentle grooming early so your puppy learns to enjoy it: a soft brush, puppy-safe shampoo, and plenty of praise. Keep enzymatic cleaner and grooming & cleaning supplies handy for the inevitable mess.
Safety and puppy-proofing
- Move cables, houseplants, cleaning products and small objects out of reach.
- Use a stair gate to limit access while they learn the rules.
- Check the garden for gaps in fencing and anything chewable or toxic.
- Decide house rules as a household and keep them consistent from day one.
A simple first-week routine
Puppies thrive on predictability. A loose rhythm of wake → toilet → play → feed → toilet → nap, repeated through the day, builds good habits fast. Take them to the same toilet spot after every meal, nap and play session, and reward the moment they go.
Frequently asked questions
What should I buy before my puppy arrives?
Bowls, the puppy's current food, a harness and lead, a collar and ID tag, a washable bed or crate, toilet pads and poo bags, chew toys, and basic grooming supplies.
Can a puppy wear a harness?
Yes — a soft, adjustable harness is gentler than a collar for lead work. Introduce it indoors first and re-check the fit often, as puppies grow quickly.
When can my puppy go for a walk outside?
Usually about 1–2 weeks after their final vaccinations. Until then, focus on indoor socialisation, garden time, and getting used to their harness and lead.
How do I stop puppy toilet accidents?
Take them out after every meal, nap and play session, reward going in the right spot immediately, and keep a consistent routine. Accidents are normal at first — clean with an enzymatic cleaner so no scent remains.
Want it all in one place? Shop the PAWVO puppy edit. Free UK delivery on every order, with 14-day easy returns.
Related guides
- How to Choose a No-Pull Dog Harness: UK Size & Safety Guide
- Dog Bed Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Bed
- Dog Harness Sizing by Breed: UK Fit Chart
About PAWVO — PAWVO is a UK pet supplies store for dogs and cats, rated 4.8/5 by 742 verified customers. Our guides are written and reviewed by our pet-care team for accuracy, so you can shop with confidence. Free UK delivery on every order.