Welcome Home, Little One:
Your Puppy Essentials Guide**
(brought to you by My Pet Life — Wellness in Every Bite) ❤️🐾
There is nothing quite like a new baby in the house - whether it has two legs, four paws, hooves, claws or slithers - seeing the tiny face look up at you for the first time is the definition of love at first sight. Bringing a new puppy into your life is one of the sweetest — and most rewarding — adventures you’ll ever take.
At My Pet Life, we believe every puppy deserves the healthiest, happiest start possible, and we want to make it as easy for you as we can because we know, it isn’t always smooth sailing…!
This guide is here to help you set up everything they need to thrive — naturally, simply, and sustainably.
Your Puppy Starter Checklist
1. Food and Treats
High-quality, puppy-formulated food (ask your vet for guidance)
Gentle, natural puppy treats for training and rewarding (look for real ingredients, no nasties!)
Our My Pet Life range includes:
➔ Pumpkin & Coconut Granola — light, nourishing and rich in natural fibre
➔ Peanut Butter & Bacon Granola — packed with protein and a hint of indulgence
➔ Carob & Mint Granola or Bites — fresh, tummy-friendly, and chocolate-free
➔ Apple & Blueberry Bites — perfect for little teeth and antioxidant support
➔ COMING SOON: Chamomile Calming Bites — to support relaxation and emotional wellbeing (ideal for first vet visits and crate training!)Stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls (easy to clean and safer than plastic)
2. Sleeping Essentials
Soft, washable bed sized appropriately for a puppy - be mindful that it will be chewed…check if there’s stuffing and keep an eye on where it goes if any holes should appear!
Lightweight, cozy blankets (puppies love to snuggle!)
Safe, breathable crate for crate training (optional but highly recommended in certain situations or for some breeds in particular - dogs are den creatures don’t forget, they can feel safe and secure in smaller spaces)
3. Training and Play Supplies
Natural rubber or rope toys (choose non-toxic options)
Chew toys to support teething
Basic training gear: flat collar or harness (this is often breed specific - e.g. we have a harness for our Boston Terrier given his shape, but a collar for our German Shepherd as harnesses are not recommended) lightweight leash, biodegradable waste bags
Plenty of healthy, small-sized treats for training sessions (small, soft bites like My Pet Life’s granola clusters and bites are perfect!)
Correctly sized toys is another important thing to note - for example, for puppies, we’d recommend a ball that is connected to a rope rather than a small, loose ball as they can be accidentally swallowed
4. Healthcare Basics
Vet appointment booked for first checkup and vaccinations
Flea, tick, and worm prevention (vet recommended)
Puppy-safe grooming supplies: gentle shampoo, soft brush, nail clippers
Toothbrush and puppy toothpaste to start good habits early
Two words: research insurance. Check the options and figure out the best for your budget - did you know after a certain age (pretty much the age you start to know for sure you’ll have health issues, funnily enough),it can be very expensive to upgrade your pet’s coverage. You can usually decrease your level of cover as needed, but increasing it later may not be possible or affordable. It’s worth taking the time now to find the right plan for your budget and your puppy’s future needs.
Another idea might be to put the money you’d normally pay for insurance aside instead - then it’s there if you need it.
5. Identification and Safety
Name tag with your contact information
Microchip registration (essential for lifetime safety)
Puppy-proofed home: remove electrical cords, secure cabinets, block off unsafe areas
6. Love, Patience, and Routine
Set feeding and sleeping schedules early - but be prepared for a lot of getting up in the night initially…
Lots of positive reinforcement (and treats!). You want your puppy to succeed - put them in the best position to do so!
Socialisation with new sights, sounds, and safe experiences
Gentle leadership to build trust, comfort, and confidence
Training - how you start with your puppy will set you up for your life together. It doesn’t take long to teach them, but it can take a lonnnng time to “un-teach” those naughty habits…we recommend @bestfrienddogcare - Tammy and her team are incredible AND they come to your home
We’d love to see photos of your new addition and stories on how it’s going! If there’s anything we can do to help, feeL free to get in touch ❤️ In the meantime, enjoy every moment - thru grow so quickly 🥹 puppyhood is precious - from those first clumsy steps, to the first perfect sit; to when they snuggle up with your other pets or family or show their belly for a rub. With the right foundations, you’re creating a lifetime of health, happiness and memories. We are honoured to be part of your journey and welcome you to the My Pet Life family! Remember, your pets trust you to make the best choices. If it’s good enough for you - nourishing, safe and natural - it’s good enough for them too, and together, we can make choices that are kinder to the planet as well.
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