Before pick-up day, get the food your puppy is already eating, two bowls, a bed and a crate or pen. Add a lead with a collar or harness and a few chew toys. Then stock up on poo bags and a cleaner for the accidents on the floorboards. Everything else can wait until you know what your puppy actually likes.
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Quick pick: the week-one list
- Have ready before day one: the food your puppy is already eating, bowls, a bed, a lead and collar or harness, ID tag, poo bags and enzyme-style cleaning supplies.
- Can wait: extra toys and gadgets. Skip the big bag of food until you know it agrees with your puppy.
- Next steps: see our guides on harnesses, beds, crates and toys.
The first shopping list
- Puppy food
- Food and water bowls
- Bed
- Crate or pen
- Lead and collar or harness
- ID tag
- Chew toys
- Poo bags and cleaning products
- Brush and basic grooming tools
What you need now and what can wait
A Cavoodle puppy that comes home at around 2 kg can finish somewhere between 7 and 10 kg, so anything that has to fit (a collar, a harness, a crate) is a short-term buy. A Chihuahua might barely change size. Keep that in mind as you go down the list.
| Item | Need now? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Yes | Keep to what the breeder or shelter was feeding, then change gradually if needed |
| Bowls | Yes | Heavy or non-slip, so they don't skate across the kitchen tiles |
| Bed and crate or pen | Yes | Measure your puppy, then think about their adult size before you buy the crate |
| Lead, collar or harness, ID tag | Yes | Check the fit every week or two. You should be able to slide two fingers under the collar |
| Chew toys | A couple | Sized for a puppy, and only while you're watching |
| Grooming tools | Basic | One soft brush is enough for most short coats. See our nail clipper and grinder guide for nail care |
| Extra gadgets and large toy sets | Later | Give it a few weeks to see what your puppy plays with |
Where to start shopping
Amazon Basics Puppy Pee Pads (100 pack)
A 100-pack of toilet-training pads. New puppies often get through them faster than owners expect.
Caveat: We have not verified this product's absorbency or size independently, so check the pad size on the Amazon page. Use the checklist above as your guide rather than any single product.
Pros and cons of buying everything up front
Pros
- Everything is ready when your puppy arrives
- No dash to the shops on the first night
- The safe sleeping and toilet spots are set up before day one
Cons
- You may buy the wrong size or style before you know your puppy
- Puppies outgrow collars and harnesses quickly, and sometimes beds too
- A few things end up unused at the back of the cupboard
What you do not need on day one
- Too many toys.
- Multiple beds before you know what your puppy likes.
- Fancy gadgets you may never use.
- Large bulk buys of food before confirming it suits your puppy.
Buying tips for new owners
- Choose easy-clean items where possible.
- Buy the right size, not just the cheapest option.
- Start simple and upgrade later if needed.
- Keep receipts in case something is not practical.
- Check the return policy for items that might not suit.
Simple room-by-room setup
Sleeping area
Bed, crate, blanket and a few safe chew toys, in a quiet spot away from drafts.
Feeding area
Food, bowls, a mat if needed and a storage container with a lid.
Walking area
Lead, harness or collar, ID tag, poo bags and treats near the door.
Puppy-proofing
Pick up shoes and cables, put away anything toxic or small enough to swallow, and block off areas you do not want your puppy to reach.
First-week checklist beyond shopping
- Book a vet check and ask about vaccinations, worming and microchipping.
- Check your local council's registration requirements.
- Set a routine for meals, toilet breaks, play and sleep.
- Ask your vet or a trainer about socialisation and early training.
Want this as a tick-off list? Our free New Puppy Checklist for Small Dogs (Australia) is on one page you can print, with a PDF download.
Frequently asked questions
What size collar or harness should I buy?
Measure your puppy's neck and chest, check the listing's size chart, and plan to size up as they grow. See our harness guide for how to measure.
What food should I buy?
Start with whatever your puppy has been eating, and ask the breeder, shelter or vet before changing it.
How we choose
For this checklist the Small Paw Guide editorial team sorted items by whether a new puppy needs them in the first few days. We link to our category guides rather than recommending lots of individual products. Because we have not verified product-level specifications for the Amazon listing here, the checklist is general. It is general information, not veterinary advice.
This guide is research-based. We have not hands-on tested these products. We compare manufacturer and listing specifications and general guidance, and any pros, cons and picks are the Small Paw Guide editorial team's own assessment, not test results. We do not show prices or customer feedback, so check the current listing before you buy. See how we work and our affiliate disclosure. The review date for this guide is shown under its title.
Before your puppy comes home
Buy what's on the list above, then give it a few weeks before adding anything else. By then you'll know whether your puppy shreds beds or is already due for the next harness size.
Keep reading
- Best Indoor Dog Toilets and Puppy Pads for Australian Apartments: Indoor toilet options for apartments and small spaces.
- Best Dog Beds for Small Dogs in Australia: Choosing a bed.
- Best Dog Crates for Small Dogs in Australian Apartments: Choosing a crate for a small home.
- Best Dog Bowls for Messy Eaters in Australia: Bowls, mats and feeding setup.
- Best Puppy Toys for Chewing in Australia: Teething and chew toys.
- Small Dog Harness Sizing Guide for Australia: Measuring for a harness.
- Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Food in Australia: What to Check: Picking and switching food.
- Pet Insurance for Puppies in Australia: What to Compare: What to compare before choosing pet insurance.
- Best Nail Clippers and Grinders for Small Dogs in Australia: Nail clippers and grinders as part of the first-week grooming basics.
- Best Puppy Playpens for Small Dogs in Australia: Choosing a playpen with the right height and gaps for a small puppy.
More in this topic: gear and setup guides, or browse all guides.