Welcoming a puppy into your life and home, especially a Border Collie or other herding breed, should feel equal-parts joy and preparation. As both a breeder and behavior specialist that has helped new owners walk through puppy arrival, I know firsthand that good guidance (and a solid checklist) can turn the uncertain first days into something special and fluid for both you and your new puppy or dog.
Why I Believe in the New Puppy Checklist
Every family, every puppy, and every home is unique. I designed this checklist after helping new owners make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Think of it as a “short list helper” for the first days, weeks, and months together. It’s written with specific suggestions I’ve road-tested myself, plus reminders to consult your chosen dog professionals when needed, because safe and happy outcomes require a thoughtful plan. The right prep work is the best gift you can offer yourself and your new family member.
Where L.E.G.S.® Family Dog Mediation Comes In
One thing I wish every new puppy parent was prepared for is a puppy or dog’s’ individual needs. Your puppy isn’t, in fact, a totally blank slate; every single one arrives with their own L.E.G.S.®: Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self. If you’ve read any of our information before, you know this is the heart of Family Dog Mediation. When you work through this checklist, you’re not just ticking off supplies; you’re setting up your home, routines, and everyday interactions in a way that prepares for each dog’s unique background, instincts, and personality. Using L.E.G.S.® means you’ll see challenges as opportunities for addressing your new companion’s actual needs and get a jump start on building a strong foundation of success for a lasting partnership with your dog.
In real-world terms, that’s why this list goes beyond just “stuff.” It’s about how you create positive learning experiences, support your breed’s natural instincts (think: puzzles and enrichment for herders!), shape your home environment, and adapt to your puppy’s individual quirks and confidence level. The checklist pairs perfectly with the L.E.G.S.® FDM Model; you’re anticipating needs, adjusting to the dog in front of you, and making your home the launchpad for a resilient, thriving family member.
What You’ll Find in This Checklist
Note: Items on this list may have our suggestions for what has worked for me. You may find other products or ideas that work best for your unique situation, and we recommend that you choose items that best fit your needs.
• First 24-Hour Essentials: Before Gotcha Day, make sure your collar, leash, ID tag, puppy food, crate, and bedding are ready for a seamless homecoming.
• Safety & Travel: Information from microchip registration to travel crates, harnesses, and even why you should skip the retractable leash at first.
• Feeding & Grooming: Ideas to help you choose bowls, slow feeders, and treats; find beginner-proof grooming tools. Check out our recommendations for items from shampoo to probiotics.
• Training & Enrichment: I included my favorite training treat bags and starter enrichment puzzles, the ones I use myself. There are notes for recommended books on clicker training and the L.E.G.S.® Model, showcasing valuable information.
• Health & Vet Visits: A note to schedule your new puppy’s vet evaluation within 7–10 days of coming home, reminders about immunization records and microchip info; with important questions for you to ask your breeder or rescue.
• House Training & Puppy-Proofing: From enzymatic cleaners to safe puppy zones and puppy pads, I cover the short list to “quickly needed essentials.
How and When to Use This Checklist
Get started early! Print it out and use it as your shopping checklist, and “don’t forget this” guide in the chaotic days before and after Gotcha Day.
And as you move forward, keep applying L.E.G.S.® thinking: Are you supporting your dog’s natural learning style, adjusting their environment, remembering their breed tendencies, and respecting who they are as an individual? By blending this checklist with the L.E.G.S.® approach, you’ll build harmony and understanding right from the start, setting a needed foundation for lasting success.
Take the First Step: Read the Checklist
You only get one chance to make that first impression with your puppy. The right prep turns chaos into confidence, minimizes stress for you both, and creates a joyful foundation for everything that comes next. Download and use my New Puppy Checklist and let me know what you’d add or what worked for you. Your questions and insights help all of us raise better dogs and happier families.
Ready for your best start as a new puppy parent? Download the checklist, explore each section, and let’s make your first weeks truly special for you both!
FTC Affiliate Disclosure:
Some links or product recommendations we use may be affiliate links. BCHQ may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are based on real use in our own program, not compensation.
We only share items we use, trust, and believe are safe for Border Collies. Every situation and puppy is different.
Please see Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy for more information.