CHECKLIST 1 – From equipment and health to training, safety, and everyday life. Everything at a glance that you need to buy or consider in order to be well prepare
Before Getting a Dog
- Realistically assess the time commitment
- Calculate monthly costs
- Plan holiday and care options
- Check whether pets are allowed in your home
- Choose a suitable animal for your living situation
- Look for a reputable breeder or animal shelter
- Gather information about the breed and its characteristics
For Dogs
- Collar or harness
- Leash
- Dog bed
- Food and water bowls
- High-quality food
- Toys
- Poop bags
- Brush/comb
- Transport crate
- Dog tag with phone number
Health
- Find a nearby veterinarian
- Schedule an initial health check
- Check vaccination status
- Arrange microchipping/registration
- Plan deworming
- Organize flea and tick protection
- Save the veterinarian’s emergency number
- Check pet health insurance options
Safety at Home
- Remove poisonous plants
- Secure cables
- Secure windows/balconies
- Store cleaning products out of reach
- Put away small objects that could be swallowed
- Create a quiet retreat area
Nutrition
- Change food gradually
- Introduce fixed feeding times
- Always provide fresh water
- Do not give unsuitable foods
- Give treats only in moderation
Training & Settling In
- Patiently help your dog adjust to the new environment
- Set rules from the beginning
- Use positive reinforcement
- Train housebreaking
- Enable social contact
- Provide enough exercise and enrichment
Documents & Organization
- Keep the vaccination record safe
- Register with a pet database
- Note veterinarian appointments
- Create a food and medication plan
- Save photos of your pet
Everyday Life
- Schedule regular grooming
- Include playtime and cuddle time
- Monitor weight and behavior
- Allow sufficient rest periods
- Develop a routine
Emergency Check
- Get a first-aid kit for pets
- Keep transport options ready
- Phone numbers:
- Veterinarian
- Veterinary clinic
- Pet sitter
- Store emergency food at home
- PetConnect App
Dog – Shopping List & To-Dos
Basic Equipment for Dogs
Required & Safety
- Collar with address tag
- Harness
- 2 leashes:
- Standard leash
- Long training leash
- Dog tag / phone number
- Transport crate or car safety restraint
- GPS tracker (optional)
At Home
- Dog bed
- Blanket
- Food and water bowls
- High-quality food
- Treat pouch
- Toys:
- Chew toys
- Puzzle toys
- Balls/tug toys
- Dog crate/retreat area
Grooming
- Brush/comb
- Dog shampoo
- Tick remover
- Nail clippers
- Dog toothbrush
- Towels
On the Go
- Poop bags
- Travel water bottle
- Travel bowl
- Car seat cover
Things to Do with a Dog
In the First Few Weeks
- Train name recognition
- Practice housebreaking
- Gradually train being left alone
- Enable social contact
- Practice everyday situations:
- Traffic
- People
- Other dogs
- Veterinarian visits
Training
- Sit
- Down
- Recall
- Loose-leash walking
- Impulse control
Exercise & Enrichment
- Daily walks
- Sniffing games
- Search games
- Attend dog school
- Mental stimulation
Regular Tasks
- Check nails
- Groom the coat
- Check ears
- Monitor weight
- Keep vaccinations up to date