Bringing home a new dog is an exciting milestone full of tail wags, happy moments, and plenty of love. But before your new furry family member walks through the door, a little preparation can make all the difference. From stocking up on must-have supplies to setting up your home (and yes, even planning for poop cleanup), welcoming a dog comes with responsibilities that are best tackled ahead of time. This ultimate new dog owner checklist breaks down everything you need to know so you can start your journey feeling confident, prepared, and ready for cuddles, without the stress or mess.
Are You and Your Family Ready for a Dog?
Before choosing a dog, it’s important to take an honest look at your lifestyle and expectations. Dogs are a long-term commitment, and asking the right questions upfront helps set everyone up for success.
Consider asking yourself:
Do I have enough time each day to care for, train, exercise, and bond with a dog?
Do I have the right living space for a dog’s size and energy level?
Can I financially support a dog’s basic needs, including food, supplies, grooming, and veterinary care?
What size, breed, and age of dog fits best with my household and activity level?
Puppies are adorable, but they require significantly more time, training, and patience than an adult or senior dogs. Older dogs may already be house-trained and calmer, making them a great option for first-time owners or busy households. Choosing the right dog for your lifestyle is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a new pet parent.
How to Prepare for a New Dog
Preparing Your House or Living Space
Dog safety at home is important. Just like baby-proofing, dog-proofing your home is essential, especially for puppies. Before your dog arrives, walk through your home from a dog’s point of view.
Secure electrical cords, loose wires, and small objects that could be chewed or swallowed.
Store cleaning products, medications, and toxic foods or plants safely out of reach.
Block off unsafe areas using baby gates if needed.
Remove or protect valuable items that a dog would be able to reach.
Make sure your dog has a quiet, safe, and cozy place to rest and sleep. Whether you choose a crate or an open bed, this should be a space where your dog can relax and feel secure.
Potty Planning Is a Must
Think ahead about where and how your dog will go potty:
Do you have a yard? Make sure it’s secure with a fenced-in area or a safe tie-out line so your dog can’t escape.
Living in an apartment or condo? Plan for regular walks and quick access to outdoor potty areas.
Decide where potty breaks will happen consistently because routine is key to successful training.
Also consider where waste will be disposed of and how you’ll keep your yard or outdoor areas clean regularly.
Things Every Dog Owner Needs When Bringing Home A New Dog
Here’s a checklist of essential items every first-time pup parent should have ready before bringing a dog home:
Crate (appropriately sized, if you plan to crate)
Dog bed, mat, or blankets for a comfortable sleeping area
Collar with ID tags
Leash and harness
Food and water bowls
High-quality dog food and treats
Poop bags for walks
Toys for enrichment and chewing
Brush or comb appropriate for your dog’s coat
Dental care tools (toothbrush, dog-safe toothpaste)
Nail clippers or a grinder
Training treats and basic training tools
Enzyme cleaner for accidents
Storage container for food and treats
Having these dog-owner essentials ready helps your pooch settle in more comfortably and keeps you from scrambling at the last minute.
Covering Their Basic Needs: Dog Care Basics
Veterinary Care
Establish care with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will:
Perform a general health checkup
Ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations
Recommend flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
Provide guidance on diet, feeding schedules, and portion sizes
If you’re new to dog ownership, your veterinarian is a great resource for questions about nutrition, behavior, and overall wellness.
Grooming and Maintenance
Some dogs require regular grooming and haircuts, while others need only occasional brushing. If your dog will need professional grooming, research local groomers early. Groomers can also help with nail trimming if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself. Mobile groomers like Woofie’s are a convenient option for busy pet parents.
Care When You’re Away
Think ahead about who will care for your dog when you’re at work or traveling. Will you need a dog walker, pet sitter, or boarding service? It’s helpful to have trusted friends, family members, or professional services from Woofie's lined up in advance.
Establish a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. Establishing a consistent daily schedule helps reduce anxiety and speeds up training.
A basic routine includes:
Regular wake-up times
Scheduled potty breaks
Feeding at the same time each day
Daily walks or exercise
Playtime and training sessions
Puppies will need more frequent potty breaks, shorter training sessions, and plenty of playtime, while adult dogs may settle into a more predictable routine. Consistency helps your dog understand expectations and feel secure in their new home.
Yard Cleanup Tips for Dog Owners
One thing many new dog owners don’t think about right away? Poop pickup.
Keeping your yard clean isn’t just about appearances; it’s about health and safety. Dog poop contains harmful bacteria and parasites that can linger in your yard, wash into local water supplies, and pose risks to your dog, your family, and the environment.
Dog poop cleanup tips:
Scoop dog poop from your yard at least once or twice a week (more often for multiple dogs).
Always pick up after your dog on walks. Being a responsible dog owner helps keep neighborhoods and shared spaces safer.
Dispose of waste properly in sealed or tied bags.
For busy pet parents, dog poop removal services can be a game-changer. A professional pooper scooper service like DoodyCalls takes care of regular yard cleanup for you and offers yard deodorizing and sanitizing, so you can enjoy a clean outdoor space without adding another chore to your to-do list. We handle the dirty work the right way, leaving you more time to enjoy life with your new dog.
Bringing home a new dog is an exciting and rewarding experience, especially when you’re prepared. With a little planning and preparation, you can focus on what matters most: building a strong bond with your new best friend.