When a puppy is coming home, it is easy to think you need to buy a great many things. I have put together a manageable preparation guide: what should be done before collection, which essentials are useful, and what can be added later to suit your dog? The focus is on a safe home and a calm start.

Before collection: organise everyday life

Speak to the breeder about the puppy’s current food, feeding times and familiar routines. A blanket with a familiar scent can help them settle in. Find a veterinary practice before your puppy arrives, too, and keep their documents readily accessible. The RSPCA recommends making these preparations early. Advice on preparation and settling in.

Agree at home who will provide care and who can step in when needed. Choose a shared place for the lead, towel and waste bags. A simple, consistent routine also makes the start easier for the people involved.

A safe place to settle in

Prepare a quiet, dry and draught-free sleeping place where your puppy can rest undisturbed. Remove hazards within reach and check the garden for unsafe areas as well. If you already have dogs, provide enough separate resting places and opportunities for activity. This is also described in the RSPCA’s guidance on creating a safe home.

When choosing a bed, I would focus on a washable cover, suitable dimensions and a sensible location. Measure the intended space before buying. An elaborately equipped dog corner is of little use if it is in a busy thoroughfare.

The essentials: a short checklist

• Bed and washable blanket: suited to the available space and easy to keep clean.
• Water and food bowls: stable, easy to clean and appropriately sized for the puppy.
• Lead and a suitable collar or harness: check the current fit before the first use; do not choose a size based solely on a photograph of the breed.
• Familiar puppy food: discuss the type, quantity and feeding routine with the breeder in advance.
• Suitable toys: a few toys appropriate to the puppy’s size for supervised play together.
• Towels and waste bags: keep them in a fixed, easily accessible place.
• A safe journey home: arrange a transport solution suited to your dog and vehicle before collection.

The first days: getting to know each other calmly

Let your puppy discover their new surroundings gradually. Plan regular rest breaks and short, positive learning moments. Familiar food and dependable routines give structure to the day. Introduce new experiences in small steps. The RSPCA describes these foundations for the first few weeks.

My planning advice is to keep the first days as free as possible from avoidable commitments and write down questions that arise as you live together. You can then discuss them together with the breeder, a suitable dog training school or your veterinary practice.

What you can add later

Additional beds, more toys and specialist training equipment can be added once you know your dog and your everyday routine better. Three questions help with later purchases: what specific problem should the product solve? Does it suit the dog’s current stage of development? Is it practical to use and clean in everyday life?

My guides to costs, equipment and time commitment and visiting the breeder can help you prepare. For the next steps, I also share my experience of training a Gończy Polski from puppyhood to the first hunting test. If you are particularly interested in the Gończy Polski, you will find more information on my breed page. You will find further topics under Advice.