Bringing a puppy home is equal parts joy and gentle chaos. One minute you're marvelling at the paws that are far too big for the rest of them; the next you're wondering why nobody warned you about 5am. A little preparation makes those first days calmer for everyone — so here is a practical, no-fluff new puppy checklist for the first week, built around the things a British puppy owner actually needs.
What do you need for a new puppy in the UK?
For the first week, you need seven essentials: a correctly-sized collar and lead, an ID tag (a legal requirement on UK roads), food and two bowls, a bed and a crate or pen, safe toys for teething and play, puppy pads and cleaning supplies, and a small first-aid and grooming kit. Everything else — smart coats, fancy beds, enrichment puzzles — can wait until you know your puppy's size and personality. Start simple, buy well, and add as you go.
The first-week puppy checklist
1. A collar, lead and ID tag
Your puppy legally needs to wear a collar and ID tag whenever they're on a road or in a public place in the UK, with your name and address on the tag (microchipping is also a legal requirement). Choose a lightweight, adjustable collar for those early weeks — puppies grow astonishingly fast, so check the fit every few days using the two-finger rule: you should be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the collar and their neck.
When you're ready for something they'll grow into, our Timeless Handmade Leather Dog Collar (from £22.99) is handmade in England from premium Italian leather and softens beautifully with wear — the kind of collar that starts on a puppy and is still going strong years later. Pair it with the matching Timeless City Lead (£29.99), or buy them together as a matching set (£41.99). If you'd like help choosing width and length, our guide to choosing a dog lead walks you through it.
2. Food (and a plan to change it slowly)
Find out what your breeder or rescue has been feeding and buy the same food to start with. A puppy's stomach is delicate, and switching food overnight is a fast route to an upset tummy. If you do want to change brands, do it gradually over 7–10 days, mixing a little more of the new food in each day. Two bowls — one for food, one for fresh water that's always available — and you're set.
3. Training treats you can use a lot
The first week is when the important lessons begin: their name, coming when called, and the early idea that toileting outside is a wonderful thing. Small, low-calorie training treats are your best friend here. Lily's Kitchen Organic Cheese & Apple Training Treats (£3.49) are tiny, organic and made for exactly this — you can reward generously without overfeeding. Keep a pot by the back door for toilet training wins.
4. A bed, and a crate or playpen
Puppies sleep a lot — often 18–20 hours a day — and they need a safe, quiet place to do it. A crate or playpen gives them a den of their own and makes toilet training far easier, because puppies naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Put the bed somewhere calm but not isolated; most puppies settle faster when they can sense you're nearby, especially on the first few nights.
5. Safe toys for teething and play
Teething puppies chew — it's not naughtiness, it's biology. Give them appropriate things to chew so your skirting boards (and ankles) survive. Soft cotton rope toys are ideal for little mouths: gentle on new teeth, good for a wobbly game of tug, and easy to carry around the house. Our Baby Doll Cotton Rope Toy (£9.99) is a firm puppy favourite. Rotate two or three toys rather than tipping out the whole basket — it keeps them interesting for longer. Our durable dog toys guide has more on what survives an enthusiastic chewer. Always supervise play and bin any toy that's coming apart.
6. Puppy pads, cleaner and patience
Accidents will happen — plan for them rather than being caught out. Puppy pads near the door, an enzymatic cleaner (ordinary cleaners don't fully remove the scent, which invites a repeat), and a calm, no-drama response are all you need. Reward the wins lavishly and simply clean up the misses. Consistency beats scolding every time.
7. A small grooming and first-aid kit
Get your puppy used to gentle handling early: a soft brush, a look in the ears, a peep at the teeth, a paw held for a moment. It pays off enormously later at the vet and the groomer. Add your vet's number to your phone, note the nearest out-of-hours emergency vet, and keep the Kennel Club or your vet's puppy advice to hand for the inevitable "is this normal?" moments.
The shortcut: a new puppy starter kit
If you'd rather not assemble the essentials piece by piece, we built the New Puppy Starter Kit (from £45.99, currently 35% off) to do it for you. It brings together four of our favourite puppy pieces in one: the Cotton Rope Ball Toy Set with a travel pouch, the Timeless Italian Leather Collar, the matching Timeless Leather Lead, and a Welcome to the Family Kit. It's a lovely thing to have ready on day one — and it makes a genuinely thoughtful gift for friends who've just brought a puppy home.
What NOT to rush
Resist the urge to buy everything at once. Coats, harnesses and larger collars are worth waiting on until your puppy has found their adult size — buying to fit a 10-week-old is money spent twice. The same goes for expensive beds (they may well be chewed first) and elaborate enrichment toys (start with the basics). A short, well-chosen list beats a cupboard full of things that no longer fit.
A gentle word on those first nights
The first few nights are often the hardest. Your puppy has just left their mum and littermates, and the world is very big and very quiet. Whimpering is normal. Many owners find it helps to place the crate beside the bed at first, then move it gradually to its permanent spot over a week or two. Warmth, a soft toy, and the reassurance that you're there go a long way. It passes faster than you think — and then, one morning, you'll wake up to a puppy who's decided you're home.
Frequently asked questions
What size collar does a puppy need?
It depends on the breed and age, but always choose an adjustable collar and measure your puppy's neck rather than guessing. Use the two-finger rule — two fingers should fit comfortably between collar and neck — and re-check the fit every few days, as puppies grow quickly.
When can a puppy go outside for a walk?
Most vets advise waiting until roughly a week or two after your puppy's final vaccinations before walking in public places, so check your vet's specific advice. In the meantime you can build positive collar-and-lead associations indoors and in your own garden, and carry your puppy out to see the world safely.
What treats are safe for a young puppy?
Choose small, low-calorie treats made for dogs, ideally ones you can break into tiny pieces for frequent training rewards. Natural, organic training treats like Lily's Kitchen's are a good choice. Treats should make up no more than around 10% of your puppy's daily calories.
Do I really need a crate?
A crate isn't compulsory, but many owners find it invaluable for toilet training and for giving a puppy a safe den to rest in. Introduce it gently and never use it as punishment — the goal is for your puppy to see it as their own cosy space.
How much does it cost to set up for a new puppy in the UK?
The essentials can be gathered affordably if you start simple and add as you go. A quality collar, lead, toys and treats form the core; bundling pieces — such as in a starter kit — can work out better value than buying everything separately. Duke & Milo offers free UK delivery on orders over £30.
Every product here is verified in stock at the time of writing. Duke & Milo is an independent British dog brand championing quality, handmade and sustainable pieces — with free UK delivery on orders over £30.